In “One by Willie,” host John Spong talks in each episode to one notable Willie fan about one Willie song they love, then runs down the kinds of rabbit holes that open up whenever the topic is Willie Nelson. But the series is about more than the songs; it's about the way music shapes our lives and connects us all.
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Ali Siddiq, One-time Outlaw, on Blasting Willie Nelson’s “Midnight Rider” During Late-night Runs in His Old Monte Carlo
The groundbreaking comedian looks at living outside the law, controlling your own destiny, and how he can tell from just one look that Paul English was a real-deal outlaw
George Saunders Unlocks the Secrets of “Pancho and Lefty,” the Elegance of Willie Nelson, and the Very Nature of Creativity
The beloved, best-selling author walks us through Townes Van Zandt’s mysterious tale of betrayal and his own lifelong appreciation of Willie
Tami Neilson on Willie Nelson, Sister Bobbie, and the Singular Grace of Playing in a Family Band
The New Zealand-based Americana star, who grew up in a barnstorming, family gospel band, looks at “I Thought About You, Lord,” Willie’s wide-open heart, and the gifts her kids bring to pizza parties at his and Annie’s place.
Emmylou Harris on the High-Wire Act of Trying to Sing Harmony with Willie Nelson
In an Icon-on-Icon birthday tribute, the 14-time Grammy winner and Country Hall of Famer takes us back to the ‘70s…to touring with Willie, revolutionizing country music, and “Till I Gain Control Again.”
Matt Berninger on the Effortless Thread of Empathy in Willie Nelson’s Voice
The lead singer and lyricist for The National looks at “All of Me,” Willie’s great singing, his dad’s bad whistling, and the healing power of music.
Jamey Johnson on Willie Nelson and What It Really Means to Be an Outlaw
The million-selling country star goes deep on songwriting and poker, faith and forgiveness--and Willie’s “It Always Will Be.”
Kenny Chesney Calls Willie Nelson a Creative Compass in Being Yourself
The Country Music Hall of Famer talks about “That Lucky Old Sun,” the power of a hushed vocal, and what it was like to produce an album on one of his heroes.
Bonnie Raitt Thinks Birthday Boy Willie Nelson Is a Little Bit Cheshire Cat and a Little Bit Yoda
In a special icon-on-icon birthday tribute, the thirteen-time Grammy winner talks about duetting on one of the most important records of Willie’s career, plus covering “Night Life” with blues legend B. B. King.
Conor Oberst Recalls the Long, Hot Omaha Summer When He Discovered Willie Nelson’s Dem
The indie rock, pop, and folk icon on the craft of songwriting, four-track home recordings, and the counterintuitive wisdom of “Undo the Right.”
Mark Seliger on the Song that Informs His Portraits of Willie Nelson
The revered photographer talks Trigger, Fourth of July Picnics, and “Stardust.”
Larry Gatlin on the Wisdom of Letting Willie Nelson Be Lead Dog
The pride of Odessa recalls the New York recording sessions that produced ‘Shotgun Willie,’ ‘The Troublemaker,’ and “She’s Not for You.”
Adrian Quesada on the Flamenco Heart of Willie Nelson’s ‘Teatro’
The Black Pumas guitarist, producer, and songwriter examines the Latin and Tex-Mex elements in Willie’s music, how they got there—and why that makes Willie “the most American thing we have.”
Amanda Petrusich on Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and the Outlaw’s Conundrum
The acclaimed music critic reframes the duo’s classic 1983 LP, ‘Pancho & Lefty,’ as a concept album about easing into middle age.
Charlie Sexton on Willie Nelson’s Real-Deal, Steel-Driven, Jukebox Country Music
The Austin producer, bandleader, and guitar hero discusses the reasons he loves the early sixties demo for “I Let My Mind Wander”—and how much his old boss, Bob Dylan, loves Willie.
John Mellencamp Believes Willie Nelson Deserves a Nobel Peace Prize
The heartland rocker on the origins of Farm Aid, standing up to record execs, and “Funny How Time Slips Away.”
Paul Begala on Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and the Lost Art of Empathy
The CNN political analyst discusses the two legends’ duet “Heartland,” the farm crisis that inspired it, and a kind turn Willie did for his mom.
Billy Strings on What It’s Like to Play Willie Nelson’s Guitar
Billy Strings, of the hottest guitarists alive describes the hole in Trigger, bringing roses to Willie, and a 90-mph live version of “Stay a Little Longer.”
Miranda Lambert on Willie Nelson and the Enduring Primacy of the Pickin’ Party
The reigning country queen talks about singing “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” as a little girl on her family’s front porch—and at Willie’s all-star ninetieth-birthday show.
Lucinda Williams on the Pure Poetry of Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”
The beloved singer-songwriter, once a scrappy unknown living in a run-down apartment Willie owned, describes the wonder of later duetting with him on a song she wrote.
Willie Nelson’s Daughter Lana on Lullabies, Landlords, and Townes Van Zandt
The unofficial family historian talks about listening to her dad sing “Red Headed Stranger” back before he’d ever even made it to Nashville.