“THE LASH” Waylon Jennings X Stetson

Midnight Rider

There are few images more iconic in country music than the shot of Waylon Jennings that adorns the cover of the 1979 edition of his Greatest Hits compilation. The way his cigarette hangs in his mouth, the look in his eyes, and that hat, that perfect Stetson hat all add up to an image that speaks a thousand words.

On February 1st, Midnight Rider and the estate of Waylon Jennings are proud to announce the release of the perfect recreation of the Stetson hat Jennings wears on that album cover, “The Lash.” Direct from the Stetson factory in Garland, TX, the hat’s beauty lies in the details. Starting with 6X fur felt, a porkpie crown, and 3.5” slightly upturned brim, it’s finished off with a roan leather sweat band embossed with Waylon’s signature and “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” in gold foil on the inside and a braided band with starburst concho as closure on the outside.

“The Lash” came together after Midnight Rider first became the licensing manager for Waylon Jennings in early 2012. The first collaboration that came to mind was with Stetson, it felt like a natural fit. After reaching out to the iconic hat maker, the Stetson team were receptive to the idea and moved forward very quickly. Their design team was able to seamlessly integrate Midnight Rider’s ideas, source unique trims, and shape the hat specifically to how Waylon wore his!

Midnight Rider Creative Director, Mitra Khayyam, says of the collaboration “There was no other option in my mind as to who we wanted to partner with in making this collector’s item. Stetson’s legacy as an unrivaled American heritage Western brand and hat maker is the perfect match for an American icon like Waylon Jennings. Myself and Waylon’s youngest son, Shooter Jennings are beyond thrilled to honor Waylon Jennings with this quality cowboy hat that we hope fans can enjoy for generations to come.”

Stetson for Waylon Jennings, Presents: The Lash from Midnight Rider on Vimeo.