Watch Willie Nelson’s Cover of the Iconic Hit “Blue Skies”

“Blue Skies” was originally written by American award winner composer Irving Berlin as a last-minute addition to the musical Betsy in 1926, which became an instant hit. Several artists recorded and performed the song, but it was in 1946 that it became notable because it became the title for a Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film. It became more popular with Ella Fitzgerald’s jazz version in 1958. Twenty years after her cover version in 1978, Willie Nelson released his version and included it on his iconic 1978 album, Stardust, a compilation of ten cover songs from other genres that are true classics.

Willie Nelson Blue Skies Cover

“Blue Skies” talks about how it feels to be in love and how it brings joy and happiness. If Fitzgerald could do a cover with her iconic scat jazz style, Willie transformed it into a country-music-appropriate cover and an iconic one at that. From the soothing guitar intro and Willie’s voice, this version is praiseworthy and fit to be labeled as one of country music’s best productions ever.

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Lyrics like “blue days, all of them gone, nothing but blue skies from now on” and “I never saw the sun shining so bright, never saw things going so right” are the perfect representation of someone hopeful and over the moon about a love they didn’t see coming. The song also talks about how time flies whenever you are in love and takes you to a place where nothing else matters. Willie Nelson’s version makes you realize this more profoundly. 

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Willie’s Stardust album was his attempt to try something new. His country version of Blue Skies made it to the Billboard Country Chart after its release, proving himself successful. 

Listen to Willie Nelson’s “Blue Skies” here.