Talk about coming full circle.
After Lex and Natalia Lipsitz in 2021 purchased the Brentwood estate of country icon Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, they commissioned a full house renovation but brought it back to its authentic, historical glory. Instead of asking 'Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?' Lex instead asked 'Are You Sure Waylon Done It This Way?' And that way they did, wherever they could, preserving logos, doors, fireplaces, heirlooms, tile, original slate, chandeliers, iron front gate, lions atop outdoor columns and even doorknobs. However, it's Lex's extremely personal interest and emotional investment in this estate that's equally intriguing.
As owner of LEX Music Group in Nashville, Lex knew he could make use of the house's bottom floor for an outlaw-inspiring, 1,500-square-foot full-tracking music studio. But, his personal connection started decades ago with this particular property at 824 Old Hickory Blvd.
Lex says he'd been trying to purchase the home for at least six years prior, due to his previous relationship with Waylon, Jessi and their son, Shooter Jennings. "In 1998, Shooter, Matt Reasor, Jonathan Boodie and I formed a band called Stargunn here at this house. It changed the trajectory of my life and career. So many incredible stories."
The estate's owner as of 2004 was then health care executive, Carolyn "Carol" Latham, who lived there with her mother and sister. Lex says he stopped by during 2013 to let her know he was interested in buying the place, but she said she never intended to sell it. He didn't give up, though, continuing to check in with her, even sending her Christmas cards.
When Lex ultimately got the call from Carol, he says he was literally watching the TV series Tiger King. "When a woman's voice on the other end of the phone said 'this is Carol,' I thought it was someone playing a prank on me, like it was Carole Baskin from the show," recalls Lex.
Carol had decided to retire to Florida, and Lex was fortunate enough to arrange a private sale.
"This all happened during COVID, and we moved into Southern Comfort's pool/guest house for eight months while we tried to renovate and update. Everything else was left as original as possible," Lex says.
Lex says it's been amazing to have the same front door that George Jones knocked on to engage in a heated argument with Waylon. "Waylon tied George up to a tree in the front yard until he mellowed out and then had him in for coffee and biscuits and gravy the next morning. We repurposed that same original front door and knocker as our studio control room door now."
"This is some people's Graceland, and it feels insane to be able to live here," reflects Lex, who is enthused that he and Natalia's 1-year-old daughter, Mila Lynne, is growing up there as well.
He says if he's out getting the mail when celebrity tour buses go by their house, he sometimes gets on the bus to tell them captivating details.
In his own studio where he now mixes and produces music for artists such as Taylor Austin Dye, Norman North and Sean Stemaly, he recalls historic tales of epic poker games and jam sessions in the same room. "It's like a shrine to Waylon and is where he kept all his guitars and master recording tapes."
Interestingly, Lex having his previous experience with the estate resulted from a fluke. He was at Belmont University, studying music production, when a drummer didn't show up one day for a recording. Having been a drummer his whole life, Lex quietly walked into the control room and nailed the performance. Rev. Richie Sessions told him he had to audition for Shooter's newly forming band. He says he was invited to Southern Comfort and was met by the scene of Dukes of Hazzard car General Lee, Johnny Cash, Waylon and Jessi. "After Jessi offering iced tea, Waylon put me through a series of questions and told me, 'You're going to join this band.' My life was never the same after those initial moments."
He says being at the home routinely was like being part of a legendary machine and being accepted into royalty, surrounded by letters from John Lennon and with people such as Billy Ray Cyrus dropping by. "Waylon was one of the most encouraging people in the industry, who would provide authentic advice."
Stargunn became a hard rock band in Los Angeles during the 2000s. Shooter performed lead vocals and played piano. Lex handled drums, while Kevin Sciou, Carter Falco and Jonathan Boodie played guitars and Curtis Roach played bass. Stargunn's sound: "Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Guns N' Roses." Lex moved back to Nashville during 2007.
Lex also has memories, while watching TV, of Waylon affectionately gazing at his prize possession in the family room: Buddy Holly's personal motorcycle.
"When at our studio now, people can still feel the synergy and the power of Southern Comfort," Lex states.
He says Natalia, a fellow writer/music producer, also operates a music studio in Waylon's former office. "My adult life all comes back to this house. Not a day goes by where I don’t feel lucky and honored to be here. Now, my talented outlaw friends come here to write and record. We’re creating our own new music history to add to Southern Comfort. Waylon would've wanted us to start our own unique paths and legacies; that's another way we honor him."
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