At 92, Willie Nelson is proving that age is just a number, continuing to tour, record, and innovate in ways that would make many artists half his age envious. Just two years after his 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, Nelson remains as vibrant and active as ever, refusing to slow down or consider retirement anytime soon. “I’m not through with it yet,” he told The Associated Press in a recent phone interview from Hawaii, a statement that perfectly captures his enduring passion for music and life.
This summer, Nelson is hitting the road once again alongside his longtime friend Bob Dylan, as part of the Outlaw Music Festival’s second leg of its 10th anniversary tour. The festival kicks off on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan, and fans can expect the legendary duo to bring their signature blend of classic country and folk music to the stage. Nelson, ever the gracious collaborator, said, “Bob's a good friend. And I'll be glad to let him headline.”
But touring is just one part of a remarkably busy year for Nelson. In spring 2025, he released his 77th studio album, an impressive milestone that few musicians ever approach. This latest record, titled Oh What a Beautiful World, is a heartfelt tribute to the songs of Rodney Crowell, a close friend and fellow songwriter. Nelson has always had a special affinity for covering the work of his peers, and this album stands as a testament to his deep respect for Crowell’s craft. He described Crowell’s songwriting as consistently excellent, saying, “So far he hasn’t written one that I don’t like.”
The release of Oh What a Beautiful World also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Nelson’s groundbreaking 1975 album Red Headed Stranger, which catapulted him from a respected journeyman to a beloved superstar. Reflecting on his storied career, Nelson shared that he’s already begun work on his 78th album, though he remains tight-lipped about its direction.
Nelson’s live shows continue to be a family affair, with his current touring band including his sons Lukas and Micah, along with other close associates like Billy English (brother of longtime drummer Paul English) and Waylon Payne, son of former guitarist Jody Payne. The only surviving member of the classic Family band lineup is harmonica player Mickey Raphael, who has been a fixture alongside Nelson for decades. The absence of his longtime bandmates—Bee Spears, Jody Payne, Paul English, and his sister Bobbie Nelson, who all passed away over the past decade—has been deeply felt, but the spirit of the Family band lives on through this new generation.
One of the unique features of Nelson’s concerts is his refusal to use a set list. “I’d rather play it off the top of my head, because I can read the crowd pretty good,” he explained. This approach keeps his band and crew on their toes and creates an intimate, spontaneous experience for audiences. Regulars can expect classics like “Whiskey River” to open the show, but beyond that, the set can vary widely, including newer songs like “Last Leaf” from his 2024 album of the same name. That song, which Nelson credits to his son Micah (who performs as Particle Boy), captures the resilience that defines Nelson’s outlook: “I'm the last leaf on the tree. The autumn took the rest, but it won't take me.”
Nelson also incorporates songs written by Micah, such as the intriguingly titled “Everything Is B- - - - - -t,” which contrasts with the gospel standards he often performs. “It's all gospel,” Nelson chuckled, highlighting the broad emotional range he embraces in his music.
Beyond his music, Nelson remains a committed advocate for causes close to his heart. September 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid, the annual festival he co-founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp to support family farmers across America. The event, which rotates locations each year, will be held in Minneapolis this year. Nelson has been a constant presence at Farm Aid, describing every festival as special in its own way, “They’ve all been good, for different reasons. The first one was great, the last one was great.”
Nelson’s influence and relevance extend beyond his own work. Music critic Ken Tucker recently reviewed Oh What a Beautiful World alongside the debut album of 22-year-old Oklahoma singer-songwriter Ken Pomeroy. Tucker highlighted Nelson’s intimate pop music interpretation style, perfected over decades and comparable to the legendary Frank Sinatra. Despite his age, Nelson’s voice remains a “quiet miracle,” drawing listeners in with its warmth and sincerity.
Tucker praised Nelson’s choice to focus on some of Crowell’s more recent, reflective compositions rather than just the hits, noting that the album, like Pomeroy’s work, is about appreciating people and rekindling connections in tumultuous times. This theme resonates deeply in Nelson’s rendition of Crowell’s “What Kind of Love,” a song that explores love’s enduring power through life’s storms.
Nelson’s career-long habit of honoring fellow songwriters through entire albums—such as his past tributes to Kris Kristofferson, Ray Price, Roger Miller, and Lefty Frizzell—finds a fresh expression here. His 1979 album Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson paid homage to Kristofferson, who passed away in 2024, and now Oh What a Beautiful World celebrates Crowell, continuing a tradition of mutual respect and artistic camaraderie.
As Nelson embarks on this next chapter, balancing touring, recording, and his ever-expanding cannabis product line (including his new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy), he embodies a rare blend of relentless creativity and grounded humility. The music world—and fans everywhere—are fortunate to witness this living legend thriving well into his 90s.
Willie Nelson’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and connection. Whether on stage without a set list, singing songs by his son, or supporting family farmers through Farm Aid, he remains a vibrant force in music and culture. And as he himself says, “I’m not through with it yet.”
