Remembering and talking about the greatest hits of the legendary Willie Nelson

Famous singer, songwriter and guitarist - for his legendary long career. Willie Nelson has recorded songs from virtually every genre, touching on country, folk, jazz and more! The Texas native has written some of the most important music in history: from "Crazy."made famous by Patsy Cline, to. "Funny How Times Slips Away" performed by Elvis Presley. Nelson himself became famous for his charmingly eccentric vocal style. Choosing the best songs from this man's vast repertoire was a real challenge: Nelson had released an order of 130 singlesalmost 100 studio albums (и 13 concerts). It was difficult, but we did our best! So, let's remember and tell about the main hits of the legendary Willie Nelson.

"Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground."

Nelson played himself in the '80s musical drama "Honeysuckle Rose". Honeysuckle Rose soundtrack of the same name, recorded by Nelson with his colleagues on the film Amy Irving and Dyan Cannon. (and with the participation of Emmylou Harris, Hank Cochran, Jeannie Seeley and violinist Johnny Gimble.) included tracks such as. "Pick Up the Tempo" and "Heaven and Hell.". It included "On the Road Again," a road anthem that has become a ubiquitous classic, but it was . "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground." deserves to be considered an American standard.

The song is a meditation on deep love and even deeper loss, with succinct production and one of Nelson's most vulnerable, compelling vocal performances of all time.

"Crazy."

One of the greatest country music compositions ever written or recorded. According to the magazine. Rolling Stoneit takes its place in the 500 greatest songs of all time!

This career-changing song Patsy Cline in 1961, remains a popular hit even after so many decades. Nelson wrote "Crazy" and gave his creation to the singer's husband after coming across it at the famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville.

"Touch Me."

An early classic from 1962 from the album "And Then I Wrote".

It is Nelson's second hit on the Billboard American country music chart.

"My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys."

This song was written Sharon Vaughn and originally performed Waylon JenningsHowever, it was Nelson who brought the song to the top of the charts with his 1979 version! The song was recorded by Willie especially for the film "Electric Rider."in which Nelson made his debut as an actor.

The lyrics romanticise "cowboy customs", but ultimately the song is about wasted chances and coming to terms with a life lived without responsibility.

"Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys."

Another gorgeous creation Willie Nelson on our list.

"Pancho And Lefty"

This story Townes Van Zandt about Mexican gangsterism, brotherhood and betrayal was written more than a decade before Nelson and Merle Haggard recorded their own version of it "Pancho And Lefty"turning the song into a duet!

"Pancho And Lefty" was a tale about criminals. In it, two characters were positioned as sympathetic anti-heroes who were loved by their mothers and hated by the feds.

"Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain."

A song from Nelson's landmark concept album 1975 years "Red Headed Stranger". A tune written Fred Rose and originally recorded by Roy Acuff, was already 30 years old when Nelson made it his own! This definitive version became his first number one hit and elevated "Red Headed Stranger" to cult status.

"Always On My Mind"

Recording Elvis Presley 1972 of the year made the song popular. However, it was Nelson's version, sung in an accused voice that cuts through the dense arrangement, that won three Grammy Awards!

"On The Road Again"

In 1980, the song, taken from the soundtrack to the film Honeysuckle Rose, became Nelson's ninth country hit and was a top-20 pop hit. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine included the track in its list of 500 greatest songs of all time.

"Hello Walls."

In 1961, Willie Nelson was so broke that he offered to sell the "Hello Walls" to Fearon Young. for $500! Young recorded the song, and "Hello Walls" quickly became a hit. The singer also allowed Nelson to retain the publishing rights - and it was a most honourable gesture on his part.

Less than two months later, Nelson received a retainer in the sum of $20,000.! Encouraged, he made his way over to Fearon to express his gratitude.

"I was sitting quietly to myself, and this big hairy arm went round my neck. Willie gave me a French kiss... Probably the best kiss I've ever had!" - the singer recalled.

"Bloody Mary Morning"

"Bloody Mary Morning" was the morning moment of clarity Nelson needed at a crucial time in his career. A marriage in shambles, a contract with RCA Records that was going nowhere, and all other signs pointed to his return to Texas. The song first appeared in the 1970s on the album "Both Sides Now"but it wasn't until a few years later, when Nelson played it at a party, that "Bloody Mary Morning" caught the attention of Jerry Wexler of Atlantic.

"Whiskey River."

This iconic Nelson tune, which was often used as an opener at his concerts, was actually written by Johnny Bush. Nelson recorded the track for his 1973 album "Shotgun Willie"and endowed it with a powerful bass line and gigantic vocal harmonies.

"Family Bible."

Having written this song early in his career, Nelson originally sold the "Family Bible." to Texas country artist Claude Gray, for whom it became the biggest hit of his career! Years later, however, Willie recorded his own version of "Family Bible" and included it on Yesterday's Wine, a commercially unsuccessful concept album about one man's journey from birth to death.

The lyrics of the song, celebrating the Southern tradition of keeping a family Bible, were inspired by Nelson's grandmother. "Family Bible" was never a big hit for Nelson, but has remained close to his heart. It became a staple song for many concerts and inspired the musician's 1980 gospel album of the same name.

"Half a Man"

This 1963 song is from the album "Here's Willie Nelson" was one of the musician's first tracks to find commercial success on the charts, reaching number 25 at the "Billboard Hot Country Songs."!

It's worth noting that this song has had many incarnations, from Nelson's original recording to a 1982 Merle Haggard cover to a re-recorded duet with George Jones!

"Georgia on My Mind"

Take "Georgia on My Mind," which is already an official song "Peach State." - and make it your own? Yes, Willie Nelson is capable of doing just that! It's worth noting that he gave his version a distinctly soulful reading, gracefully adding to his 1978 album "Stardust.".

Nelson ended up winning a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for this song, which was well deserved: his fragile performance is one of the best ever recorded on film!