9 Acoustic Willie Nelson Songs in Honor of His 90th Birthday

April 29, 2023, is the day that the great Willie Nelson will celebrate his 90th birthday.

Videos by American Songwriter

Recognized as one of the greatest songwriters of all time and, especially, as one of the most influential country artists of all time, Nelson is known for his braids, his beat-up guitar named Trigger, his brittle but beautiful voice and his penchant for puffing pot. He’s a national hero, to be sure.

[RELATED: Willie Nelson on Songwriting: “I Don’t Try to Push It”]

To celebrate Nelson, we wanted to showcase nine excellent acoustic offerings. Here are 9 acoustic Willie Nelson songs to honor his 90 years.

1. “Always On My Mind”

Maybe one of Nelson’s most famous songs. Here, in this performance from 1982, he sings it beautifully and fully. It’s magnetic. Originally written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, the song is now synonymous with Nelson.

2. “Funny How Time Slips Away”

Written by Nelson, this song was first released in 1961 and recorded by Billy Walker. Here, Nelson sings it in 1997 with other folks like Kris Kristofferson sitting nearby.

3. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”

Written by Fred Rose, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was recorded by Nelson in 1975 for his Red Headed Stranger album. Here, Nelson performs it acoustically on Austin City Limits in 1976.

4. “On the Road Again”

From Farm Aid 2020, Nelson performs another of his biggest songs, “On the Road Again” (released in 1980), backed by several more acoustics.

5. “She Is Gone”

Showing a knack for finger-picking, soloing, and even a Spanish-style guitar, Nelson performs “She Is Gone” from his 1996 album Spirit, in 1997.

6. “I Never Cared For You”

Nelson performs this 1964 classic acoustic, “I Never Cared For You,” in 2013.

7. “Summertime”

A 2016 performance of Nelson playing the classic jazz hit “Summertime.” His voice is mournful, rugged, and perfect.

8. “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die”

Back with the Boys, Nelson sings “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” dedicated to Mary Jane. How fitting.

9. “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”

From Austin City Limits in 1979, “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” was originally released in 1980 on the Honeysuckle Rose soundtrack.

Photo by Pamela Springsteen / Shock Ink

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