While continuing to release new music and perform on stage, Willie Nelson produced some of the most iconic moments in country music. Although first stepping on stage during the 1950s, Nelson shared a love for music since he was a young boy. He wrote his first song at the age of seven. And now, at 91 years old, the country legend produced one of the most successful careers in all of music. Looking back at some of his most memorable moments, Nelson once joined forces with his son, Lukas Nelson, to cover Eddie Vedder’s “Just Breathe.”
Having performed countless times over the years, fans can’t get enough of the Nelson family sharing a stage. Besides Willie’s amazing voice, Lukas seemed to follow in his father’s footsteps, gaining high praise from country music fans. Taking the stage together to sing “Just Breathe”, the performance marked yet another historic moment in the Nelson legacy.
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Looking at what fans had to say, comments included, “A cover that rivals the original. Mickey’s harmonica just brings it home. Beautiful.” Another person continued, “Beautiful Lukas! You sound like your Dad! I saw him at Floores Country Store in 1964.”
[RELATED: Watch: Willie Nelson Drops Music Video for New Song “Last Leaf”]
Eddie Vedder Discusses Willie Nelson Covering “Just Breathe”
With Willie holding a fanbase that dates back to the 1960s and earlier, it appears that fans weren’t the only ones loving the cover. In 2012, Willie released his 60th studio album called Heroes. Throughout the recording process, the country singer collaborated with stars like Snoop Dogg, Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, and his son. Among the setlist was “Just Breathe”, which originally hit the airwaves in 2009 when Pearl Jam showcased it on their album Backspacer.
Although adding his own signature to the song, Willie and Lukas gained support from more than just fans as Vedder himself called into the SiriusXM channel Willie Roadhouse to discuss the cover. Thrilled over what the Nelson family produced, Vedder insisted it felt like “smoking a great joint without all the coughing or the smoke.” He even declared the cover to be his “best contribution to music so far.”
While receiving praise from fans and fellow singers, Willie continues to travel the country, sharing his love for music with the world.
(Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
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