The final hit from a country legend is always a fascinating topic. The sad reality is that whenever a superstar reaches the end of their shelf life according to the cold and soulless assessment of country music.
Nothing else sounded like “Rose in Paradise” when it was released. The song isn’t a twangy, Outlaw country song. It has more of an ’80s contemporary treatment. What’s so fascinating about the song is the intrigue in the story. Did the wife leave with the gardener, or was she buried in the garden by the husband for her infidelity? This is what kept audiences riveted. Waylon would go on to have other big songs in his career. “Wrong” hit #5 in the charts in 1990, and though it only went to #22, many consider Waylon’s “The Eagle” as his final radio hit in 1991. This meant Waylon had Top 5 hits in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Not a bad run for ol’ Waymore. For a lot of Waylon Jennings fans and country music fans in general, “Rose in Paradise” holds a special place in their hearts. As country music was shifting away from all the legends of the past and the heroes from the Outlaw era, Waylon Jennings gave them one last song of passion. It was the truth that they all we’re looking for, and it was the one thing that must be kept alive in country music. For one last time, the old wolf Waylon Jennings had a #1 hit. – – – – – – – – – – –
Huh, never knew before that Waylon Jennings covered the title song from Los Lobos’s major label debut.
It was the title track of that album, which reached #1 on the album charts. He also had a top 10 single with “Working Without a Net” which was effectively a celebration of his newfound sobriety.
Great article. Thank you. I remember when this was new to radio; I immediately fell in love with it, and it remains a favorite to this day. Absolutely wonderful lyrics and Waylon sang it perfectly. You mentioned the “Eagle”; that whole album is stellar. Waylon had the first release of “Where Corn Don’t Go” and I think it’s better than the Travis Tritt version (which is solid) mainly because of the gravitas Waylon brought. If radio hadn’t put Waylon’s generation to pasture he would have had the major hit.
Wow, I didn’t know Waylon played with Michael McDonald. It’s kind of an absurd pairing because MM is so schmaltzy. (Knopfler makes some sense.)
Apparently there’s an entire Chet Atkins special where those two shared the stage, that’s where your vid came from. I’m definitely gonna have to watch the whole thing now.
Almost positive they turned that special in to an album called “Chet Atkins Certified Guitar Player”. Some cool covers. you can find it on spotify.
Is that maybe the Everly Brothers sharing the backup vocals with Emmylou? They were having a bit of a critical resurgence around then. Their album “Born Yesterday” landed in ’86 (which includes a Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits track “Why Worry,” FWIW).
Hey Trig. Do you plan on talking about all the backlash Zach Bryan’s getting from some of the new songs?
I’ll be addressing the Zach Bryan album here soon. I didn’t get a review copy until hours before it was released, there’s 25 songs, there’s also been a bunch of breaking news I’ve needed to cover, and I want to make sure I’m sharing thoughtful opinions as opposed to knee jerk reactions. I appreciate the interest.
Another late-career Waylon gem was The Dream, only found on the tribute album that featured James Hetfield among others…. in fact I am fairly certain was the last song he ever recorded (correct me if I’m wrong there). In any case, beautiful, haunting song.
That was a deserving #1 hit. Tasteful and clever arrangement along with a great Waymore vocal accompanying the mysterious lyrics. He seemed almost to be narrating than merely singing a cool song. It seems providential that Waylon ended up with it. It took another legend in Loretta Lynn to see that it was supposed to be his song.
At the time, it actually felt like it was going to be his last hurrah atop the charts. He had hits, but #1 was out of his grasp for the most part and was starting to transition to being a legacy artist.
This is my favorite Waylon song and second favorite song ever! Was sad to hear that one of the songwriters, Jim McBride recently passed.
Waylon was not a has-been or dead, commercially, when “Rose In Paradise” came out.
Waylon was never a Conway Twitty (or, later, George Strait) as far as churning out radio hits, but, fact is, he had a 21-year streak going, where he had at least one top-10 single every calendar year, going back to “(That’s What You Get) For Lovin’ Me” in 1966. “Rose” made it 22 straight years, and he followed it with two more top-10 singles in 1987. “Fallin’ Out” and My Rough and Rowdy Days” from his “A Man Called Hoss” album.
Those seemed to mark the end of his hitmaking career. The real bolt from the blue came in 1990, when he had a final hit with “Wrong,” which just made the top 5. He like that song and used to perform it in Highwaymen concerts, with the other three joining in with the title word in the choruses.
Wow, I just found there’s an album of this entire tv special! Includes the performance of the YouTube Trig posted plus Willie/Waylon, Everlys , Emmy etc!
I saw his movie in 1965 while in Italy in the Army. After years I saw him and Willie together in MPLS. I was in the front row. He and playing together and I yelled, Hey Walon, I saw your movie”. He looked at me and did a double take! Big smile on his face. Love the Man and his music.
They definitely ran off, the gardener died shortly after from natural causes. Rose ended up managing a late evening business, like most of the town wished they could do.
Waymore’s Blues pt 2 was recorded in 1994. 9 of the 10 songs written by Waylon. Best song is Old Timer, featuring Mellencamp’s drummer Kenny Aranoff on drums. KA sets the rhythm of the song, and I feel this is the best song Waylon ever wrote. Have a listen to Old Timer, you won’t regret the 5.5 minutes spent hearing his best song.
My husband & I met Waylon & Jesse Coulter, his wife, at a Small bar in Lansing, MI in the 70’s. He knew the owner & when in the area Waylon would perform there, a radio station giving a shout-out that he would be there, so those who loved his singing could come. We went early afternoon that day & got one of the last seats. Waylon was his usual fabulous & Jesse sang some that night as well. We all got to meet them & talk to them. It was many years ago & I’m now 79. Still remember that they were so friendly & we had a great, unforgettable night. He & the Outlaw gang were some of the best singers in history. Sure wish Willie had them to sing with – he’s a treasure that will also never be forgotten.
Source: savingcountrymusic.com