Watch Nashville Rebel

Nashville Rebel is a 1966 musical drama film directed by Jay Sheridan and starring Waylon Jennings, Mary Frann, and Tex Ritter. The film is set in the city of Nashville, Tennessee, during the height of the country music era. The storyline revolves around country music singer Jay Jay (played by Waylon Jennings), who is a talented but struggling musician trying to make it big in Nashville. Jay Jay has a love-hate relationship with the music business, and the film explores his journey through the ups and downs of the industry.

The film opens with Jay Jay performing his hit song "Nashville Rebel" at the Grand Ole Opry, but as the audience claps and cheers, he feels unfulfilled and disillusioned with the music industry. He decides to take a break from performing and ends up falling in love with Susan (played by Mary Frann), a beautiful woman who is not interested in his country music fame.

As Jay Jay tries to win Susan's heart, he faces a series of setbacks, including a rival country music singer who tries to steal his spotlight. Along the way, Jay Jay also meets and befriends Tex Ritter, who plays a veteran country singer named Jed who provides him with advice and encouragement.

Throughout the film, Jennings showcases his musical talent, performing several original songs, including "Nashville Rebel," "That's What You Get for Lovin' Me," and "You're Gonna Wonder About Me." His performances are interwoven with the plot, and the music adds depth and emotional resonance to the characters' experiences.

Nashville Rebel also features some of the biggest names in country music at the time, including Faron Young, George Jones, and Porter Wagoner, all performing their hit songs. Tex Ritter, a legend in the country music industry, provides a notable performance as Jed, adding authenticity and credibility to the film.

The film's climax features a dramatic performance by Jay Jay at the Grand Ole Opry, where he pours his heart out to the audience in a heartfelt rendition of "That's What You Get for Lovin' Me." The scene is a powerful moment of redemption for Jay Jay, as he realizes that his love for music is greater than his frustration with the industry.

Overall, Nashville Rebel is a classic country music film that showcases Waylon Jennings' talent as both an actor and a musician. The film's exploration of the highs and lows of the music business is both entertaining and poignant, and the performances by Jennings, Frann, and Ritter are memorable. Fans of classic country music will enjoy this film and its timeless themes.