Willie Nelson may be 92, but his music shows no signs of slowing. The country music icon is once again stepping into the spotlight—this time with a tribute to one of his dearest friends, Merle Haggard. Slated for release on November 7, Nelson’s new album, Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, will revisit the work of Haggard with tenderness, reverence, and decades of shared history behind it.
Leading the album’s rollout is “Somewhere Between,” a song originally recorded in 1967 by Haggard and his then-wife Bonnie Owens. Nelson’s new rendition strips the tune down to its emotional core. With his weathered vocals and minimalist acoustic arrangement, he transforms it into a quiet meditation on love, longing, and the things left unsaid.
The project is more than just a musical tribute—it’s a continuation of a friendship that defined a generation of outlaw country. Haggard and Nelson first met in the 1960s, bonding over poker games before their professional partnership took off. Their 1983 album, Pancho and Lefty, cemented their status as a dynamic duo in country music, blending their voices and philosophies in a way that resonated with fans across the world.
“You can’t bluff Willie Nelson,” Haggard once joked. “He calls every g–damned bet.” That playful honesty mirrored the way both men approached their music—no frills, just truth.
The upcoming album includes several of Haggard’s most iconic tracks, such as “Mama Tried” and “Okie from Muskogee,” alongside deeper cuts that reflect the full scope of Haggard’s songwriting. Nelson approaches the material not as an imitator, but as a friend, using his own voice and perspective to bring fresh emotional weight to the familiar lyrics.
After Haggard’s passing in 2016, Nelson was among the first to honor his legacy. “He wrote more Number One songs than me, Kris, anybody,” Nelson said in a Rolling Stone interview, referring to fellow songwriter Kris Kristofferson. That admiration is felt deeply on Workin’ Man.
At 92, Nelson remains a vital figure in American music. Through this album, he reaffirms not only Haggard’s legacy but also his own, serving as a bridge between eras and ensuring that the outlaw country spirit continues to echo through new voices and old souls alike.
