Willie Nelson My Way Vinyl

Willie Nelson and Frank Sinatra are both defining avatars of American popular music. Hearing Willie’s freewheeling roadhouse rave-ups and Frank’s smoky, cosmopolitan songs, one may assume they sat on different sides of the fence—but they had an enduring friendship and great respect for each other's craft.

My Way, Willie Nelson’s new album out September 14th, explores his admiration and connection to Sinatra’s art and artistry across 11 fresh, intoxicating takes on songs made famous by the Chairman of the Board. Recorded in the tradition of 1978’s legendary Stardust and 2016’s Grammy Award-winning Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin, My Way is a warm and personal nod from one icon to another.

Like Sinatra, Willie is a vocalist who imbues every song with a myriad of impressionistic sonic signatures. “I learned a lot about phrasing listening to Frank,” Willie said in a 2018 interview. “He didn’t worry about behind the beat or in front of the beat, or whatever—he could sing it either way, and that’s the feel you have to have.”

Such is the spirit of My Way's smooth approach to timeless tunes like “Summer Wind,” "It Was A Very Good Year," “I’ll Be Around,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “What Is This Thing Called Love” (cast as a duet with fellow Grammy winner Norah Jones) and, of course, the anthemic “My Way.” Add Willie’s stalwart backing band plus lush arrangements for full string and horn sections—all produced by Grammy winners Buddy Cannon and Matt Rollings—and you’ve got an album that’s as cool as it gets.