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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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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Willie Nelson’s Daughter Paula on Gunfights, the Devil, and Sister Bobbie
On this special birthday episode of ‘One by Willie,’ Paula Nelson talks about “Devil in a Sleepin’ Bag,” a song her dad wrote about his longtime drummer, Paul English—who happens to be her namesake.
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.
Announcing Season 3 of ‘One by Willie’
Our latest season of interviews with notable Willie Nelson fans debuts April 20.