Lukas Nelson is mostly known for being the son of famous country musician Willie Nelson. However, the man is so much more than that. He is a virtuoso musician in his own right. That being said, Nelson has pursued a plethora of different personal endeavors, one of which included him training Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born. The man is a stand-alone talent, and he has the musical track record to prove it.
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Lukas Nelson has released a ton of original solo music, including masterclass singles “Just Outside Of Austin” and “Pretty Much”. Also, the latter song comes from Nelson’s impending new album, American Romance, which comes out on June 20, 2025. One of the many talents that Lukas Nelson has is the ability to turn popular songs into beautiful country covers, and here are three examples of that talent.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
If you are deep into the Americana and bluegrass genres, you are probably well aware of this masterpiece. Released in 2024, Lukas Nelson turns this classic Adele track into a bluegrass single. He did so with the help of Sierra Ferrell and The Travelin’ McCourys. It’s pleasantly unrecognizable from the original.
Following its release, the single never had any wild chart history, but who cares? This song is far more important than any statistic and was made for the people who love musical innovation and bluegrass, two things that Lukas Nelson is well acquainted with.
“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder is a masterful lyricist, and his original song “Just Breathe” is also just a masterful song. However, when Lukas Nelson & The Promise, as well as Willie Nelson, recorded this song, it took the lyrical connotation and sentimentality to a whole new level.
That take is, of course, up to the listener. But there is something about a father and son singing this song that just makes it feel all the more impactful. Regardless, Nelson and Nelson hit this one out of the park and made this song their own.
“Angel Dream (No. 2)” by Tom Petty
Another collaborative effort by the Nelson family, Lukas and Willie take this Tom Petty classic and turn it into a bona fide country single. Released in 2024, the Nelson family recorded this cover for the celebratory tribute album, Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration Of Tom Petty.
Frankly, Lukas Nelson’s cover makes it seem like the single should have been a country music song all along. Needless to say, Lukas Nelson can seemingly take any arrangement of pre-existing music and turn it into something entirely original in the genre of country music.
Arroyo Seco Weekend – Day 2 via Getty Images
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