Introduction:
“Just to Satisfy You” is a notable country song co-written by Waylon Jennings and Don Bowman in 1963. The song holds a significant place in Jennings’ career, reflecting his early struggles and eventual rise in the country music scene.
In 1963, Jennings was signed to A&M Records, a label primarily focused on folk music, which limited the promotion of his country recordings. Despite this, “Just to Satisfy You,” backed with Ian Tyson’s “Four Strong Winds,” gained regional popularity through radio play in Phoenix, Arizona. This local success caught the attention of singer Bobby Bare, who covered both songs and recommended Jennings to producer Chet Atkins. Atkins subsequently signed Jennings to RCA Victor in 1965, marking a pivotal turn in his career.
Jennings included “Just to Satisfy You” in his performances and recorded it multiple times. The song became the title track of his 1969 album, though it was not released as a single at that time. In a 1967 interview, Jennings noted that the song exemplified the influence of his work with Buddy Holly and rockabilly music.
The song achieved significant success in 1982 when Jennings re-recorded it as a duet with Willie Nelson. This version became their third number one country hit as a duo, spending two weeks atop the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remaining on the chart for a total of twelve weeks.
“Just to Satisfy You” has been covered by various artists, including Glen Campbell, who featured it on his 1967 album “Burning Bridges,” and Jerry Reed, who included it in his 1970 album “Cookin’.” The song’s enduring appeal is evident through these numerous renditions and its lasting presence in country music history.
Overall, “Just to Satisfy You” showcases Waylon Jennings’ songwriting prowess and his ability to blend traditional country with rockabilly influences. The song’s journey from a regional hit to a chart-topping duet underscores Jennings’ resilience and adaptability in the evolving landscape of country music.