Willie Nelson isn’t someone known for wearing formal attire. The country and western legend mostly appears dressed as an “average person” in blue jeans and a t-shirt, in public as well as on stage. But he donned a more somber look for a special reason.
Nelson ventured to Washington, D.C. to receive the Gershwin Prize. The full name of the award is the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, and Willie Nelson added the 2015 version of the award to his many accolades.
The event doesn’t involve merely handing off the award to the intended recipient. Fellow entertainers and music legends give tribute to the guest of honor. An array of stars took their turns tipping their hats to Nelson. Probably the highlight of the night was a rendition of “Seven Spanish Angels” that nearly brought Nelson to tears.
Musicians Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson, friends of Nelson, performed the singer’s classic song. The rendition moved Nelson as he was overtaken by emotion. The original duet that made the song famous was Nelson and Ray Charles.
The two recorded and released the song back in 1984. The release made the news as it delivered Charles his biggest country chart hit.
Sadly, Nelson’s publicized troubles with the Internal Revenue Service years ago and delivered nothing but troubling and embarrassing press. Thankfully, his fans moved past those events and news reports don’t wallow in tales of his tax troubles.
Nelson continues to make the news for his accomplishments. Willie Nelson not only won a big prize for his career as an entertainer, he recently received another degree on his Tae Kwon Do black belt. Although he no longer tours like he once did, you could say the inspirational superstar likes to keep active.
What did you think about this performance? Has anyone ever done something for you that moved you to tears? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this article along to all country fans out there!
