15 Best Willie Nelson Songs That Everybody Should Know
He only has about 2,500 of them! 🤠
Music legend Willie Nelson is currently 90 years old and has spent about 60 of them providing the world with his original music. The American singer and songwriter has had—and is still having—a wondrous career that is decorated with accolades and garnished with hit ballads. He's responsible for many of the country songs we all love today—though he's dabbled outside of the genre from time to time. He has featured his music in some of the world's most historic movies and even starred in some himself. (Did you catch him in Dolly Parton's holiday film, Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas?) All this to say, he's a superstar in his own right. So, let's take a brief trip through his extensive career and listen to 15 of Willie's greatest hits.
There are country love songs on this list, like his recent song "I'll Love You Till The Day I Die." You might also recognize some classics, like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." There are also plenty of songs on this list from the soundtracks of classic movies everyone knows. But keep in mind that Willie has over 2,500 songs out to date. So if you don't see one of your favorites on this list, we hope you can understand why! 😂
“Crazy” (1962)
Willie had all his fans going "crazy" for him when he released this song. It became an early '60s hit when Patsy Cline recorded it for Willie in 1961. It did so well, Willie decided to release his own version in 1962, delighting fans everywhere.
"Half a Man" (1963)
One of Willie's earlier hits, "Half a Man" is a song of heartbreak and sorrow. But his voice just makes it worth the listen!
"Night Life" (1965)
We don't know what's better: Willie's sweet vocals, or the detailed guitar strums that sooth our ears during each listen.
"Me and Paul" (1971)
This is what a real bromance looks like! 😂 Willie wrote this song as a tribute to his drummer and good friend, Paul English.
"Whiskey River" (1973)
Our feet are tapping, our shoulders are shimmying, and our heads are nodding... Oh, sorry! We're just playing "Whiskey River" by Willie Nelson!
"Bloody Mary Morning" (1974)
You'll be putting on your best cowboy boots and doing a little dance the minute you turn this song on. It just has that impact!
"Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" (1975)
Willie is the best at making a simple tune a classic. There's not much heard other than his voice and the strings on his guitar!
"Georgia on My Mind" (1978)
Willie's rendition of this widely-known hit ended up winning him a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance!
"Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" (1979)
We're just going to assume the title of this song is satire! 😂 Willie recorded this song with his friend Waylon Jennings. The original was sung by Ed Bruce.
"My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" (1980)
This tune was originally written by Sharon Vaughn, sung by Waylon Jennings in the compilation album Wanted! The Outlaws (which Willie was a part of). Willie released his own version as part of the soundtrack for the film The Electric Horseman, which saw it go #1 on the charts.
"On the Road Again" (1980)
Oh, believe us when we say we belt out this chorus every time we hear this song. It's impossible not to!
"Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" (1981)
This one might just be Willie's most notable hit (if we can even pick one!). It comes from the '80s film Honeysuckle Rose, in which Willie starred in. The entire soundtrack is full of gems, but "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" truly takes it home.
"Pancho and Lefty" (1983)
A lot of Willie's songs can be described in a three word sentence: Sad, but catchy! This duet between him and Merle Haggard reigns the statement true. Fun fact: Haggard originally denied the song when he was pitched it!
"Getting Over You" (1993)
The perfect breakup song exists, and it's this duet between Willie and legend Bonnie Raitt.
"I'll Love You Till The Day I Die" (2022)
Yes, Willie is *still* making music! And good, heartfelt music at that!
Josiah Soto is the assistant editor of news and social for The Pioneer Woman. He helps manage the website’s social channels, in addition to writing high-performing news and entertainment content daily.
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