Well, once again, it's road trip time! The Sons of the Pioneers have several weeks of work that began last weekend in Texas and takes us this weekend into northeast Utah. After that we have concerts in Idaho and Nevada, then back to home for about a week in the middle of the month.
A few days ago we came through central Texas and into west Texas where we spent a night in Littlefield, located 35 miles northwest of Lubbock on Highway 84. Luanna and I didn't realize it until we arrived there, but Littlefield is an important community as it is the hometown of Waylon Jennings and his family. His youngest brother James and wife Helen still live there today and operate Waymore's Liquor Store, located at 901 Hall Avenue.
James, a longtime mechanic, acquired a gas station in 1971 at the corner of Hall Ave. and East Waylon Jennings Boulevard. In 2005 James and Helen converted it into a liquor store operation using one of the garage bays as a drive-thru. In a room behind the office, guests can view James' personal collection of Waylon memorabilia.
On display was an amazing collection of Jennings’ family photography to stage outfits, Waylon's RCA recordings, and even a Manuel jacket worn by Johnny Cash. Looking through lots of things, even Waylon's high school yearbooks, it was wonderful to visit with James and Helen and hear their personal memories. Longtime fans of the Sons of the Pioneers, James asked about Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, Hugh Farr, Pat Brady and Ken Curtis. James stated that "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" was always his favorite Pioneers song.
"There were three things Waylon loved while growing up here: his guitar, his radio show and third, chasing women," recalled James. Waylon, who passed in February of 2002 at age 64, was the first entertainer to go forward with the Outlaw movement in the Country Music industry with Willie Nelson and others joining in as well. Members of Waylon's family continue to perform professionally today. Waylon's grandson Struggle Jennings will be performing in Branson later this month.
Every item on display here has a story to tell, and James truly enjoys taking the time to visit with fans about it. Much of the items were collected by Waylon's wife Jessi, with a number of items being donated by fans. James recalled, "I wanted to get out of the service station business. Gas prices got high and I was ready to do something different." So, in 2005 they began their liquor store and the Waylon collection, which had been in the back room for some time, continued to grow.
Folks from all over the world have dropped by to see the museum collection. "We often see visitors from foreign countries," Helen said. "A few years ago we met a gentleman who flew to Lubbock from Japan and drove up here to see this." On the outside it looks like your average liquor store, but inside, you'll be blown away, especially with James and Helen's personal memories. Luanna and I were extremely honored to meet this wonderful couple who will treat you like family, and when we left, we felt we truly were. Thank you, James and Helen for the wonderful memories.
Waymore's is easy to find in Littlefield, Texas, located at 901 Hall Avenue. They're open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit their website at
Thanks for this interesting story. Keep up the good work.