“Stardust”
A Reason To Smile
By my estimation, Willie Nelson is always a reason to smile, but this week especially so as we celebrate the 48th anniversary of his masterpiece, “Stardust.”
The album was released on April 17, 1978 at the height of his outlaw cowboy days. Record executives at Columbia were skeptical of Willie’s desire to record an album of standards from the Great American Songbook, produced by R&B legend Booker T. Jones, and recorded in Emmylou Harris’s living room. But Willie was determined. And he was right.
The quintuple-platinum “Stardust” became his best-selling album ever, showcasing his ability to transcend musical genres.
Joining the eponymous “Stardust” are such classics as “Georgia on My Mind,” “Unchained Melody,” and “All of Me.” It was hard to choose just one song to showcase, but we picked “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” which Willie recorded with Tony Bennett a few years later.
Texas Monthly called “Stardust” “a perfect record,” and an “undeniably beautiful collection of songs and performances, quiet and contemplative and marked by Willie’s unmistakable affection for the music and his band.”
Willie, who turns 93 years young later this month, is still touring. Catch him if you can. And happy birthday, my friend.
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Stay Steady,
Dan
My parents met shortly after my Dad came home from Europe after fighting in WWII. After seeing each other for 3 months and dancing to this melody by Artie Shaw's Orchestra, they married. Dad made a career of being an Army/Airborne officer and Mom faithfully traveled all over the world with him from post to post. I often heard my Mom humming Stardust while puttering around the house. Dad died in 2006. My Mom lived on to be 100. At her little graveside funeral, we closed it with the playing of Stardust.....knowing that a young Captain and his beautiful bride were once again dancing out there among the stars.
One of our favorite albums; Willie’s rendition of “Moonlight in Vermont” is the best. Blessed Sunday to you Dan 🎶