Ryan Larkins Recalls What It Was Like To Open for the Legendary Willie Nelson: “He’s in His 90s, That’s Crazy!”

Getting the chance to open for artists like Keith Urban, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Blake Shelton can help launch a career in country music, but Ryan Larkins found himself opening for one of the biggest names in the genre. For any person who listened to country music over the last six decades, they knew the name Willie Nelson. A true icon in the genre, the singer watched as his stardom appeared larger than country music itself. And for Larkins, he recalled what it was like to open for Nelson. 

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Appearing on Taste of Country Nights, Larkins remembered what it was like to take the stage just before Nelson. Getting the opportunity to spend some time with the legend, the singer easily declared, “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Just to watch him do his thing.” Although Larkins knew the legacy of Nelson, he was more shocked by how the singer handled himself. “He’s in his 90s, that’s crazy.” 

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Ryan Larkins Worked With More Than Just Willie Nelson

Outside of Larkins being shocked over Nelson’s vigor, he was also stunned by the wide variety of fans who came to his shows. Able to stand on the same stage, he looked out to see fans from every generation singing along. “I looked out in the crowd, and I noticed there were grandparents, parents, young kids — there were all ages out there, singing every word to these songs.”

Spending several years in country music, Larkins knew what it was like to rub shoulders with legends. With Larkins a renowned songwriter in Nashville, he worked with names like Tim McGraw, Cody Johnson, and Dolly Parton. Outside of writing, he also released his debut Ep back in 2023 with Meet Ryan Larkins. 

As for Nelson, he celebrated his 92nd birthday back in April. And just two years ago, Nelson crossed off a massive milestone in his career when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But with a love for music, he isn’t done adding to his legacy just yet.

(Photo by Michael Zorn/Shutterstock)