Willie Nelson is a virtuoso when it comes to country music. Though, if you are one of the few people who believe Nelson can only play country music, then you are sadly mistaken. Nelson’s musical talents reside in seemingly every genre of music except opera. Frankly, if he decided to go in that musical direction, he surely could. Regardless, the man’s musical repertoire is expansive and diverse to the utmost degree. Consequently, he can play quite literally any genre of music under the sun.
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The genre that is seemingly the most similar to Willie Nelson’s Outlaw country music style is likely rock and roll. That being said, Nelson dipped his toe into the genre a plethora of times, both solo and through collaborations. Regarding the latter, here are three rock and roll collaborations that prove Willie Nelson can play any genre he so pleases.
Willie Nelson and ZZ Top’s Rendition of “She Loves My Automobile”
Willie Nelson and ZZ Top are two of the biggest artists to come out of the Lone Star State of Texas. So, it makes total sense that the two teamed up for a collaboration on the song “She Loves My Automobile”. In the 2000s, Top joined Nelson on stage and ripped through the single in the fashion they do best—FAST!
In addition to the concert, Nelson also covered the single prior to the performance on the 2003 tribute album, Live And Kickin’. Lastly, ZZ Top and Nelson have had a longstanding relationship, as Top has opened for Nelson on several different occasions.
“Slow Dancing” by U2 & Willie
U2 and Willie Nelson seemingly go together like ketchup and cake when it comes to musical styles. However, that didn’t stop them from collaborating on the single “Slow Dancing”. Bono originally wrote the song for Willie Nelson, though years later they decided to cut a track together.
The “Slow Dancing” collaborative single was released in 1997 on the B-side of the U2 single “If God Will Send His Angels”. Frankly, this is a hidden gem in both U2 and Willie Nelson’s catalog. However, it is hidden no more, and you should give it a listen.
Neil Young and Willie Nelson Take the Stage at 1995 Farm Aid
Neil Young and Willie Nelson’s relationship mainly revolves around the founding of Farm Aid. That being so, the two have shared the concert’s stage a handful of times. Arguably, the most notable time is when they played together on Young’s iconic hit, “Heart Of Gold”, in 1995.
Willie Nelson doesn’t sing a single lyric, however, he makes up for it with his supporting guitar riffs and solos. His presence on the song wasn’t loud, but again, if it has a key and a rhythm, Willie Nelson will know how to play along to it, and he did just that on this live track.
Photo By Rick Diamond/Getty Images
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