On this day, the great Willie Nelson was born.
Born in good ol’ Texas in 1933, he began his musical journey at just six years old when he was given his first guitar.
Fast forward to the 50s and through the 2010s, the now 92-year-old Nelson has gifted us plenty of timeless tunes that have blessed the ears and touched the hearts of many.
The country legend has seen many eras come and go, and faced a changing music landscape, but through it all, he has remained an icon.
With over sixty years' worth of hits, it’s nearly impossible to choose, but these are ten classics that have stood the test of time.
‘Crazy’ - 1962
A song for the yearning heart. The timeless melody and lyrics of this track make it relevant and relatable to anybody who’s ever longed for somebody.
Initially written by Nelson for Bill Walker, who deemed it too feminine, the song was passed on to Patsy Cline. With her smooth, controlled vocals, she made the ballad a hit in 1961.
A year later, Nelson recorded his own version of the song. In contrast to Cline’s rendition, it had a raw realness to it that came from Nelson’s unique and unpredictable singing style.
‘On the Road Again’ - 1980
The anthem for being on tour and life on the road. Adored throughout generations, this is one that resurfaces as a hit time and time again.
Just look through the songs' YouTube comments and you’ll see how much of an impact it's had on people.
‘Night Life’ - 1965
‘Night Life’ is one to turn on when you’re craving the blues. It’s prime listening for melancholy evenings. Dark and moody in the best way possible.
‘Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain’ - 1975
For those going through heartbreak, ‘Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain’ is the tender ballad you’ll want to get you through it. It may be simple, but it sure is comforting.
‘Whiskey River’ - 1973
Written by Johnny Bush but made great by Nelson, ‘Whiskey River’ is the iconic opening song for Nelson’s concerts. It's also got just the grittiness you want when you’re sitting down with a whiskey in hand.
‘Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground’ - 1981
Pure souls weighed down by heavy burdens and the bittersweet feeling of letting go of someone who can no longer stay. That is the tragedy told in ‘Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground’.
The guitar solos, the voice, the lyrics, they all come together to make a story of heartbreak sound beautiful. If you’re dealing with loss, this one hits close to home.
‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ - 1962
‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ tells the tale of short-lived love and the all-too-common trope of right person, wrong time.
It’s relatable to all those who think back on those meaningful but fleeting flings.
‘Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys’ - 1979
Although the tune had been charted and covered many times before Nelson, most notably by Waylon Jennings, this version has a charming warmth and heart to it.
When you hear this song, you immediately think of cowboys and country. If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to head to an escape that feels like home, give this a listen.
‘Always On My Mind’ - 1982
Elvis may have popularised the tune with his 1972 recording, but Nelson's rendition landed him the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
It’s a great one for those feeling sorrowful and apologetic over love lost.
‘Bloody Mary Morning’ - 1974
That fast-paced picking and strumming, while excellent, would probably be a nightmare to listen to when hungover.
However, if you’re looking for a song that emulates the feeling and tells a story that your drunk self would sympathise with, then ‘Bloody Mary Morning’ is the answer.
Happy listening and happy birthday to a true country icon. On this day and on any day, let the voice and strumming of Willie Nelson be the soundtrack to all your woes.
