Nashville legend Willie Nelson, the songwriter behind classics like Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” and Roy orbison’s “Pretty Paper,” didn’t pen every tune he’s known for. Surprisingly, some of his most beloved songs were actually written by other talented artists.
Four Willie Nelson Hits You Didn’t Know Weren’t His
Table of Contents
Discover the surprising origins of four iconic songs in Willie Nelson’s catalog.
- “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” was written by fred Rose.
- “Always On My Mind” came from the pens of Wayne Carson, Mark James, and Johnny Christopher.
- Hoagy Carmichael originally wrote “Georgia On My Mind.”
- Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud penned “Whiskey River.”
What songs did willie Nelson not write himself? While Nelson is celebrated for his songwriting prowess, several of his signature songs were composed by other musicians, showcasing his incredible ability to interpret and elevate great material.
“Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”
Released in 1975 on Nelson’s critically acclaimed album Red Headed Stranger, “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” is credited to Fred Rose. The poignant lyrics capture a sense of longing and loss: “Love is like a dying ember / And only memories remain / And through the ages I’ll remember / Blue eyes crying in the rain.”
The song topped the charts for two weeks and even became a signature tune for Nelson, despite being written decades earlier by Rose.
“Always On My Mind”
“Always On My Mind” is so iconic that many are unaware it wasn’t originally his. The song was penned by Wayne Carson, Mark James, and Johnny Christopher and previously recorded by legends like Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald.
Nevertheless, Nelson’s version, featured on his 1978 album Stardust, remains a fan favorite. The song’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture: “Georgia / Georgia / The whole day through / Just an old, sweet song / Keeps Georgia on my mind / Georgia / A song of you / Comes as sweet and clear / As moonlight through the pines.”
“Whiskey river”
“Whiskey River” was written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud. First released by Bush himself, the song appeared on Nelson’s 1973 album, shotgun Willie. Nelson later released a live version in 1979 as part of his Willie and Family Live project.
The song’s opening lines are instantly recognizable: “Whiskey river,take my mind / Don’t let her memory torture me / whiskey river,don’t run dry / You’re all I’ve got,take care of me.” Interestingly, “Whiskey River” holds a special place in television history as the first song ever performed on Austin city Limits.
