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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Mickey Raphael on "The Words Don't Fit The Picture”
Willie’s longtime harmonica player discusses joining the band, stowaways on the bus, and “The Words Don’t Fit the Picture.”
Jimmy Webb on "Highwayman"
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 "Healing Hands Of Time”
The 22-time Grammy winner talks faith, Ray Price, and the power of an irresistible first line in a lyric.
Paula Nelson on "Devil In A Sleepin' Bag" (special Willie’s Bday episode)
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 "Are You Sure"
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.
Introducing Season 3
Our latest season of interviews with notable Willie Nelson fans debuts April 20.
Sheryl Crow on “Crazy” (special Willie’s Bday episode)
With Willie Nelson turning 88 this week, One by Willie celebrates with one of his biggest fans and most frequent duet partners, singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, who will talk about what may be the single best-known song he ever wrote, “Crazy.” Like the rest of the world, Sheryl initially fell in
Rodney Crowell on "Bloody Mary Morning"
Plus, you’ll never guess who was doing doughnuts outside the studio during a recording session in Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Shakey Graves on "Always On My Mind”
On our latest ‘One by Willie,’ the Austin native talks ‘Always on My Mind’ and getting to scratch his name into Trigger, Willie’s beloved guitar.
Rosanne Cash on "Night Life"
On the latest ‘One by Willie,’ Cash talks about that and much more while digging into Willie's 1959 hit ‘Night Life.’
T Bone Burnett on "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye”
On our latest 'One by Willie,' the celebrated producer and songwriter discusses one of Willie's darkest songs.
Amy Nelson on "Rainbow Connection"
On the latest ‘One by Willie,’ Amy Nelson tells of a twenty-year quest to get her dad to record a beloved song from her childhood.
Don Was on "Across The Borderline"
On the latest ‘One by Willie,’ Was talks Ringo, Bob Dylan, Sinead O’Connor, and ‘Across the Borderline’—his favorite of all the tracks he’s worked on.
Steve Earle on "Local Memory"
For our Season 2 premiere of ‘One by Willie,’ Earle takes us back to his days as a longhaired, seventeen-year-old San Antonio kid.
Introducing Season 2
Listen as our new season’s lineup of distinguished guests talks about their favorite Willie Nelson songs, from an outlaw classic to a Kermit the Frog cover.
Wesley Schultz on "Pretty Paper”
The Lumineers lead singer and cofounder on the power of lonesome songs during the holidays, and an apples-to-apples comparison between Willie and Bruce Springsteen.
Lee Ann Womack on "Three Days”
The Texas singer-songwriter and country music star on a song she’s been singing since childhood, the origins of inspired lyrics, and how Texas country songs are designed for dancing.
Sonny Throckmorton on "What a Way to Live”
The lauded songwriter behind many of country’s greatest hits talks Willie's picking parties with Darrell Royal and why you should never beat Willie Nelson at poker.
Wynonna Judd on "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”
The country music legend remembers hearing it on the radio in rural Kentucky and describes Willie's kindness to her grandmother backstage at the CMAs.
Jack Ingram on "I'd Have To Be Crazy"
The singer-songwriter talks the surprising complexity of Willie’s songwriting and a special request President George H.W. Bush made while Ingram was playing for him.