The last of The Highwaymen, and a generation of amazing artists.
Willie Nelson turned 91-years old in April, and he is gearing up to release his 76th solo studio album (and 153rd album overall) Last Leaf On The Tree later this week.
His son Micah, who produced the project, says the “through-line” of the album finds his father reflecting on the finality of life and passing of time, which becomes more real and apparent with each passing year.
“There are little side-quests, but that became the through-line… facing death with grace.”
Of course, the thought of a world without Willie Nelson is not exactly pretty, but he’s never been one to shy away from what’s on his heart, and in a recent interview with NBC News, Willie addressed the heartbreak of aging and losing so many close friends and family members over the years.
He’s grieved the loss of legendary friends like Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and even his longtime best friend and former drummer Paul English over the years, in addition to his sister Bobbie Nelson, who passed in March of 2022, and he was very close with.
Willie laughed as he admitted in the interview that he doesn’t fully understand why he’s still here:
“I’ve lost a lot of good friends. And for some reason, I’m still here.”
Just this year alone, Kris Kristofferson and Toby Keith passed away, and while he’s seemingly handled it with grace from the outside looking in, he says the grief has never gotten easier and that “each time it is just as bad as the last time” when someone he loves dies:
“We all have to go through it in various ways. And each time it is just as bad as the last time.”
As positive as Willie is, I can only imagine how sad it’s been for him to lose so many people that were his closest friends, confidants and family members. He seems surprised himself to have made it over nine decades, especially considering his wild younger years and everything he’s been through.
Losing someone you love dearly is never easy, no matter how old you are, or how famous you are, but it feels like he’s had to go through it a lot more than most of us. Obviously, that comes with the blessing of living as long as he has, but still… it sucks.
The album release slated for this Friday, November 1st, and includes 13-songs with a mix of both covers and originals. Last Leaf On The Tree was recorded at Willie’s famous Pedernales Studios near his home outside of Austin, Texas, as well as at the Hen House in Venice, California.
So far, he’s released three singles, “Lost Cause,” “Do You Realize??” and “Last Leaf.”
“Lost Cause”
“Do You Realize??”
“Last Leaf”
Willie Nelson only has a couple more tour dates remaining this year, both out in California, so if you get the chance, go see him perform before he wraps on the year.
October 29 – Sacramento, CA – The Starlet Room
October 31 – Ferndale, CA – Ferndale Music Company & The Old Steeple
