Hear the Oak Ridge Boys Collaborate with Willie Nelson for the First Time on a Heartfelt Rendition of “I Thought About You, Lord”

Willie Nelson has collaborated with a long list of artists across several genres. That list includes reggae legend Toots Hibbert, rock icon Keith Richards, and countless country stars. However, Nelson hadn’t joined forces with the Oak Ridge Boys until now. Their collaborative rendition of “I Thought About You, Lord” marks several firsts for the country music veterans.

Nelson wrote “I Thought About You, Lord” and included it on his 1996 album Spirit. He later recorded it on the 2021 album The Willie Nelson Family. The spiritual reflection in the song makes it perfect for the Oak Ridge Boys, and the addition of Nelson’s vocals to the mix takes it to the next level. Listen to the new track below.

[RELATED: 3 Timeless Oak Ridge Boys Hits Featuring Joe Bonsall’s Lead Vocals]

This new track isn’t just the first time the Oaks and Nelson have collaborated on a song. This is also the lauded vocal group’s first recording since tenor vocalist Joe Bonsall passed away earlier this year. At the same time, it is the first recording to feature Bonsall’s replacement Ben James.

The Oak Ridge Boys on Collaborating with Willie Nelson

Recently, the Oak Ridge Boys were in the studio with all-star producer Dave Cobb who introduced them to the song. “When Dave Cobb played ‘Thought About You, Lord’ written by Willie Nelson, I felt I was listening to a masterpiece,” Duane Allen said of the song. “I thought, ‘Willie has recorded with just about everybody but us.’”

Allen knew that producer Buddy Cannon had recently worked with Nelson, so Allen gave him a call. “I called Buddy Cannon…to see if Willie would sing his song with us. He replied that he would be honored to sing with the Oaks,” Allen revealed. “When Willie’s vocals were finished, the masterpiece was completed,” he added.

Ben James also spoke about being a member of the legendary group. “They take care of me,” said the 28-year-old about his much older bandmates. “I love sitting around and listening to their stories, just hanging out with the band. It’s pretty unreal when you step out there and look over and see Duane and William Lee and Richard. And, in my mind, Joe is still up there,” he added.

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