Huge Willie Nelson Tribute Takes Shape
Blackbird Presents is at it again planning another huge tribute for a country legend, and this one might be the biggest of them all. Often working with Willie Nelson via tributes to others, as well as his multi-city “Outlaw Fest” tours each summer, now Blackbird Presents is putting together a tribute for Willie himself called “Willie: Life and Songs of an American Outlaw,” set to transpire in Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, January 12th, 2019.
Performers announced so far include Willie Nelson, George Strait, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, The Avett Brothers, John Mellencamp, Kris Kristofferson, Lee Ann Womack, Lyle Lovett, Norah Jones and The Little Willies, Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, and Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks. More performers and special appearances will be announced closer to the event (as they always are), so don’t get too jumpy about who is not included just yet.
And unlike some of the other tributes they’ve done for folks like Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers, and Waylon Jennings, this one is promised to be televised. It’s expected to be broadcast on A&E at some point in 2019 on a date to be named later.
“Willie and his songs mean everything to music artists and fans alike,” says Blackbird Presents CEO Keith Wortman. “Like Willie, they have inspired us to remain true to ourselves in every possible way. This incredible lineup of artists on this show is a testament to that.”
Tickets go on sale Monday, November 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. Central online at Livenation.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, and the Bridgestone Arena box office. This event will sell out.
November 12, 2018 @ 8:36 am
Why is Sheryl Crow always involved in these sorts of things?
November 12, 2018 @ 8:42 am
Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, and Jamey Johnson are the default performers for all of these events. Blackbird Presents has them on speed dial. I wrote a big article about this a while back: https://savingcountrymusic.com/the-curious-curation-of-country-musics-recent-tribute-concerts/
November 12, 2018 @ 9:33 am
And Buddy Miller leading the house band.
I was at the Emmylou show.and while I was glad I went I have no interest in any others especially considering the price. The problem is that the constant setup and takedown between artists really hurts any momentum that builds. Lots of dead time.
November 17, 2018 @ 11:52 am
I’d be thrilled to see Buddy Miller anytime.
November 12, 2018 @ 12:02 pm
The Avett Brothers should be on everyone’s speed dial. Best band to ever walk the face of the Earth.
November 13, 2018 @ 4:58 am
Never could get into that band myself.
November 13, 2018 @ 7:13 am
Try again BenBen. They were my best friend’s favorite band and I couldn’t get into them either. Then I bought their album “Emotionalism” and it all clicked, and then all of their other music clicked. And now they are my favorite band, no one even comes close to touching them in my opinion
November 13, 2018 @ 9:53 am
Not enough edge for me.
November 12, 2018 @ 11:30 am
Yeah, Trig is spot on. Sheryl Crow is not country music, really has never been but she’s always popping up. There are plenty of worthy females that should be invited over her. JJ is a decent choice. Avett Bros for some reason are always getting invited. They seem to be more Americana than country to me. But the event isn’t being billed as a country music event, it’s simply a tribute to Willie. I think in general, the Blackbird presents events are coming from a good place. They are a nice alternative to the horrors we see at many other events.
Nice to see George Strait on the list. He’s always a class act. Should be a good night!
November 13, 2018 @ 12:20 am
willie isnt strictly country music either kev.
November 12, 2018 @ 4:14 pm
Because she’s a total babe.
November 13, 2018 @ 4:17 am
Willie has done a few songs with Sheryl Crow, and I believe she is also involved with Farm Aid.
November 12, 2018 @ 8:47 am
They should hold this in a state where Willie’s Reserve is available for purchase!
November 12, 2018 @ 10:50 am
Hell yea…..LV,NV!!!
November 12, 2018 @ 9:55 am
Saw Tyler play a lil reggae Dread Headed Stranger at a show. Be perfect addition LOL
November 12, 2018 @ 10:13 am
Wonder if DAC will be invited?
November 12, 2018 @ 12:03 pm
The Avett Brothers should be on everyone’s speed dial. Best band to ever walk the face of the Earth.
November 12, 2018 @ 2:29 pm
I don’t know… the sum never equals the parts with these kind of tribute concerts. They are clunky and unfulfilling… I’ll pass.
November 12, 2018 @ 3:41 pm
Tyler Childers is going to be opening act for a Willie show..that’s great..Willie will like Tyler..I know Tyler likes Willie..they should get along fine..cut from the same clothe..Tyler should be at the willie tribute also..
November 13, 2018 @ 12:01 am
He does a killer cover of Time of the Preacher. Along with Colter Wall’s cover of Red Headed Stranger, they’re the two best Willie covers I’ve heard.
November 12, 2018 @ 4:44 pm
In have never thought of Willie Nelson as a country artist just an artist and the best darn artist there is I doesn’t matter what style of music we are talking about Willie Nelson is the best.
November 12, 2018 @ 7:51 pm
Most of the performers who come immediately to mind when I think Willie tribute are, unfortunately, gone.
Artists not mentioned above who are still with us and who I think should be a part of it in some way would include Dolly, of course, Ken Chesney, who produced a Willie CD, Raoul Malo and the Mavericks because….Why not?, Toby Keith and Scott Emerick, who gave Willie his last #1, successor Texas outlaws Robert Earl Keen and Dale Watson, and Paul Overstreet, for his amazing “I Think She Only Likes Me For My Willie.”
November 13, 2018 @ 5:33 am
Would love to meet Willie in person, but that seams impossible, so have a great tribute to Willie .
November 13, 2018 @ 5:51 pm
Would love to attend….. love them all ????
November 17, 2018 @ 6:44 pm
Hopefully more entertainers to be added, I agree that Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick need to be there. Plus Dolly and Miranda. and his son Lukas and daughter Paula. Happy this will be televised at some point.
November 21, 2018 @ 5:39 am
Really in early Jan…lots of names could be available…Like Bob Dylan, maybe…lets hope..