waylon payne

For one thing, he's got a pretty famous godfather ...

The singer-songwriter shares the story of how his uncle sexually abused him as a child, and rather than confront that truth, his family disowned Payne at just 18 years old.

The Boot's 2021 artists to watch vary in genre, style, influence and background, but these country, Americana, folk and bluegrass newcomers are all poised to have breakout years. Their names are ones to keep your eyes (and ears) on: artists you'll want to hear early, so you can brag that you knew about them first.

Waylon Payne's 'Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me' is a testament to the power of self-love and life-changing friendship.