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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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.
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.’
Waylon Payne on the Multiple Times He Credits Willie Nelson With Saving His Life
The singer-songwriter talks about growing up as country royalty and Willie’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”
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.
Ray Benson on Bob Wills, Cindy Walker, and Willie Nelson’s Version of “Going Away Party”
The Grammy-winning founder of Asleep at the Wheel on fifty years of friendship with Willie, with cameos by George Gershwin, Floyd Tillman, and Robert Duvall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How a Willie Nelson Song Almost—But Not Quite—Kept Charley Crockett Out of Jail
The hard-core honky-tonker talks to us live from Luck, Texas, about “Face of a Fighter” and the other Willie songs he leaned on when he was homeless.
Allison Russell on Soothing Her Newborn Daughter With Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’
The three-time Grammy nominee talks to us live from Luck, Texas, about definitive covers, Billie Holiday, and building her family with Willie records playing in the background.