Willie Nelson, at 92 years old, is still making music that matters. The country music legend is preparing to release a new album on November 7, titled Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle—a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and longtime collaborator, Merle Haggard. The album promises to be more than just a collection of covers—it’s a deeply personal homage that reconnects listeners to the outlaw country roots that shaped both artists’ careers.
The project was previewed with the release of “Somewhere Between,” a poignant track first recorded by Haggard and Bonnie Owens in 1967. Willie’s version slows the tempo, allowing every lyric and guitar note to breathe with the weight of memory. His interpretation transforms the song into a reflective conversation across time—between two old friends separated by death, but not by spirit.
“Somewhere between your heart and mine / There’s a window that I can’t see through,” the lyrics go—a line that now feels even more resonant as Nelson sings it from the vantage point of age and loss.
While the album includes classics like “Mama Tried” and “Okie from Muskogee,” it also aims to shine a light on lesser-known gems from Haggard’s catalog. The selections reflect a deep respect for Haggard’s craftsmanship, as well as Nelson’s intention to keep these songs alive for a new generation of listeners.
Their friendship began in the 1960s—not on stage, but over a game of poker in Nelson’s Nashville home. From that chance meeting came one of country music’s most iconic partnerships. They would go on to share stages, studio sessions, and decades of camaraderie. Their 1983 collaborative album, Pancho and Lefty, remains a landmark release in the genre, with its title track widely regarded as one of country music’s great storytelling songs.
In interviews, Haggard often spoke with admiration about Nelson’s independence and artistic integrity. “He’s his own man, always has been,” Haggard once said. That sense of mutual respect and shared outlaw spirit is palpable throughout the upcoming album.
Willie Nelson continues to embody that same ethos in 2025. Though the years have passed, his music remains rooted in authenticity. Workin’ Man is not just a tribute to Haggard—it’s a reminder of what country music has always been about: truth, pain, friendship, and resilience.
