Willie Nelson is among the genuine pillars of country music, and he has been for decades. His output, its quality, and its sheer volume make him a standout in the genre. His stellar hits such as "Crazy," which was gigantic for Patsy Cline, and "On The Road Again" made this lovable rogue a fan favorite of all ages and musical tastes. But Nelson also has some little-known yet worthwhile gems to his credit that truly deserve attention. We have selected just a handful for your enjoyment and consideration. If you are already a Willie Nelson fan, you will like him even more now. Getting introduced to him for the very first time? Welcome aboard!
Videos by Wide Open Country
'The Warmth of the Sun' (1996)
Per American Songwriter, "In 1996, the Beach Boys recruited a group of country stars to interpret their catalog on Stars and Stripes Vol. 1—with Nelson being amongst the pack." Asking Willie Nelson to do a Beach Boys song might seem kind of incongruous at first blush. But he gamely takes this California-drenched classic and runs with it. Nelson pulls it off beautifully. When he croons this with the Boys, the effect is lush and lovely. A great iteration of a standard.
'No Place But Texas' (1986)
"No Place But Texas" was on Nelson's album, The Promiseland. This sentimental ode to the Lone Star State where he was born has potent imagery, strong emotion, and almost sounds like a modern-day anthem to his birthplace. It will stir you deeply, even if you have never been to Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, or a little backwoods, small town honky-tonk where the tunes and the beer keep on flowin'. One distinguishing characteristic of Wlllie Nelson is that he always believes what he sings and persuades you to care about it as well. That shines through in this song loud and clear. From the pen of Alex Harvey, "No Place But Texas" will make you smile wistfully and cry a tear or two as well.
'Devil in a Sleepin' Bag' (1973)
Per Rolling Stone, "Arguably the funkiest Willie has ever been, "Devil in a Sleepin' Bag," from 1973's Shotgun Willie, slinks along like a snake covered in motor oil." I would call this song and the way Nelson does it impish and tongue-in-cheek. Its sassy references to other artists such as Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge (they were Mr. and Mrs.) and Nelson's own missus at the time, Connie, give the song a nice little twang of realism. Love this guy!
'Heartland' (1993)
If anybody could present an argument in favor of farmers versus cold-hearted bankers, it is these two singers. Their power together is undeniable. Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson is a duet made in heaven - or at least Nashville. Team them and they are unstoppable. Per Rolling Stone, "A track from Nelson's 1993 Across the Borderline, the song details in plain language the war between forlorn farmers and unsympathetic bankers, with the latter undeniably the victor." I would want Dylan and Nelson (they wrote the song) advocating for my side, wouldn't you?
