Willie Nelson announces 70th studio album 'First Rose of Spring', drops title track just before 87th birthday
Country outlaw pioneer Willie Nelson announced the release date of his 70th studio album 'First Rose of Spring' and also dropped the title track for his fans on February 21. The album will be out on April 24.
The 11-track LP is releasing right before his 87th birthday. Nelson co-wrote two songs titled 'Blue Star and 'Love Just Laughed' with legendary country music producer Buddy Cannon. On the rest of the songs, Nelson gave his own rendition of Chris Stapleton's 'Our Song', Toby Keith's 'Don't Let the Old Man In' and Charles Aznavour's 'Yesterday When I Was Young' among others.
Rather than bringing a promise of spring, the titular track 'First Rose of Spring' reflects on the vow "until death do us part" between a husband and wife. The closing lines go, "The last time he saw her, He knew everything had changed, He said goodbye and let the tears fall like rain, On the first rose of spring."
Nelson has been a dedicated artist. He recognizes his fans' thirst for country bangers and releases one, sometimes two albums every year. The forthcoming LP 'First Rose of Spring' follows after his 2019 record 'Ride Me Back Home'.
The 86-year-old singer has scheduled a few live performances this season and is set to tour as a special guest with Stapleton for 'All-American Road Show' on March 14 in Arlington, Texas, according to Arlington.org.
Nelson will return with his daylong 'Luck Reunion' music festival which will be hosted at his ranch outside of Austin on March 19.
He will also be joined by Neil Young and Stephen Stills at the sixth annual 'Light Up The Blues' benefit concert on May 30 in Los Angeles. This will have its proceeds going toward the non-profit organization Autism Speaks, according to Billboard.
Listen to Willie Nelson's 'Rose of Spring' here.