Willie Nelson may be the most distinctive and well-known individual in America. Be it for his music, his love of weed, his braids, his movies, his books, his battered guitar, or his trouble with the IRS, Willie is a true American Icon. There's nothing more distinctive than his high tenor voice or the unmistakeable melodic sound of that guitar. Below you'll find my Top 10 List of Essential Willie Nelson albums every fan should have.
1. Red Headed Stranger - Willie Nelson
Recorded in 1975, this album gave Willie Nelson the success he craved. The album, and two singles, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," and "Remember Me" became huge hits. This remastered version of the original contains four bonus tracks not found on the original.
2. Stardust - Willie Nelson
Legacy Recordings
Willie recorded this album in 1977 in the middle of the outlaw country era. The album was filled with old standards and produced by Booker T. Jones. Everyone was scratching their heads at this idea, but the album has been one of Willie's most popular, selling over three million copies since its release.
3. Pancho & Lefty - Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Legacy Recordings
Pancho and Lefty is an amazingly enjoyable album, solid country music with no apologies, no trends, and no holds barred. Merle and Willie don't shy away from the sad songs or other tough emotions. It's more than worth rushing out for. You just can't go wrong with Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson.
4. Waylon and Willie - Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
Legacy Recordings
The Waylon & Willie release of 1978 is one of the best-selling albums for either artist, even years later. The album went to the top of the charts and stayed there for 11 weeks. It contains five duets between the two, and three solo songs a piece.
5. Always on my Mind - Willie Nelson
Legacy Recordings
If you cannot get enough Willie Nelson music, fans will be glad to have a digitally remastered copy of 1982's Always On My Mind, complete with two new and never before released tracks. Though this was released as a pop album, Willie's voice alone makes it sound more country than anything else.
6. The Great Divide - Willie Nelson
Lost Highway
Willie Nelson "does it again!" He simply records whatever he wants, whenever he wants. He doesn't care for radio airplay and just loves to record with as many people possible. On The Great Divide, Willie records with Rob Thomas (of Matchbox 20), Lee Ann Womack, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, R&B star Brian McKnight and Bonnie Raitt.
7. To Lefty From Willie - Willie Nelson
Legacy Recordings
Country music legends are becoming a singularly rare breed. Willie Nelson, who turns 70 this year, is one of that rare breed. In keeping with a newly formed tradition, when a country legend hits that magical 7th decade, a number of Willie's past recordings are being re-issued in new, re-mastered, and delightful new form, such as this 1977 release, To Lefty From Willie.
8. Crazy: The Demo Sessions - Willie Nelson
Sugar Hill
This package of early demo recordings (many of which feature only Willie and his exquisite guitar playing) shows very clearly that he was well geared up to follow that path even when he was struggling mightily against Nashville's desire to polish him into a Tiffany-set diamond when he was very clearly quite a different kind of gem.
9. Willie and Family Live - Willie & Friends
Legacy Recordings
Willie and Family Live is a 2-CD set issued originally in 1978, when arguably Willie was at the very top of his game. Willie's always been a genuine, one-of-a-kind, 100% bone fide legend, at least in my lifetime. I can't remember not hearing him, and heck, before I ever heard that distinctive voice and unmistakable guitar playing, I certainly knew his music.
10. Stars and Guitars - Willie and Friends
Lost Highway
With the eclectic mix of artists as only Willie Nelson can gather for just another in a series of "Willie Nelson & Friends" albums, Stars & Guitars is one record that is sure to keep any music fan happy. It'll also introduce many country fans to some artists they'd not normally even listen to and vice-versa.