Keeping it very, very real.
Today, Willie Nelson released his 76th solo studio album (and 153rd album overall) Last Leaf On The Tree today, and it’s certainly a much deeper, more reflective project in terms of where he’s at in life than some of the other albums he’s put out in recent years.
Produced by his son Micah, he previously explained that the “through-line” of the album finds his dad tackling the finality of life, which has become more real and apparent with each passing year, especially considering how much close friends and family Willie has lost over the years:
“There are little side-quests, but that became the through-line… facing death with grace.”
I don’t want to imagine a world without Willie Nelson, but he’ll turn 92 next year, so it’s not like he’s going to live another 90 years (though I certainly wish that was possible).
In an interview with AP News, Willie told the outlet that dying isn’t something he’s worried about, and that he feels good and takes care of himself. On the flip side, he “doesn’t know anybody who’s live forever,” so he just appreciates each healthy, happy day as much as he can:
“Well, I’m 91 plus, so, you know, I’m not worried about it. I don’t feel bad. I don’t hurt anywhere. I don’t have any reason to worry about dying. But I don’t know anybody who’s lived forever. I take pretty good care of myself. And I feel like I’m in pretty good shape physically. Mentally? That’s another story.”
And his sense of humor is just as good as always too, which could possibly be the key to aging so gracefully, the way he has.
It’s pretty rare for an artist as beloved and iconic as Willie to not only make it to 91, but to also still be in generally good health and even out on the road touring. Of course, it shouldn’t really surprise anyone, because that is Willie’s life mission and what he “came here to do,” he says:
“I had a good time. And I did what I came here to do: make music.”
Aside from grieving the losses of Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and even his longtime best friend and former drummer Paul English years ago, more recently, Willie lost his sister Bobbie Nelson in 2022, as well as friends Toby Keith and Kris Kristofferson this year.
Willie reflected on the death of Kris, who performed at his 90th birthday celebration last year, saying:
“He was a great songwriter. He left a lot of fantastic songs around for the rest of us to sing, for as long as we’re here. Kris was a great friend of mine.An d, you know, we just kind of had a lot of fun together and made a lot of music together — videos, movies. I hated to lose him. That was a sad time.”
Of course, when you live as long as Willie has, that type of grief and loss is sadly inevitable, though he still has plenty of family, including his wife Annie and seven children, who keep him busy. He also continues to tour and play shows as much as he can, which we all know is what he loved doing best and certainly helps keep him young.
Last Leaf On The Tree includes 13 with a mix of both covers and originals, and it was mostly recorded at Willie’s famous Pedernales Studios near his home outside of Austin, Texas, as well as at the Hen House in Venice, California.
The three pre-released singles “Lost Cause,” “Do You Realize??” and “Last Leaf” are still some of my favorites from the new album… long live Willie Nelson:
“Lost Cause”
“Do You Realize??”
“Last Leaf”
The red headed stranger only has a couple more tour dates remaining this year 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
