One by Willie
Music
About
Each episode, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song that they love, leading to highly personal looks at the life, art, and legend of a genuine American folk hero. Check us out on instagram: @onebywillie and our website onebywillie.com
Episodes
- Tami Neilson on "I Thought About You, Lord"
Tami Neilson discusses the song "I Thought About You, Lord" from Willie Nelson's 1996 album, Spirit. She reflects on her personal connection to Nelson, their shared experiences, and their collaboration on the duet "Beyond the Stars."
- One by Willie x Nashville Now: Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson!
In this episode, host John Spong joins Joseph Hudak of Rolling Stone's Nashville Now to discuss the connection fans have with Willie Nelson’s music. They reflect on the songs that define their personal experience with Nelson's catalogue, i…
- Emmylou Harris on "Till I Gain Control Again" (special Willie's birthday episode)
Emmylou Harris discusses the Rodney Crowell-penned song "Till I Gain Control Again" and her experiences touring with Willie Nelson. She reflects on their efforts to return country music to its roots, their musical collaborations, and her t…
- Matt Berninger on "All of Me"
Matt Berninger of The National discusses Willie Nelson’s 1978 cover of “All of Me” from the album Stardust. He explores the song's history, the recording sessions with Booker T. Jones, and is joined by harmonica player Mickey Raphael to re…
- Jamey Johnson on "It Always Will Be"
Country artist Jamey Johnson discusses Willie Nelson's song "It Always Will Be," reflecting on the meaning of Outlaw Country and sharing stories about influential figures in Nelson's life. He also talks about his personal friendship with N…
- Kenny Chesney on "That Lucky Old Sun"
Kenny Chesney discusses the influence of Willie Nelson's 1976 cover of "That Lucky Old Sun," their later duet on the track, and his experience producing Nelson’s 2008 album, "Moment of Forever."
- Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
Host John Spong introduces the seventh season of One by Willie, a podcast series featuring personal reflections on Willie Nelson's music from guests including Kenny Chesney, Taj Mahal, and George Saunders. The new season premieres on March…
- Wesley Schultz on "Pretty Paper" (special holiday reboot)
In this One by Willie episode, Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers joins host Willie Nelson to discuss Nelson's holiday song "Pretty Paper." Schultz shares childhood memories of hearing the song and discusses its unique qualities that make it…
- Bonnie Raitt on "Getting Over You" (special Willie's birthday episode)
In a birthday tribute, Bonnie Raitt discusses her 1993 duet
- Conor Oberst on "Undo the Right"
Conor Oberst discusses Willie Nelson's song "Undo the Right," co-written with Hank Cochran. Oberst reflects on incorporating counterintuitive ideas into songwriting and analyzes Nelson's bridges, also touching on Nelson's 1959 B-side "The…
- Mark Seliger on "Stardust"
Photographer Mark Seliger discusses the profound influence of Willie Nelson's 1978 song "Stardust" on his photography. He shares anecdotes about creating his first Willie portrait and observations about Willie derived from his guitar, Trig…
- Larry Gatlin on "She's Not for You"
Larry Gatlin, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, shares insights into Willie Nelson's 1973 album "Shotgun Willie." He details the recording process in New York, contrasting it with Nashville's methods, and recalls Willie's pickin…
- Adrian Quesada on "I Never Cared for You"
Austin-based guitarist Adrian Quesada analyzes Willie Nelson's song "I Never Cared for You" from the 1998 album "Teatro." Quesada explores the album's production by Daniel Lanois and examines the Latin elements within Willie's music.
- Amanda Petrusich on "Reasons to Quit"
New Yorker music critic Amanda Petrusich analyzes Merle Haggard's song "Reasons to Quit," exploring its themes of aging as an outlaw and the therapeutic nature of sad songs.
- Charlie Sexton on "I Let My Mind Wander"
Charlie Sexton, a guitarist who
- John Mellencamp on "Funny How Time Slips Away"
John Mellencamp shares his long-time admiration for Willie Nelson's song "Funny How Time Slips Away" and draws comparisons between Nelson's early career and Bob Dylan's. The conversation also touches on the founding of Farm Aid and the ong…
- Paul Begala on "Heartland"
CNN analyst Paul Begala discusses Willie Nelson's song "Heartland," inspired by the 1980s farm crisis. Begala highlights Nelson's empathy, noting the song's co-writing with Bob Dylan and including cameos from Nelson Mandela, Elie Weisel, a…
- Billy Strings on "Stay a Little Longer"
Billy Strings discusses his workout of Willie Nelson's "Stay a Little Longer," noting Nelson's fast pace and the integrity in his playing. Strings also recounts recording "California Sober" with Nelson and carrying Jody Payne’s guitar at W…
- Miranda Lambert on “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys”
Miranda Lambert discusses her connection
- Introducing One by Willie Season 6
One by Willie Season 6 premieres January 22, featuring music writer John Spong interviewing notable Willie Nelson fans. Guests discuss their favorite Willie songs and Nelson's impact, with upcoming episodes including Miranda Lambert and Jo…
- Introducing Viva Tejano - Trailer
The trailer for "Viva Tejano" introduces a podcast exploring the Texas origins of Latin music's rise in the U.S. Host J.B. Sauceda will speak with artists and fans about the genre's impact and its connection to current música Mexicana.
- Lucinda Williams on “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”
Lucinda Williams discusses Willie Nelson
- Lana Nelson on “Red Headed Stranger”
Lana Nelson discusses her father Willie Nelson's song "Red Headed Stranger," describing it as one of the first recordings that sounded like home. She also shares family stories, including their experiences with landlords and Willie's hog f…
- Wade Bowen on “Me and Paul”
Texas Country singer-songwriter Wade Bowen discusses Willie Nelson's song “Me and Paul” with host Willie Nelson. Bowen, joining from his tour bus, notes Willie's influence on his current music scene and the song's theme of life on the road.
- John Leventhal on “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”
Six-time Grammy-winning producer John Leventhal discusses Willie Nelson's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," noting its timeless quality. He also covers his session work with Nelson's Hall of Fame band and compares Nelson to Grady Martin and…
- Susan Tedeschi on “Somebody Pick Up My Pieces”
Susan Tedeschi discusses Willie Nelson's 'Somebody Pick Up My Pieces' from the 1998 album Teatro, noting its significance within 'Willie World' and the joy of collaborating with loved ones. The song is a staple for her band, the Tedeschi T…
- Bruce Robison on “Walkin’”
Singer-songwriter Bruce Robison shares his thoughts on Willie Nelson's song
- Lawrence Wright on “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die”
Lawrence Wright discusses Willie Nelson's song
- Booker T Jones on "Georgia on My Mind"
Booker T. Jones discusses his production of Willie Nelson's 1978 album Stardust, including how they met, song selection, and recording for
- Whoopi Goldberg on "Stardust"
EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg discusses Willie Nelson's recording of "Stardust," describing it as a "love song to a love song." She also shares details about her musical upbringing, the origins of country music, and a memorable performance w…
- Nick Offerman on "Buddy"
Nick Offerman discusses Willie Nelson's song
- Dave Cobb on "Time of the Preacher"
Producer Dave Cobb discusses Willie Nelson's 'Time of the Preacher', an overture from 'Red Headed Stranger'. Cobb relates the song to Pink Floyd, the definition of 'outlaw', and the importance of self-belief for artists.
- Don’t Give Up: When Sinead O'Connor Sang With Willie
Producer Don Was recounts the story behind the studio recording of Sinead O'Connor and Willie Nelson's duet of
- Waylon Payne on "Both Sides Now"
American singer-songwriter Waylon Payne shares memories of growing up around Willie Nelson, whose music and life support helped him through difficult times. Payne discusses Nelson's cover of Joni Mitchell's
- Chris Shiflett on “Good Hearted Woman”
Chris Shiflett discusses the outlaw anthem “Good Hearted Woman,” its recording, and Willie’s guitar playing. He also touches on the evolution of the outlaw movement.
- Ray Benson on "Going Away Party"
Ray Benson shares his 50-year friendship with Willie Nelson, discussing the song
- Amanda Shires on "Loving You"
Amanda Shires discusses "Loving You," the title track from her new album of duets with Bobbie Nelson. Shires highlights the song
- Micah Nelson on "Still Is Still Moving to Me" (special Father's Day episode)
Micah Nelson discusses his father Willie Nelson
- Brené Brown on "Amazing Grace"
Dr. Brené Brown shares her personal transformation after hearing
- Daniel Lanois on "I've Loved You All Over The World"
Daniel Lanois discusses his work with Willie Nelson, including the 1998 album
- Ray Wylie Hubbard on "Whiskey River"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard shares personal and hilarious memories associated with Willie Nelson's song "Whiskey River," including tales of being kidnapped by Willie's road crew and drummer Paul English's opinion of the E…
- Lukas Nelson on "I Never Cared For You" (special Willie's birthday episode)
Lukas Nelson discusses the song
- Weyes Blood on "September Song" - Live From Luck!
Natalie Mering, known as Weyes Blood, joins Willie Nelson to discuss Kurt Weill's
- Steve Gunn on "Hands on the Wheel" - Live From Luck!
Steve Gunn joins One by Willie to discuss Willie Nelson's "Hands on the Wheel," exploring its narrative and musical elements. Gunn analyzes Nelson's guitar techniques and considers Django Reinhardt's potential influence on his playing.
- Charley Crockett on "Face of a Fighter" - Live From Luck!
In this episode of One by Willie, guest Charley Crockett discusses Willie Nelson's obscure 1961 recording
- Allison Russell on "Stardust" - Live From Luck!
Allison Russell discusses Willie Nelson's 1978 recording of "Stardust" on the One by Willie podcast. She explains why she considers Nelson's version definitive and notes similarities between his vocals and Billie Holiday's.
- Buddy Cannon on "Something You Get Through"
Buddy Cannon details the inspiration behind Willie Nelson's 2017 song "Something You Get Through," from the Mortality Trilogy, and explains their modern songwriting and recording methods. He also reflects on his personal evolution from a 1…
- Ethan Hawke on "Too Sick To Pray"
Ethan Hawke discusses Willie Nelson's song
- Norah Jones on "Permanently Lonely"
Norah Jones discusses Willie Nelson's song
- David Hood on "(How Will I Know) I'm Falling in Love Again"
Bassist David Hood shares memories of recording Willie Nelson's album 'Phases and Stages' at Muscle Shoals with the Swampers, focusing on the track '(How Will I Know) I'm Falling in Love Again' and producer Jerry Wexler.