Film & TV
October 18, 2023
Four Reasons November Will Be a Great Month in Texas Culture
A Texas legend finally gets top billing, Willie spills on his songs, the Black Pumas return, and Sugar Land hosts Honeyland.
By Josh Alvarez![Josh Alvarez's Profile Photo]()
Willie Nelson
Latest
1-50 of 209 Articles
Music
September 14, 2023
For Willie Nelson’s 151st Album, He Takes On a Whole New Genre: Bluegrass
A supergroup of strings player helps take a mix of Willie anthems and deep cuts to a whole new, banjo-picking level.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
August 25, 2023
Dave Cobb on the Beautiful, Barren Landscape of Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger’
The Nashville superproducer on “Time of the Preacher” and the one thing artists like Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell all say about Willie.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
July 28, 2023
The Story Behind Sinéad O’Connor’s Duet with Willie Nelson
It was October 1992 and the Irish singer, who died earlier this week, was being excoriated in the press following her appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live.’
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
July 14, 2023
Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett on the Unlikely Intersection of Willie, Waylon Jennings, “Good Hearted Woman,” and Kiss’s ‘Alive II’
The Foos’ lead guitarist and ‘Shred With Shifty’ podcast host discusses an outlaw anthem and the technical specs of a great Willie guitar solo.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 23, 2023
Amanda Shires Pays Tribute to Her Hero and Friend Bobbie Nelson
The singer-songwriter and virtuoso fiddle player talks faith, family bands, and her new album of duets with Willie Nelson’s late sister.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 16, 2023
Willie Nelson’s Son Micah on Trigger, Roger Miller, and “Still Is Still Moving to Me”
On this special Father’s Day episode, Micah Nelson describes his dad’s “face-melting” guitar playing, plus his favorite sixties-era Willie song that most fans have forgotten.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 9, 2023
Brené Brown on the Way Willie Nelson’s Version of “Amazing Grace” Changed Her Life
The revered researcher, author, and TED Talker discusses faith, grace, acceptance, and the world’s favorite gospel hymn.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 2, 2023
Daniel Lanois on Recording Willie Nelson’s Landmark Album ‘Teatro’
The legendary producer discusses art that exists only in shadows and the way U2 tries to summon Willie when they write songs.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
May 26, 2023
Ray Wylie Hubbard on “Whiskey River,” Strong Weed, and Willie Nelson’s Smile
The legendary singer-songwriter and longtime Willie buddy discusses a song many consider the national anthem of Texas, plus why drummer Paul English was not a fan of the Eagles.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
May 1, 2023
Willie Nelson Threw a Ninetieth Birthday Party, and Everyone Came
Snoop Dogg, the Chicks, Keith Richards, George Strait, and many, many more came together for a two-day birthday party the likes of which the world has never seen.
Music
April 28, 2023
Willie Nelson Is Helping Billy Strings Stay “California Sober” on a New Duet
The living legend and the bluegrass young gun unroll a pot-smoking, finger-picking good time.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
April 27, 2023
Willie Nelson’s Son Lukas on Ancient Texts, Pearl Jam, and “I Never Cared for You”
On this special birthday episode, Lukas Nelson talks about truly timeless songwriting—and the song that first made Leon Russell a Willie fan.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
March 9, 2023
Willie Nelson’s Faithful Rendition of a Harlan Howard Classic
A deep dive into Nelson’s cover of “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail,” from his 150th album, ‘I Don’t Know a Thing About Love.’
Music
March 2, 2023
Willie Nelson’s New Album—His 150th—Honors Another Country Legend
Willie Nelson covers ten songs written by his late friend Harlan Howard in ‘I Don’t Know a Thing About Love.’
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
February 7, 2023
Does Willie Nelson Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
A debate between Andy Langer, Dan Solomon—and Ice Cube?
Music
February 6, 2023
Beyoncé Still Can’t Win Album of the Year, and Other Things We Learned From the Grammys
A bittersweet night for Queen Bey, a momentous night for Lizzo and Willie Nelson, and a confusing one for Chris Brown.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Texas Icons
January 17, 2023
We Asked Four Singers (and Ethan Hawke) Which Willie Nelson Songs They Love Most
Here’s what Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Margo Price, Kacey Musgraves, and the Austin-born actor told us to cue up—and why.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Texas Icons
January 17, 2023
More Than 600 Episodes in, ‘Austin City Limits’ Is Still an Austin Show at Heart
Decades after Willie Nelson performed on the pilot, the show is now a national institution—but not too national.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
November 15, 2022
Four Questions We Have About the Grammy Nominations
Will Beyoncé finally get her Album of the Year award, and more we want to know.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
September 15, 2022
Weyes Blood on Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Lindsey Buckingham, and Kurt Weill’s “September Song”
It’s a song the California-based singer-songwriter has loved since she was a young girl—but she didn’t really get to know it until she heard Willie’s version.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
September 1, 2022
Steve Gunn on Django Reinhardt, Trigger, and Willie Nelson’s “Hands on the Wheel”
The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist celebrates two of the greatest players he’s ever heard.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 22, 2022
Buddy Cannon on Taking Life Lessons From Willie Nelson Songs
Willie’s longtime producer and writing partner talks about how “Something You Get Through” came together and the way Willie changed country songwriting.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 15, 2022
Ethan Hawke on Visions of the Divine and Willie Nelson’s Earlobes
The four-time Oscar nominee talks “Too Sick to Pray” and the way Willie’s music has helped him build his family.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 8, 2022
Norah Jones on How Willie Nelson Songs Saved Her When She Moved to New York
The nine-time Grammy winner talks “Permanently Lonely,” jazzy Django chords, and Willie’s beautifully harsh poetry.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
June 1, 2022
How a Legendary R&B Band Helped Willie Nelson Cut His Best Album
Muscle Shoals bass player David Hood on ‘Phases and Stages,’ producer Jerry Wexler, and “(How Will I Know) I’m Falling in Love Again.”
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
May 25, 2022
Nathaniel Rateliff on Willie Nelson’s “A Song for You,” Leon Russell, and Biker Funerals
The Americana singer-songwriter discusses one of Willie’s first iconic cover songs.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
May 18, 2022
Mickey Raphael on How Willie Nelson Songs Are Cheaper—and More Effective—Than Therapy
Willie’s longtime harmonica player discusses joining the band, stowaways on the bus, and “The Words Don’t Fit the Picture.”
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
May 11, 2022
Jimmy Webb on Writing “Highwayman” and the Birth of Country Music’s First Supergroup
One of America’s greatest songwriters talks Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson . . . and the surprising debt they owe “My Sharona.”
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
May 4, 2022
Vince Gill on Willie Nelson’s “Healing Hands of Time” and Finding Salvation in Song
The 22-time Grammy winner talks faith, Ray Price, and the power of an irresistible first line in a lyric.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
April 29, 2022
Willie Turns 89—And Drops a Beautiful Album
‘A Beautiful Time’ picks up where his "mortality trilogy" of albums left off, with an especially off-the-wall cover and new songs reflecting on life and death.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
April 20, 2022
Kacey Musgraves on Making “Real-Ass” Country Music With Willie Nelson
The singer-songwriter talks about “Are You Sure,” getting her granddad into Willie’s poker game, and a gift Willie gave her that she’ll never smoke.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
April 15, 2022
Announcing Season 3 of ‘One by Willie’
Our latest season of interviews with notable Willie Nelson fans debuts April 20.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
April 12, 2022
Sister Bobbie Grounded Willie Nelson in His Music—and His Life
Bobbie Nelson, pianist and older sister to Texas music icon Willie Nelson, died Thursday morning at 91.
By Michael Hall![Michael Hall's Profile Photo]()
Music
March 23, 2022
Back in Luck: Willie Nelson’s Annual Reunion Returns
Photos from this year's Luck Reunion, which welcomed back attendees for the first time since 2019.
By Cat Cardenas![Cat Cardenas's Profile Photo]()
Music
November 19, 2021
‘The Willie Nelson Family’ Takes Us to Church
The Nelson clan’s new gospel album meets the grief and trauma of the pandemic with spirit and hope.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
April 29, 2021
Sheryl Crow on ‘Crazy,’ Patsy Cline, and the Dream of Writing a Standard
With Willie Nelson turning 88 this week, One by Willie celebrates with one of his biggest fans and most frequent duet partners, singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, who will talk about what may be the single best-known song he ever wrote, “Crazy.” Like the rest of the world, Sheryl initially fell in
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Being Texan
April 29, 2021
A 90-Year-Old Texan Has Some Advice for Willie Nelson on His 88th Birthday
Aging isn’t for the faint of heart, but Carlene knows what matters.
One by Willie
April 13, 2021
Rodney Crowell on Bloody Mary Mornings and Recording With Willie Nelson
Plus, you’ll never guess who was doing doughnuts outside the studio during a recording session in Bogalusa, Louisiana.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
April 6, 2021
Robert Earl Keen’s Car Caught Fire at Willie’s Fourth of July Picnic
In our latest episode of ‘One by Willie,’ Keen tells a whole host of entertaining stories while explaining his connection to Nelson’s “Mr. Record Man.”
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
March 9, 2021
T Bone Burnett on Murder Ballads and Willie Nelson, Holy Man
On our latest 'One by Willie,' the celebrated producer and songwriter discusses one of Willie's darkest songs.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
March 2, 2021
How Willie Nelson Came to Cover Kermit the Frog
On the latest ‘One by Willie,’ Amy Nelson tells of a twenty-year quest to get her dad to record a beloved song from her childhood.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
February 23, 2021
Storied Record Producer Don Was on the Fragile Magic of a First Take
On the latest ‘One by Willie,’ Was talks Ringo, Bob Dylan, Sinead O’Connor, and ‘Across the Borderline’—his favorite of all the tracks he’s worked on.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
February 16, 2021
Steve Earle on ‘Local Memory’ and Lyrics as Literature
For our Season 2 premiere of ‘One by Willie,’ Earle takes us back to his days as a longhaired, seventeen-year-old San Antonio kid.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
February 12, 2021
Tune In for a Special ‘One by Willie’ Feature on SiriusXM
Senior editor and podcast host John Spong will join Dallas Wayne for a special hour of music and conversation.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Best Thing in Texas
January 15, 2021
The Best Thing in Texas: Willie Got the Vaccine, Y’all
Thank goodness.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()
Music
January 15, 2021
Willie Nelson Finally Shows Up for His SXSW Keynote, Thirty Years Later
Plus: Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Love and Hip-Hop’ audition is eerily prophetic, Nick Jonas stars in ‘Jersey Boys,’ and Selena Gomez drops a new Spanish single.
One by Willie
November 27, 2020
‘One by Willie,’ Episode 8: Wesley Schultz on ‘Pretty Paper’
The Lumineers lead singer and cofounder on the power of lonesome songs during the holidays, and an apples-to-apples comparison between Willie and Bruce Springsteen.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
One by Willie
October 30, 2020
‘One by Willie,’ Episode 4: Jack Ingram on ‘I’d Have to Be Crazy’
The singer-songwriter talks the surprising complexity of Willie’s songwriting and a special request President George H.W. Bush made while Ingram was playing for him.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Music
October 28, 2020
Willie Nelson Singing ‘Under Pressure’ With Karen O Is the Duet We Didn’t Know We Needed in 2020
The legendary collaboration between Queen and David Bowie gets a remake by an intergenerational pair of icons.
By Dan Solomon![Dan Solomon's Profile Photo]()