Struggle Jennings has music running through his veins. The country rapper comes from a family of musicians; his grandma is country artist Jessi Colter, step-grandpa is Waylon Jennings and his uncle is Shooter Jennings.
But as his name suggests, the 43-year-old artist has had to overcome struggles as he started out in the music business. His debut album was recorded while he awaited charges for a drug related offense. He even filmed a music video while in county jail.
After his release in 2016, Jennings focused on the positive and more on his music and collaborated with his longtime friend Jelly Roll on the artist’s 2017 album, Waylon & Willie.
Struggle is currently out on the road with Jelly Roll on his Backroad Baptism Tour. The tour is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the summer as it travels from coast to coast building upon Jelly Roll’s recent success with chart-topping songs on both the rock and country charts.
The Travel Addict caught up with Struggle recently to talk about touring with Jelly Roll, why he loves Astoria and how he likes to give back.
What are you looking forward to at Folds of Honor today?
I am looking forward to having a whole bunch of fun today, raising some money for an incredible cause. Playing side by side with my brother Jelly Roll, who I’ve been friends with for twenty years. Giving a nice show to the fans. We’re going to definitely win.
You’re about to go on tour with him. Any cities you’re looking forward to?
All of them. I’ve toured nonstop and this is going to be the biggest tour of my life so far. I’m blessed and honored that he brought me along on it. Just excited to be out there and see everyone.
Any hidden gems from being out on the road that you tell people to visit?
Oh yeah. I’m an 80s baby so I love Astoria, a little bitty town where they shot The Goonies. Love Astoria. Love Montana. Anywhere in Montana is just beautiful. Bozeman. It’s just God’s country. There’s something special about every place that you visit. You find those little gems, those little cities, those little hole-in-the-walls. There’s something special in all of them.
Why is the Folds of Honor charity special to you?
It’s special to me because I love this beautiful country and the people that put their life on the line. They sacrifice and some of them pay the ultimate price to keep us safe and free. Giving back to the folks of honor is such an honor and I’m so blessed and happy to be here.