Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” Will Always Be One of His Greatest Hits

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

The song “Always On My Mind” is not only considered a classic in country music but as well as in the entire music industry. Over time, countless artists have already released their own recordings of the iconic song, but none is probably more admired than Willie Nelson’s version from his 1982 album of the same title.

Nelson’s mournful rendition of the song raced to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart that year, spending two weeks on top and a total of twenty-one weeks on the chart. The song also fared well on Top 40 radio, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and stayed on that chart for twenty-three weeks. Nelson even charted in several other countries too.

But not only that, the hit ultimately landed the original country outlaw an admirable three Grammy Awards in 1983, winning Best Male Country Vocal Performance, Song of the Year, and Best Country Song. Country Music Association Awards also named Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” as Song of the Year for two consecutive years. Nearly a decade after its release, the single was certified platinum by the RIAA.

And in 2008, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

When Willie Nelson’s Version Stood Out Among The Rest

Written by songwriters Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, “Always On My Mind” tells the story of a remorseful man. He realized that he should have treated the love of his life better and confessed that she will forever be on his mind now that they are no longer together.

“I wrote those two verses living in Springfield, Missouri,” Carson recalled. “I’ll think of the melody or the chord structure or something I’ll come up with, and I’ll make — I’ll see if that doesn’t fit the words or anything like that. If the melody is singable, the words are not far away. It’s only a story, you know.”

He added, “In this case, “Always on My Mind” happens to be one of those things that, universally, everybody on the planet has been there, you know. And it struck all at one time. Everybody touched base with that one. It was just magic that it was so simple and so right on the button.”

While the song has become one of Nelson’s signature tunes, he is actually one of several artists who found success with “Always on My Mind,” others include Elvis Presley, The Pet Shop Boys Brenda Lee, and John Wesley Ryles. Elvis Presley’s recording in 1972 may have popularized the song, but it was Nelson’s version that pierced through the hearts of most music fans.

Nelson Revisited His Version of “Always in My Mind” Years Later

In 2013, Nelson visited his version of the song once again. This time it’s for his duet album To All the Girls. Nelson chose the incredibly talented Carrie Underwood as his duet partner, and Underwood can’t help but feel honored to sing the song with the country legend.

“It’s just one of those beautiful, classic songs that everybody knows, and everybody’s sung…” Underwood said in an interview for Willie Nelson’s YouTube channel. “For me to be able to say I sang it with Willie Nelson is pretty awesome.” Underwood’s angelic, sweet voice is nothing but perfect for the track. The contrast between her voice and Nelson’s raspy vocals create a breathtaking combination.

However, Nelson and Underwood’s duet was never released as a single, yet it stood out from the other songs on his album. The moment you hear the way Nelson and Underwood’s voices sound together, you’ll know why.

Enjoy one of Willie Nelson’s performances of “Always On My Mind” in the video below.

You can also check out the 10 Best Willie Nelson songs in our previous article.

Latest Stories

Riley Green's 'Worst Way' music video sparks a frenzy with steamy scenes and a touch of humor, making waves in the country music world.

Riley Green Turns Up the Heat in Worst Way Music Video

Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...

Meet Lainey Wilson's fiancé, Devlin 'Duck' Hodges—former NFL quarterback and avid duck hunter—who captured the country star's heart.

Who Is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Meet Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé

Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...

Lainey Wilson announces her engagement to Devlin 'Duck' Hodges, sharing romantic proposal photos that celebrate their new chapter together.

Lainey Wilson Is Engaged to Former NFL Star Duck Hodges

Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...

George Strait and Chris Stapleton announce their 2025 stadium tour, bringing country music fans an unforgettable live experience with special guests Parker McCollum and Little Big Town.

George Strait and Chris Stapleton Announce 2025 Stadium Tour

Country music fans, get ready—George Strait and Chris Stapleton are hitting the road again for another epic stadium tour. After a wildly successful run in 2023, the two country powerhouses ...

Chris Stapleton announces his retirement from singing the national anthem after his iconic 2023 Super Bowl performance, a moment destined to stand the test of time.

Chris Stapleton Is Officially Retired From Singing the National Anthem

Chris Stapleton’s unforgettable 2023 Super Bowl performance of The Star-Spangled Banner remains one of the greatest renditions in history. But if you hope to hear him take on the anthem ...

Chris Stapleton delivering a soulful national anthem at Super Bowl LVII, moving players and coaches to tears in a performance hailed as one of the best ever.

Remember When Chris Stapleton’s Super Bowl National Anthem Brought Everyone to Tears?

Few performances in Super Bowl history have left as lasting an impression as Chris Stapleton’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl LVII in 2023. The country and blues ...

Jon Batiste performs a jazz-infused rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, honoring his Louisiana roots.

Jon Batiste Delivers Unique Super Bowl National Anthem Performance

Jon Batiste delivered a uniquely soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LIX, infusing the national anthem with the unmistakable spirit of his Louisiana roots. The seven-time Grammy ...

2025 CMT Music Awards Cancelled

Why Were the 2025 CMT Music Awards Canceled? The Truth Revealed

Country music fans will have to mark a different night on their calendars this year. The 2025 CMT Music Awards have been officially canceled, leaving many wondering what led to ...

Darius Rucker announces he's now living in London, sparking curiosity among fans about whether the move is permanent and the reasons behind his life change.

Darius Rucker Reveals He’s No Longer Living in the U.S.

Darius Rucker and the American South go hand in hand. Whether it’s Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Cracked Rear View” playing at a summer cookout or “Wagon Wheel” blasting from the ...

Country singer Andrew Millsaps shares how his fiancée ended their engagement via text before a show, inspiring him to channel the heartbreak into new music.

Country Singer Andrew Millsaps Got Dumped in the Worst Way Possible—Right Before a Show

Breakups are never easy, but some are downright brutal. For country singer Andrew Millsaps, the heartbreak hit at the worst possible time—while he was on stage. The Neon Union vocalist ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.