Introduction
“Oh What A Beautiful World” is the title track of Willie Nelson’s 154th album, released on April 25, 2025, just days before his 92nd birthday. This album marks a significant collaboration between two Texas music legends: Nelson and Rodney Crowell. The song itself was originally penned by Crowell and featured as the closing track on his 2014 album Tarpaper Sky. In Nelson’s rendition, the two artists come together for a heartfelt duet, blending their voices to evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for life’s fleeting beauty.
The album features 12 tracks, all written or co-written by Crowell, spanning his prolific 50-year career. Selections include early works like “Banks of the Old Bandera,” popularized by Jerry Jeff Walker, and “Shame on the Moon,” a hit for Bob Seger. Also included are songs such as “Making Memories of Us,” which was recorded by Keith Urban, and “Stuff That Works,” co-written with Guy Clark. Nelson’s interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these compositions, imbuing them with his signature warmth and timeless appeal.
Produced by longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon, the album showcases Nelson’s enduring artistry, with his beloved guitar, Trigger, playing a prominent role throughout. The accompanying musicians, including Bobby Terry, James Mitchell, and Jim “Moose” Brown, provide a rich and tasteful backdrop to Nelson’s vocals. “Oh What A Beautiful World” stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and musical synergy between Willie Nelson and Rodney Crowell, celebrating the beauty found in life’s moments, both grand and small.