Nobody can bring together folks from all walks of life through music quite like Willie Nelson. And as such, Willie Nelson is known for his stellar and sometimes unconventional collaborations. Let’s look at just a handful of examples!
1. “Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way)” with Dolly Parton
This collab is far from shocking, considering both Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton are two of the most beloved figures in country music. Both Nelson and Parton were signed to the same record label in the 1960s, too, so it makes sense that they would collaborate on at least one song.
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“Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way)” is a sweet song that Parton first recorded back in 1967, and the two voices contrast each other in all the right ways.
2. “Hard To Be An Outlaw” with Billy Joe Shaver
Both Nelson and Billy Joe Shaver are well-known outlaw icons, so why wouldn’t they collab on something? It certainly took a while, though. “Hard To Be An Outlaw” came out in 2014, but there’s something about the aged vocals of both country stars that fits this song perfectly.
3. “I Want To Spend My Life With You” with Frankie Miller
Another excellent later-career collab for Nelson, his 2016 collaboration with Frankie Miller marks just one example of Nelson’s ability to make music with people outside of country music. Best known for his work in hard rock and blues, Frankie Miller sounds amazing with Nelson on the song “I Want To Spend My Life With You”.
4. “Mendocino County Line” with Lee Ann Womack
By 2002, it had been over a decade since Nelson hit the higher points of the country charts. All that changed with one of the best Willie Nelson collaborations ever: “Mendocino County Line” with Lee Ann Womack. This song earned Nelson and Womack a Grammy award, and we think it’s very much deserved.
Though Nelson is no stranger to songwriting, “Mendocino County Line” was actually written by Matt Serletic and Bernie Taupin. The Great Divide may have gotten some mixed reviews, but this hit is a standout collab for the ages.
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