Willie Nelson Releases 78th Album Paying Tribute to Merle Haggard

Willie Nelson, the 92-year-old country music legend, is set to release his 78th solo album, Workin' Man: Willie Sings Merle, a tribute to the late Merle Haggard, on November 7. The album features 11 covers of Haggard's classics, including "Workin’ Man Blues," "Mama Tried," and "Okie From Muskogee," showcasing Nelson's deep respect and long friendship with Haggard, with whom he released three collaborative albums. Recorded at Nelson's Pedernales Studios in Austin, this album includes Nelson's final recordings with longtime band members Bobbie Nelson and Paul English, who passed away recently. Nelson continues his tradition of honoring songwriting greats, having previously dedicated albums to artists such as Rodney Crowell, Harlan Howard, Ray Price, and Frank Sinatra. The release coincides with Nelson's ongoing Outlaw Music Festival tour and his headlining of the 40th annual Farm Aid concert, highlighting his enduring presence in country music. Additionally, a documentary about Merle Haggard titled Highway 99: A Double Album, featuring interviews with Nelson, recently premiered, further cementing Haggard's lasting influence on the genre.