When the Turnpike Troubadours reunited in 2021 after a long break, they enlisted Shooter Jennings to produce their first album in six years, A Cat in the Rain. However, it seems not all fans are onboard with the new sound. Some are pointing fingers at Jennings, claiming he’s ruined the band’s career. Talk about a rough crowd! It’s interesting how quickly fan loyalty can flip when a favorite group changes direction.
Shooter Jennings, the son of country music legend Waylon Jennings, discussed the polarizing nature of his role during a recent podcast. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with being Waylon’s kid and how that has shaped his music journey. Before diving into the country scene, he enjoyed a rock career with little pressure—clearly a different vibe compared to the intense scrutiny he faces now. So, is it the music or the family name that has fans feeling uneasy?
On top of producing albums for the Troubadours, Jennings is also working on a posthumous project featuring unreleased recordings of his father. So while he navigates fan backlash, he’s also keeping his father’s legacy alive. At least he’s busy! With such a complicated mix of family dynamics and fan expectations, it leaves us wondering: do artists thrive better under traditional sounds, or is it time to embrace the new?
Whether you’re cheering for Shooter or booing from the sidelines, one thing’s for sure: the conversation around his work with the Turnpike Troubadours is far from over. What do you think—are artists better off evolving, or should they stick to their roots?
