The Slow and Peaceful Willie Nelson Song B.B. King Called His Favorite of All Time

B.B. King and Willie Nelson do not reside in the same genre of music, but they reside in a shared taste. A taste that cannot be defined by executives, marketers, or anyone who wishes to slap a label on something for the sake of marketability. No, the two love the music that ebbs and flows and crosses over into nearly intelligible areas. To them, that’s where music becomes best.

Videos by American Songwriter

Thanks to their shared taste, the two have been friends and collaborated on several occasions. Most notably, Willie Nelson helped King on his 1997 album, Deuces Wild. Particularly, the two did a cover of Nelson’s hit song, “Night Life.” Furthermore, many more moments of admiration were probably shared behind the curtain. However, one of the biggest compliments King ever paid Nelson was recorded and documented and has been frequently circulated ever since.

B.B. King and Willie Nelson’s Timeless Classic

In a random interview with Guitar.com in 2003, B.B. answered the daunting question every musician seemingly hates to be asked. Though, despite the intimidating nature of the question, King was still able to answer it rather quickly. And frankly, it goes to show just how much of an effect Nelson’s song had on the blues legend.

“Oh man, that’s hard to tell. But I’ve got many by many” and “One of my songs, if you ask me my favorite song, is Willie Nelson’s ‘Always On My Mind’. That’s my favorite song of all time,” declared B.B. King. He added, “Oh God yeah. He’s one of my favorite singers.”

In light of this love for Nelson, King actually covered “You Are Always on My Mind” on his 2003 album, Reflections. Though, he didn’t believe it lived up to Willie Nelson’s rendition. King stated, “I didn’t do it very well. Not compared to him, the way I hear it, I didn’t. But I was satisfied with what I tried to do. But that’s my favorite song.”

What a statement to hear from one of the best guitarists and musicians of all time. Despite the plethora of accolades Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” achieved, surely the compliment from King means more. This compliment didn’t come from a voting panel, but from a man who knows music as well as he knows how to breathe. Hence, its impact is all the more profound and sincere and surely meant the world to the Red-Headed Stranger.

(Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage)