At 36, Lukas Nelson is forging his own musical identity entirely separate from that of his legendary dad, Willie Nelson. That is no easy feat. The senior Nelson's shadow stretches mightily across the country music genre like a giant sequoia. It can't be dodged, downplayed, or sidestepped. But the younger Nelson has deftly carved out his own zone in the country space. He inhabits it with class, creativity, and charm - three qualities that Dad has in abundance. When Lukas covers Willie's songs, he is not imitating his father. He is doing his very own unique version. Here are some times when he has worked his alchemy with a Willie Nelson song.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Lukas Nelson Covers Of His Dad Willie's Songs
'You Were Always On My Mind'
This is one of Willie Nelson's major signature songs. Everybody associates it with him. You may not be aware, though, that many artists of great stature recorded it, such as Brenda Lee, Pet Shop Boys, and Elvis Presley. But Willie Nelson's interpretation stands out. So does Lukas Nelson's lovely, bluesy cover. Soulful and heartfelt, he renders it beautifully, with delicacy and richness. He even whistles part of it. Any woman Lukas sings this for would swoon right down to the floor. When I heard it I was definitely not thinking of Willie.
'Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground'
Willie wrote this song for the film Honeysuckle Rose, in which he co-starred with Amy Irving. Per Songfacts, "'Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground' is one of Willie Nelson's most popular songs. It was his seventh #1 Country hit as a solo artist, and a song that stayed in his setlists throughout his career." Lukas did it justice when he performed it at Dad's 90th birthday bash at the Hollywood Bowl. He put so much feeling into it. A gorgeous cover that will touch and haunt you. The crowd ate it up.
'Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain'
This song is the senior Nelson's first country chart-topper, so it must have had a special place in his career and heart. When Lukas sings it, the timbre of his voice is so like his father's. Yet he brings something of himself to it in a way that is so singular and utterly poignant. Fabulous.
'Funny How Time Slips Away'
Willie wrote this song in the early 1960s. It was first recorded by Billy Walker, and then by a host of celebrated artists including The Spinners, Johnny Tillotson, and Willie himself with Glen Campbell. And then there is Lukas, who performs it exquisitely, with dramatic understatement, subtle flair, and consummate artistry. His guitar playing is triumphant.
