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 Found Himself In An Emotional Performance Few Weeks After His Best Friend Died

Willie Nelson Found Himself In An Emotional Performance Few Weeks After His Best Friend Died
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.

While Willie Nelson could have long ago hung up his hat with his head held high, the country legend instead closed out the second night of the 2020 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This was Nelson’s eleventh return to the rotating stage – where nine of these are solo performances while the other two were with Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash as the Highwaymen.

And in yet another subtle, steady showmanship, Nelson performed in front of more than 70,000 fans with a 19-song set composed of some of the most popular Wille Nelson songs. He kicked off the show with “Whiskey River” and weaved in iconic songs like “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” “On The Road Again,” and of course “Always On My Mind,” which earned him a standing ovation.

He Made Sure To Pay Tribute To Pay Tribute To His Late Friends

As he launched into “Good Hearted Woman,” Willie Nelson hollered to the crowd, “Let’s do one for Waylon!” Nelson co-wrote the country ballad with Jennings in 1969. It was then recorded by Jennings, but the two later released it as a duet – which turned out to be a smash success, charting No. 1.

Three songs later in the show, the country legend decided to dedicate “It’s All Going To Pot” to his friend Merle Haggard. It’s actually the first single the two released from their 2015 final collaborative album, Django & Jimmie.

The show went on with Nelson performing a couple of hits of Hank Williams and eventually moved into one of his most heartbreaking ballads, “Always On My Mind,” which sent a hush over the crowd. 

Fans were also quick to notice Nelson getting emotional in the middle of his performance, pointing to the sky several times. Many believed this was because of his best friend and longtime drummer, Paul English, who sadly died just a few weeks before the 2020 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Though Nelson did not write “Always On My Mind,” it helped him take home three Grammy Awards – making the song even more special to him. You can watch the poignant performance below.

Latest Stories

Rascal Flatts and the Jonas Brothers collaborate on 'I Dare You,' a powerful heartbreak anthem, ahead of Rascal Flatts' 25th Anniversary Life Is a Highway Tour.

Rascal Flatts and Jonas Brothers Collaborate on New Song “I Dare You”

Rascal Flatts may have built their legacy on heartfelt country anthems. Still, their latest collaboration proves they’re not afraid to shake things up. The iconic trio has teamed up with ...

Cody Johnson opens up about learning to be romantic with his wife, Brandi, after 15 years of marriage, emphasizing the importance of simple gestures.

Cody Johnson Shares How He Learned to Be Romantic With His Wife Brandi

Cody Johnson might be a country music powerhouse, but he’s just a husband trying to get it right at home. Married to his wife, Brandi, since 2008, Johnson has spent ...

Luke Bryan Says Beyonce Is The Greatest Singer Of All Time

Luke Bryan Just Called Beyoncé “The Greatest Singer of Our Lifetime”

Luke Bryan poured gasoline on an already blazing fire by calling Beyoncé “the greatest singer in our lifetime.” As Cowboy Carter continues to divide country music fans, Bryan’s comments feel ...

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé, dressed in a champagne-colored gown, sits wide-eyed and open-mouthed in her seat, displaying visible shock as Taylor Swift announces her as the winner for Best Country Album. In the background, Kacey Musgraves, wearing a white tank top, claps with a neutral expression, her face showing no visible emotion.

The Real Reason Beyoncé Won a Grammy for Best Country Album

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter winning Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys was never about the music. It was about power, control, and pushing an agenda unrelated to country music. The ...

Whoopi Goldberg passionately defends Beyoncé's Grammy win for Best Country Album on 'The View.' Seated at the show's panel, Goldberg gestures emphatically, her expression animated as she addresses the camera. She wears a patterned blouse and round glasses, conveying determination. Co-hosts listen attentively, and the studio backdrop features 'The View' logo. Goldberg's body language underscores her firm stance against critics of Beyoncé's achievement.

Whoopi Goldberg Sides With Beyoncé’s Country Grammy Win and Tells Critics to “Sit Down”

Whoopi Goldberg has a long history of running her mouth without understanding the issue. Still, this time, she’s stomping all over country music like it’s just another Hollywood punchline. On ...

Wynonna Judd raising her granddaughter Kaliyah as her daughter Grace Kelley navigates ongoing legal challenges.

Wynonna Judd Reveals She’s Raising Her Granddaughter After Daughter’s Legal Troubles

In two weeks, Wynonna Judd’s world changed forever. She lost her mother. She became a grandmother. And somewhere in the middle of grief and joy, she stepped into a role ...

Alan Jackson's fans on his Last Call tour go viral for dressing in Chattahoochee-inspired outfits, catching the attention of Jackson himself.

Alan Jackson Fans Go Viral for Dressing in “Chattahoochee” Outfits at Concert

Alan Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour has been an emotional farewell for fans who have spent decades following his legendary career. With this being his final ...

Randy Travis releases 'Horses in Heaven,' his second AI-assisted single, blending nostalgia, faith, and classic country storytelling to fans' delight.

Randy Travis’ New Single “Horses in Heaven” Is Touching Hearts Everywhere

Randy Travis has done it again. The country legend just released his brand-new single, “Horses in Heaven,” marking his second new song in over a decade. Fans have been eagerly ...

A TikTok singer reimagines Eric Church's 'Springsteen' from a female perspective, captivating fans and earning praise from Eric himself, sparking hopes for a full version.

TikTok Singer’s Version of “Springsteen” Is Taking the Internet by Storm

Eric Church’s Springsteen isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling. It’s the track that instantly transports you back to when love was young, summer nights felt endless, and a single song ...

Chris Stapleton delivers powerhouse performances of 'South Dakota' and 'It Takes a Woman' on Austin City Limits, celebrating the show's 50th anniversary season.

Chris Stapleton Delivers Stunning ‘Austin City Limits’ Performances of ‘South Dakota’ and ‘It Takes a Woman’

Chris Stapleton never does anything halfway, and his latest appearance on Austin City Limits proves just that. The long-running PBS show is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, and they brought ...