Country Willie: His Own Songs

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Liberty released Willie Nelson's first two albums in 1962 and 1963, after country stars such as Faron Young and Patsy Cline had scored hits with his songs. When Liberty closed its country division after the arrival of The Beatles, Chet Atkins signed him to RCA. Country Willie: His Own Songs was his first album for that label.

Atkins and he recorded most of it in January and April 1965. The album contains new versions of his best-known compositions of that time, such as Night Life and Funny How Time Slips Away, alongside newer work such as Healing Hands of Time. One Day at a Time and My Own Peculiar Way offer something of his personal outlook on life. Atkins added heavy strings and choruses, and he later wrote that this did not work. Sales remained small, except in Texas, where the album strengthened his name as a Nashville star.

Listening

Track list

1. 1One Day at a Time2:33Apple Music ↗
2. 2My Own Peculiar Way2:57Apple Music ↗
3. 3Night Life2:26Apple Music ↗
4. 4Funny How Time Slips Away2:41Apple Music ↗
5. 5Healing Hands of Time2:20Apple Music ↗
6. 6Darkness on the Face of the Earth2:28Apple Music ↗
7. 7Hello Walls2:13Apple Music ↗
8. 8Are You Sure2:12Apple Music ↗
9. 9Mr. Record Man2:14Apple Music ↗
10. 10It Should Be Easier Now2:45Apple Music ↗
11. 11So Much to Do2:12Apple Music ↗
12. 12Within Your Crowd2:04Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗