It might surprise you to know, but George Strait and Willie Nelson never shared the same stage until January of 2019.
Pretty hard to believe right?
We’re talking about two iconic Texans, and while Willie was already a country music legend when George burst on the scene in the early ’80s, you’d think their paths would’ve crossed before 2019. At least one time on stage together… ever? Nope… not even once.
In 2019, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, an all-star group that included Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Eric Church, Jamey Johnson and more came together to honor the great Willie Nelson in a concert special titled Willie: Life & Songs of an American Outlaw, A Willie Nelson All-Star Concert Celebration.
The legendary Willie himself joined George Strait for the first time ever, for a brand new song titled, “Sing One With Willie.”
The song went on to be part of George Strait’s 2019 album Honky Tonk Time Machine.
Since then, the two have shared the stage a couple times, including one at Willie’s 90th birthday party concert.
Willie’s 90th Birthday
If there was ever a time to be jealous about missing a show, not being at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration last year is that time.
We’re talking about one of the most epic country music lineups ever assembled featuring the man of the hour himself, the great Willie Nelson, as well as George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, Charley Crockett, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Neil Young, Orville Peck, Particle Kid, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, and that’s not even scratching the surface.
Fellow Texan and fellow country music legend, and the one and only King of country music, George Strait, took the stage last night to sing alongside Willie for a cover of the Townes Van Zandt song, “Pancho & Lefty,” as well as George and Willie’s original, “Sing One With Willie.”
“Pancho & Lefty” was written and recorded by Townes Van Zandt in 1972 for his The Late Great Townes Van Zandt record, and is widely considered his greatest song.
Nelson and Haggard recorded their version nearly a decade later in 1983, the title track from their Pancho & Lefty duets album. It reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country chart and Townes himself was actually featured in the music video.
Check it out:
