Legacy Recordings will release Willie Nelson’s new studio album, Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, on Nov. 7.
The record, Nelson’s 155th album overall and his 78th solo studio effort, features interpretations of 11 songs written by Merle Haggard, a longtime friend and collaborator. The tracklist includes hits spanning Haggard’s career, from “Swinging Doors” and “Mama Tried” to “If We Make It Through December” and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.”
The first single released from the album was Nelson’s version of “Workin’ Man Blues.”
Produced with harmonica player Mickey Raphael at Pedernales Studios in Austin, the album also features the final recordings Nelson made with his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano and drummer Paul English, both core members of his Family band. Other contributors include bassist Kevin Smith and percussionist Billy English.
Nelson has devoted previous albums to the works of Harlan Howard, Ray Price, George Gershwin and Rodney Crowell, as well as two volumes of Sinatra tributes. His connection to Haggard included three collaborative albums: Pancho and Lefty (1983), Last of the Breed (2007) and Django and Jimmie (2015).
The announcement follows the Telluride Film Festival premiere of Highway 99: A Double Album, Ethan Hawke’s documentary on Haggard’s life and career, in which Nelson is featured prominently.