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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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.
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.
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.”