Buddy Dean Jennings, son of the late American singer, songwriter, actor and musician Waylon Jennings. Born in 1960 to Waylon Jennings and his first wife, Maxine Lawrence, Buddy Dean grew up surrounded by music.
Waylon’s legacy has influenced Jennings’ career and life, as Waylon Jennings was a bass player in Buddy Holly’s band, a significant turning point in his life and career.
Buddy Dean Jennings actively preserves his father’s legacy through events and concerts. He frequently attends his brother Shooter’s shows.
Let’s explore more about Buddy Dean Jennings, his father, siblings, health, and where Waylon’s son is now.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Buddy Dean Jennings |
| Gender | Male |
| Date Of Birth | March 21, 1960 |
| Place Of Birth | United States |
| Age | 63 Years (As of 2023) |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Famous For | Waylon Jennings’ Son |
| Parents | Waylon Jennings & Maxine Lawrence |
| Siblings | Terry Vance Jennings, Julie Rae Jennings, Deana Jennings, Shooter Jennings |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Nationality | American |
How did Buddy Dean Jennings get named?
In the early days of Waylon, before he became an outlaw country legend, he was a bass player in Buddy Holly’s band. Buddy Holly hired Waylon for a Winter Dance Party Tour. This party began on January 23, 1959.
Facing freezing temperatures and a broken heater, Holly chartered a plane. Joking about the tour’s hardships, Holly playfully said, “I hope your ol’ bus freezes up,” to which Jennings replied playfully, “Well, I hope your ol’ plane crashes.”
Tragically, fate took a cruel turn when Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson lost their lives in a plane crash.
Over a year later, Waylon Jennings and his wife Maxine welcomed their third son. They named him Buddy Dean Jennings as a lasting tribute to a fateful chapter in music history.
Buddy Dean’s Personal Life
Buddy Dean Jenning was born on March 21, 1960, in the United States. He is the third son of legendary artist Waylon Jennings and his first wife, Maxie Lawrence.
He has other three siblings: Terry Vance Jennings (1957-2019), Julie Rae Jennings (1958-2014), and Deana Jennings. He also has a half-brother, Shooter Jennings, born in 1979, from his father’s fourth marriage with singer Jessi Colter.
There is no information available regarding Buddy’s education, early life, and about his marital status.
His Eldest Brother: Terry Vance Jennings
In January 2019, Waylon Jennings’ eldest son, Terry, passed away at the age of 62. Born on January 21, 1957, Terry was the oldest among Waylon’s four children from his first marriage to Maxine Caroll Lawrence.
Growing up in West Texas, Terry joined his father’s music journey at 15, working as a roadie. He progressed from selling merchandise to becoming the drum technician and road manager for Richie Albright, Waylon’s right-hand man.
Terry managed the Korban Music Group and Waylon’s Son Publishing. In 2016, he shared his intimate connection with his iconic father in the memoir “Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad,” leaving a lasting music legacy.
Buddy’s Elder Sister: Julie Rae Jennings
In 2014, Waylon Jennings’ daughter, Julie, passed away at the age of 56 after a battle with cancer. Remembered Terry as a “loving sister” with a strong-willed personality, Julie held a unique place in the family dynamics.
Terry humorously shared that Waylon, their father, was cautious not to upset Julie, as he’d deal with the consequences. Waylon affectionately nicknamed Julie “Froggy” because, when mad, her neck would bulge out like a frog.
Despite the playful nickname, Julie’s presence left a lasting impression, highlighting the intricate and personal aspects of the Jennings family.
Buddy Dean’s Youngest Sister: Daena Jennings
Deana Jennings, born on August 27, 1964, was the youngest daughter of Waylon Arnold Jennings and Maxine Carol Lawrence. She passed away on March 9, 2015, at the age of 50.
His Half-Brother: Shooter Jennings
Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, entered the world with a memorable story behind his unique name. Born Waylon Albright Jennings, Shooter earned his unique nickname from a humorous incident after birth.
He surprised everyone by spraying a nurse before getting his first diaper, an unexpected event that inspired his father, Waylon, to name him “Shooter.”
Growing up on a tour bus, Shooter was surrounded by country music legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Naturally drawn to a music career, he followed his father’s advice to be true to himself.
Shooter established his own musical identity by blending hard rock and outlaw country. With ten albums to his name, he continues to carve his path in the music industry.
Waylon’s Marriages
Waylon Jennings, a country music icon, experienced a journey of love marked by several marriages. His first union was with Maxine Caroll Lawrence in 1956, resulting in four children: Terry Vance, Julie Rae, Buddy Dean, and Deana.
After divorcing Maxine, Waylon married Lynne Jones in 1962, but the marriage ended in 1967. Subsequently, Waylon married Barbara Elizabeth Rood in the same year. The complexities of his marital life inspired the song “This Time.”
His fourth and lasting marriage was to fellow singer Jessi Colter in 1969, and they had a son, Waylon Albright, affectionately known as Shooter Jennings, born in 1979.
Buddy Dean Jennings’ Heart Transplant
In a positive turn, Waylon Jennings’ son had a heart transplant on June 18, 2019, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jennings family, including his brother Shooter, expressed their support and shared the news through various channels.
Shooter took to Twitter, informing everyone about Buddy’s health by writing:
| “My brother, Buddy Jennings, received a heart transplant 10 days ago and is doing very well – lost of amazing things going on at Vanderbilt! #superbud” |
The family’s announcement included a YouTube video from Vanderbilt highlighting their efforts in heart transplants. The update brought a sense of hope and encouragement to those following Buddy’s journey to recovery.