The state of Arizona has produced several celebrities over the years. It’s also home to a few burial sites of notable figures, including one of the most famous country artists of all time: Waylon Jennings, who is buried at the City of Mesa Cemetery. His grave has been visited by numerous fans over the years, as evidenced by the flowers and trinkets left there. Have you ever been to Waylon Jennings’ gravesite in Arizona? I have, and I will tell you where to find it.
Who Was Waylon Jennings?
Located at 1212 North Center Street in Mesa, AZ, the City of Mesa Cemetery is home to the final resting place of one of the most famous and talented country artists of our time. Waylon Jennings was born on June 15, 1937, in Littlefield, Texas. Over the years, he made a big name for himself in the country music scene, producing hits like “I’m a Ramblin’ Man,” “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
Jennings started his career by playing bass for Buddy Holly in the 1950s. After Buddy Holly tragically died in a plane crash, it took several years to regain his footing in the music industry. Eventually, he did after playing at a bar in Phoenix, AZ, a few years later.
He ended up signing with RCA, and his career skyrocketed from there. However, he didn’t conform to the conventions of the country music industry and became known as an “Outlaw.” His unconventional music gained him fame, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. A year later, on Feb. 13, 2002, Jennings passed away at the age of 64. It may come as a surprise that this music legend’s final resting place is at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
Waylon Jennings Grave Location
As already mentioned, the City of Mesa Cemetery is located at 1212 North Center Street in Mesa; it’s across the street from Hohokam Stadium, which hosts Spring Training for The A’s. Another entrance is located on N. Country Club Drive, which is the one I used.
If you’re looking for Waylon Jennings’ grave, the plot number is 766. Because it’s flush with the ground, it takes a bit of direction to find it, but it’s obvious when you get close to it—at least it was to me. When you drive into the cemetery, notice the street sign names. Turn onto B Street from Center Drive, then make a left on 9th Street. Jennings’ modest burial plot is located four rows in from the street, marked by a black gravestone. From the street, you may easily see the flowers and meaningful trinkets fans have left behind on the grave. When I visited, there were a couple of flower arrangements, a can of beer, a small bottle of liquor, and cigarettes at the site. I paid my respects and left in awe, having just visited the gravesite of a country music legend right here in Mesa, Arizona.
Have you ever been to the City of Mesa Cemetery to see Waylon Jennings’ gravesite? Did you know he was buried here? To learn more about the City of Mesa Cemetery, head to the Mesa AZ website. You can also learn more about country artist Waylon Jennings on the Country Music Hall of Fame website…