A two-day concert for the ages.
Today, the living legend Willie Nelson released a live album of sorts, which was recorded over the course of two days during his two-day birthday celebration at The Hollywood Bowl in April of this year.
Officially dubbed Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl, the live concert film is now available as a 2CD+Blu-Ray deluxe edition, a complete digital edition on streaming services and a 2xLP highlights.
And while we had extensive coverage of all of the best performances at the time, I couldn’t be more excited that I can now listen to them whenever I want driving around in my car (and I will have them on repeat),
The shows took place on April 29th & 30th at the legendary Hollywood Bowl and featured incredible performances of the red headed stranger’s vast catalog by Willie himself, in addition to many of his most famous and talented friends.
Every single performance was superb, the star-power was undeniable, and of course, they played some of the best music ever created with the man himself, so if you’re as big of a Willie Nelson fan as I am, this is definitely worth adding to the collection in some form or fashion.
And considering that the tracklist consists of a whopping 52 tracks, I’ve picked 10 of my favorites for you to start with and enjoy on this lovely Friday morning.
Here’s to the one and only Willie Nelson and many more decades celebrating his extraordinary music and indelible legacy that goes far and beyond one genre or era.
“Always On My Mind” — Chris Stapleton
This was my initial favorite, and I would still keep it at the top of my list. There’s no more powerful or potent voice in country music than Chris Stapleton, and his cover of this standard is mind-blowing and amazing.
I simply cannot get enough…
“Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” — Lukas Nelson
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so to speak (thank the Lord), and Willie’s son Lukas certainly comes by his insane talent very honestly.
Just listen for yourself:
“Funny How Time Slips Away” — Dave Matthews
One of my favorite Willie Nelson songs he ever recorded, Dave Matthews did a perfect and unique cover of this song like you’ve probably never heard it before.
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” — Miranda Lambert
An all-time country classic and fan-favorite that was originally a duet by Waylon and Willie, this cover was delivered by the Texas queen herself, Miranda Lambert, and very well-done (not that I expected anything less, obviously).
“Georgia On My Mind” — Jamey Johnson, Warren Haynes & Booker T Jones
A solid performance led by the great Jamey Johnson, this performance was beautiful and timeless.
“Pancho & Lefty” — Willie Nelson & George Strait
Two Texas icons who will each leave behind an indelible and storied legacy in country music and beyond, it’s a special gift to have Willie and George on the same stage together.
“Night Life” — Leon Bridges & Gary Clark Jr.
Leon Bridges has such an incredible voice, and it was so fun to hear his soulful take on this Willie Nelson classic. Coupled with his fellow Texan Gary Clark Jr., they certainly delivered a show-stopping perfomance.
“Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die” — Willie Nelson & Snoop Dogg
Is there a more fun duo or friendship in music than Willie and Snoop? I think not…
“We Had It All” — Willie Nelson & Keith Richards
A rock and country legend teaming up to sing one of my favorite sad songs of all time, it simply doesn’t get better than this.
“Good Hearted Woman” — Lukas Nelson and Shooter Jennings
There’s nothing cooler than seeing Lukas and Shooter, sons of Willie and Waylon, on stage performing together.
Both respected musicians in their own right, I love that they both continue to carry on the legacy of their father’s with such reverence and respect.
Of course, there’s so much more where all of that came from, so I highly suggest buying a copy of the vinyl and downloading the entire live album. You’ll find performances from Billy Strings, Dwight Yoakam, Norah Jones, Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers and plenty of others.
Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl – Digital Edition track listing (Digital-Only Bonus Tracks in Bold):
- Billy Strings – Whiskey River
- Billy Strings – I Gotta Get Drunk
- Charley Crockett – Yesterday’s Wine
- Orville Peck – Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other
- Edie Brickell w/ Charlie Sexton – Remember Me (When The Candle Lights Are Gleaming)
- Lyle Lovett – Hello Walls
- Lyle Lovett – My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
- Allison Russell & Norah Jones – Seven Spanish Angels
- Particle Kid & Daniel Lanois – The Ghost
- Particle Kid & Daniel Lanois – Die When I’m High (Halfway To Heaven)
- Dwight Yoakam – Me And Paul
- Margo Price & Nathanial Rateliff – I Can Get Off On You
- Margo Price & Waylon Payne – Georgia On A Fast Train
- Beck – Hands On The Wheel
- Beck – Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
- Norah Jones – Down Yonder
- Norah Jones & Kris Kristofferson – Help Me Make It Through The Night
- Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Payne – It Ain’t Over Yet
- Warren Haynes – Midnight Rider
- Lukas Nelson – Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
- Leon Bridges & Gary Clark Jr. – Night Life
- Gary Clark Jr. – Texas Flood
- Rosanne Cash w/ Kris Kristofferson – Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)
- Jack Johnson – Willie Got Me Stoned
- Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps – Time Of The Preacher
- Lukas Nelson & Shooter Jennings – Good Hearted Woman
- Ziggy Marley – Still Is Still Moving To Me
- Tom Jones – Opportunity To Cry
- The Avett Brothers – Pick Up The Tempo
- The Avett Brothers – Heaven And Hell
- Bobby Weir – Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain
- The Chicks – Bloody Mary Morning
- The Lumineers – Pretty Paper
- Nathaniel Rateliff – City Of New Orleans
- Nathanial Rateliff – A Song For You
- Sheryl Crow – Crazy
- Dave Matthews – Funny How Time Slips Away
- Miranda Lambert – Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
- Chris Stapleton – Always On My Mind
- Jamey Johnson, Warren Haynes & Booker T Jones – Georgia On My Mind
- Willie Nelson & Booker T Jones – Stardust
- Willie Nelson & Lily Meola – Will You Remember Mine
- Willie Nelson & Buddy Cannon – Something You Get Through
- Willie Nelson & Billy Strings – California Sober
- Willie Nelson & Sheryl Crow – Far Away Places
- Willie Nelson & George Strait – Sing One With Willie
- Willie Nelson & George Strait – Pancho & Lefty
- Willie Nelson & Snoop Dogg – Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die
- Willie Nelson, Stephen Stills & Neil Young – Are There Any More Cowboys?
- Willie Nelson & Keith Richards – We Had It All
- Willie Nelson & Keith Richards – Live Forever
- All Sing – On The Road Again & Happy Birthday
