A good live album is good for the soul.
Willie Nelson’s Rolodex of albums is impressive, to say the least, and over the years, had a done his handful of live albums. One of my favorites is his Willie Nelson & Friends- Stars & Guitars from 2002.
The album was recorded in The Ryman and featured terrific artists like Toby Keith, Sheryl Crow, Lee Ann Womack, and many more, but one of my favorite covers from the album is Vince Gill’s version of “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.”
Although the tune is also a cover from Nelson, as it was first recorded by Elton Britt in 1946, and then again by Roy Acuff in 1947. It played an integral part in Nelson’s success when it became a massive hit off of Nelson’s 1975 album Red Headed Stranger, landing number one on the charts.
Vince Gill’s version of the live album is one of my favorites. Gill accompanies himself on guitar during the tune and nails all of the guitar parts between lyrics.
His vocal delivery is soft yet powerful, and he drags out each word so that it resonates with the listener.
It probably helps that The Ryman has one of the best acoustics out of venues in Nashville.
“Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” is a timeless song, and Vince Gill is the perfect musician to lay down a stellar cover.
