Each epsiode, host John Spong talks 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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Willie Nelson’s Longtime Stage-Lighting Director, Buddy “Budrock” Prewitt, Tells Tales from Fifty Years on the Tour Bus
The man Willie calls “Budrock the Illuminator” digs deep on Sister Bobbie’s light touch and Paul English’s pistols, the relative merits of shows at the Huntsville prison rodeo and Gilley’s, the IRS mess and the Branson exile…and the Willie song that tells his own life story, “On the Road Again.”
Ziggy Marley on “Still Is Still Moving to Me” and the Transcendent Spirit of His Friend Willie Nelson
The 9-time Grammy winner looks at the similarities between reggae and country…and the way Willie rises above genre to create music that is universal—just like Ziggy’s father, Bob Marley.
I’m With Her on the Intense Simplicity of Willie Nelson’s “Wake Me When It’s Over”
The Grammy-winning, supergroup folk-trio—Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins, and Sarah Jarosz—discuss the ways they each came to appreciate Willie’s genius…and how thrilled they are to play this year’s Farm Aid.
Taj Mahal on the Way Willie Nelson Has Always Kept It Real
In a conversation taped at last year’s Luck Reunion, the blues legend recalls fights with the record industry, finding a home at the Armadillo, and Willie’s “Bloody Mary Morning”—with special guest co-host Mickey Raphael.
Dave Stewart Does His Impression of Bob Dylan’s Impression of Willie Nelson
Annie Lennox’s other-half in Eurythmics on Trigger’s freedom to roam, Willie’s way with haiku, and “Energy Follows Thought”
Bill Anderson Is Still Kicking Himself for Passing on the Chance to Record Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away” Back in 1961
The Country Music Hall of Famer—almost certainly the only living songwriter who got to Nashville before Willie did—gives a masterclass on songwriting, country music history, and Roger Miller.
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.