Willie Nelson’s journey to becoming a country icon started with songwriting. One of his earliest successes was penning the timeless Patsy Cline hit, “Crazy.”
But his talents don’t stop there. Nelson has a rare gift for reimagining songs from any genre, making them sound as if they were always his own. His interpretations are heartfelt and unmistakably unique.
At 91, Nelson remains a treasure, and his classic rock covers are a testament to his versatility. Here are three of his greatest takes on rock anthems.
“All Things Must Pass” (Featuring Lukas Nelson) from The Willie Nelson Family (2021)
Lukas Nelson takes center stage on their rendition of “All Things Must Pass,” the title track from George Harrison’s iconic post-Beatles album. While Harrison’s version is lush and dreamlike, thanks to Phil Spector’s rich orchestration, the Nelson family strips it down to its essence. Gentle guitar picking and soft harmonies create an intimate, grounded feel.
Willie Nelson steps back, offering soulful backing vocals that feel like a quiet reassurance to the next generation. The performance captures a warm, communal vibe, much like Harrison’s inspiration from The Band. It’s a fitting nod to the spirit of togetherness that Harrison embraced after The Beatles.
The song itself, born out of the turbulence of The Beatles’ breakup, carries a message of resilience. Harrison’s reflective lyrics remind us that even life’s darkest moments are fleeting, and brighter days will come again.
“Dry Lightning” (Featuring Emmylou Harris) from To All the Girls… (2013)
“Dry Lightning,” from To All the Girls…, brings Bruce Springsteen’s weary tale of heartbreak to life with Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris. In the original, Springsteen’s loner sounds too defeated to even tell his story. Decades later, Nelson and Harris revisit his struggle, keeping the raw vulnerability intact.
Harris enters the song like a voice from the past, reminding the narrator he’s not truly alone. Nelson’s strained chords echo the character’s exhaustion, fighting to find hope in a barren landscape. Harris, meanwhile, sings as if observing from a distance, detached yet tender, chronicling the couple’s fading moments.
The imagery of dry lightning flickers in the background—a hint of change that may never arrive. Whether it signals renewal or just another empty sign, the song lingers in uncertainty. The haunting lyrics capture the desperate chase for meaning in the shadows of loss.
“Midnight Rider” from The Electric Horseman Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1979)
Covering a song as iconic as “Midnight Rider” is no easy task, but Willie Nelson made it his own. The Allman Brothers’ original captures the outlaw spirit with its smooth groove, but Nelson’s version adds his signature road-worn grit. His take carries the weight of a life spent chasing freedom, filled with bluesy rebellion.
Nelson contributed heavily to The Electric Horseman soundtrack, where his rendition of “Midnight Rider” stands out. Alongside co-stars Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, Nelson infused the film with his musical touch, including a blazing solo on his trusted guitar, Trigger. The raw energy rivals the power of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts.
The song’s timeless lyrics underline the restless determination of its narrator. Nelson delivers them with a defiant edge, reminding us that the midnight rider will never be caught, no matter the obstacles in his path.