Duets are one of the most fun and enjoyable aspects of country music. Hearing two sublime voices connecting on a song is almost a transcendent experience. If anyone knows that, it's Willie Nelson. During his landmark career, he has paired with fabulous singers like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Chesney, and many more. Deciding which of his famous duets are the best of the big bunch is tough. Nevertheless, we took a crack at it and selected four that we think are really good ones.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Willie Nelson Duets
'From Here To The Moon And Back' With Dolly Parton
Per American Songwriter, Parton declared her tremendous affinity for songwriting. "I just need a subject, and I'm off and running, 'cause I know how to rhyme, and I love the music, and I just go for it." She sang a song she wrote, "From Here to the Moon and Back," in a 2012 film titled Joyful Noise. In that movie, she did the tune with Kris Kristofferson.
Nelson released an album of duets with female singers two years later called To All The Girls. He did that song with Parton on it. Two immense legends teaming to make memorable music with this tender ballad. What could be finer than that?
'Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys' With Waylon Jennings
This song was truly ideal for the voices and personas of Nelson and Jennings, two iconic representatives of the outlaw movement in country music. According to American Songwriter, "Jennings recalled, 'Me and Willie were talking about recording again, and I said, 'Willie, I cut this thing, but I ain't sure about it.' I said, 'It don't sound right, but it might be a great duet.' The whole record was finished, and I just took part of my voice and put his on." That strategy worked extremely well. The duet became a number one hit.
'Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain' With Shania Twain
This top-drawer duet brought the Red-Headed Stranger together with Twain. At the time, she was a few years off her monster success with the Come On Over album. Nelson was treated to a bash star-studded bash for his 70th birthday in 2003. Per Whiskey Riff, Among the musical guests were Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Kenny Chesney, and Twain. The birthday boy sang "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" with her. It was surely a highlight of the history-making occasion.
'On The Road Again' With Alanis Morissette
Nelson wrote this song for the 1980 film Honeysuckle Rose, which he also appeared in. The movie faded away pretty much, but the song turned out to be a crossover smash. Per Wide Open Country, it snagged a Grammy, is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and got an Academy Award nomination as well. He joined Alanis (Jagged Little Pill) Morissette to sing it with truly rousing results.
