Country Recording Artist Waylon Hanel’s Take On “Tow Truck Driver” Redefines The Humor & True-To-Life Story Behind The Bernie Nelson & Andrew Brockdorf Written Song Intended

Music video exclusively premiered today by Cowboys & Indians [click to watch]

TUNE-IN: network TV airings from The Heartland Network, American Country Network & JMA TV Network beginning March 02

‘When Waylon Came To Nashville’ named to Saving Country Music’s 2025 Essential Albums List [Stream/Download | Credits + Lyrics Doc]

ICYMI: Waylon featured in two part doc series produced by France 24 on Nashville and Country music’s rising popularity [watch here Pt.1 | Pt.2]

“…a well-nigh-irresistible mix…”
– Joe Leydon, Cowboys & Indians

“A student, champion, and torch bearer for all the old Outlaw greats…”
– Trigger, Saving Country Music

“…the future looks exceptionally bright for Waylon Hanel.”
– The Lonesome Highway

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 25, 2026) — Country singer-songwriter, independent recording artist Waylon Hanel is readying to release his new music video for his take on “Tow Truck Driver,” the humorous and true-to-life story the Bernie Nelson (Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney) and Andrew Brockdorf written song intended to tell the story of. In an exclusive premiere of the music video today by Cowboys & Indians [click to read/watch], Hanel’s lighthearted and good ole’ boy nature is on full display as breathes life into his own version of the song.

“Tow Truck Driver” peaked at #9 on the CDX’s True Indie Chart in 2025 and appears on the young Michigan native’s 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Nashville [Stream/Download] out now by CDX Records. The album was also named to Saving Country Music’s 2025 Essential Albums List [read here].

“The real-life story told in “Tow Truck Driver” shows that you can always find humor in some of life’s crazy things that happen to us all,” says Hanel. “On top of that, it also happens to be one of my favorite songs that I have ever recorded!”

TUNE-IN: YouTube & Network TV Airings of “Tow Truck Driver”
Directed and produced by Karl Weidmann, the “Tow Truck Driver” music video will go live on Waylon’s YouTube [@WaylonHanelMusic-ve9kk] today at 1pm EST. Network TV airings begin on Monday, March 02 at 8:34am EST & 9:12pm EST on American Country Network [click to watch], with further support from The Heartland Network [click to watch], and The JMA TV Network [click to watch]. 

With a mix of feel good honky-tonk sing-a-long anthems to tear-jerking and soul-stirring country ballads, When Waylon Came To Nashville is Hanel’s own modern day sonic journey through all the musical trademarks of the traditional outlaw country sound: simple honest stories, steel guitar, and an unmistakable vocal twang to tie it all together.  

“This album has everything a country record should have,” Hanel said. “Three chords and the truth, a steel guitar and a great story.” 

Recording all but one track at Dark Horse Recording Studio, Hanel collaborated with acclaimed music producer Dave Hagen (Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Keb’ Mo’) to hone the album’s intentionally traditional sound. The closing track “My Name” was produced by Josh Emmons at Omni Sound Studio in Nashville prior to its razing. 

Track Listing & Songwriters:

1. “Talk About Crazy” (Bill Don Burns, Karen Sue Brooks)
2. “Keith Whitley Blue” (Bill Don Burns)
3. “When Waylon Came To Nashville” (Bill Don Burns)
4. “Red Bricks” (Dave Gibson, Peter Sallis, Brian White)
5. “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” (Waylon Hanel)
6. “Greyhound” (Bernie Nelson, Tommy Connors, Mark McGuinn)
7. “Tow Truck Driver” (Bernie Nelson, Andrew Brockdorf)
8. “My Name” (Waylon Hanel)

About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 24 year old self-taught old school country singer-songwriter and recording artist characterized by his textured vocals, vivid storytelling abilities, and honest straight-forward delivery. Named after one of his biggest musical influences, country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel has honed his own signature style by incorporating a mixture of outlaw country, blues and southern rock into his own songwriting style that is uniquely his own. The result is a vintage yet fresh sound that appeals to core country music fans, along with those new to the genre. Hanel’s recordings are a testament to his artistic individuality and powerful delivery that is well beyond his years. 

The Millington, Michigan native has quickly built a dedicated fan base with his down-to-earth style and an endearing ability to captivate audiences with his bold live performances. Hanel’s undeniable stage prowess has earned him a slew of opportunities to open for country giants like Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Chris Cagle, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Ward Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lonestar, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Creed Fisher, Ray Scott, Colt Ford, and Chayce Beckham.  

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Album Art + Publicity Photo:

[Album art | Download JPG]

[Photo: Jaime Lynn | Download JPG]

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