Once again, Willie Nelson is reminding us why he’s known as one of the most prolific songwriters and artists in history. Today (September 4), he announced the details of his upcoming 155th (yes, you read that right) studio album, which pays tribute to one of his closest friends and creative collaborators.
Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, set for release on November 7 via Legacy Recordings, features 11 new renditions of classic tracks penned by the late Merle Haggard. The collection of covers spans across the decades of Haggard’s extensive career and includes the No. 1 hits “Mama Tried,” “If We Make It Through December,” and “Okie from Muskogee.”
Nelson has also delivered fans a teaser of what’s to come via the record’s title track and lead single. First released in 1969 as a single off his 10th studio album, A Portrait of Merle Haggard, “Workin’ Man Blues” quickly shot to No. 1 in both the U.S. and Canada. The song is still an unmistakable representation of the early rock and country blend known as the “Bakersfield Sound” and of Haggard’s brilliant and relatable lyricism.
This announcement comes just a day before Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 10th Anniversary Tour is set to kick off its final leg in Bangor, Maine, where he’ll be joined by Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Waxahatchee, and Madeline Edwards. On September 20, Nelson will also helm an all-star lineup at Farm Aid 40, held at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minnesota. You can find more information about all upcoming live events and pre-order your CD or vinyl pressing of Workin’ Man by visiting Willie Nelson’s official website.
Listen to “Workin’ Man Blues” below:
Willie Nelson, Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle
Track List:
- “Workin’ Man Blues”
- “Silver Wings”
- “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down”
- “Today I Started Loving You Again”
- “Swinging Doors”
- “Okie from Muskogee”
- “Mama Tried”
- “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink”
- “Somewhere Between”
- “If We Make It Through December”
- “Ramblin’ Fever”
