The concept of “old” versus “new” country has long been debated. The fact that we’re entering a time never before seen – one in which octogenarians are carrying the country torch as it were – has not been deliberated. Why? Because the point is not the age of the singer, but the songs they are singing.
Willie Nelson, a Texas son and proud of it, is turning 83 years this April 29. In a time when age determines how much respect you generally earn (depending on the upbringing of the one paying homage), right down to your ability to drive (in the eyes of the DMV), a country gentleman continuing to do what he loves, play the songs that strike a chord his in listeners’ hearts and be relevant all at the same time can be likened to a miracle, and one that should be celebrated.
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And it was, in a manner befitting music royalty. On Friday, January 15 of this year, PBS aired the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert honoring Willie Nelson. The show was originally recorded on November 18, 2015 when he received the award after having a myriad of artists (chosen specifically for this event) perform his music while he and his wife looked on from their private viewing area above the stage.
One such performance, a duet rendition of Willie and Ray Charles’ illustrious “Seven Spanish Angels,”sung by Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson, has since gone viral on the internet — no surprise considering the very nature of the song, its original version’s effortless tug at the listener’s heartstrings, and the quality and emotion with which the noteworthy original duo delivered it. It’s hard to improve on “the best,” but this version, meant as an honor to the celebrated musician and songbird, seemed synonymous with all Willie Nelson has done and (Lord willing) will continue to do.
This event was the culmination of a 2-day celebration of the “Red Headed Stranger” with a presentation and special display the day prior, in the Library’s historic Thomas Jefferson Building, recognizing Willie for his 60-year career of contributing to popular music. In honor of the legendary songwriting team of Ira and George Gershwin, their namesake prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in the promotion of cross-culturalism, informing audiences, inspiring new generations as well as entertaining them, using song as their instrument.