Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger" album turning 50, to be honored in Garland.
Rewritten Article:
Step back fifty years to the heart of Texas, where a legendary outlaw country singer recorded an album that would redefine his career - and nation's music scene. This weekend, Garland rolls out the red carpet to celebrate the timeless Red Headed Stranger, the record that cemented Willie Nelson's enduring nickname. The two-day extravaganza includes screenings, concerts, and tributes, paying tribute to the album's enormous impact on Texas music.
As we party like it's 1975, many remember those days when Nelson recorded Red Headed Stranger in Garland. City residents should take pride, as this is the very soil where a masterpiece took shape. According to Ray Benson, a friend and fellow Western swing musician, it's about time we honor the city's vital role in contemporary country music, saying, "It's such historical significance for Texas to recognize that this incredible record was made right here in Garland, and those folks should feel nothing but pride!"
Nelson and Benson's friendship goes back more than five decades. They first met in Garland when Nelson came to see Benson perform with his band Asleep at the Wheel. "It was sheer joy, you know. Willie Nelson boarded the bus, we lit a joint, and from that day on, we've been inseparable," Benson recalled. Benson, who credits Nelson for kickstarting his own music career, is one of the featured artists for the special tribute concert.
The tribute concert will feature five Texas artists, including Max and Heather Stalling, Rhett Miller, and Joshua Ray Walker, joining Benson to faithfully recreate Red Headed Stranger in its entirety. An initimate and acoustic performance, it'll be a love letter to the album's raw, stripped-down charm.
For those who place Nelson's vocal delivery on a pedestal, hopping on that bandwagon won't be so straightforward, according to singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker. "I've purposely avoided covering Nelson's songs in the past because his vocal delivery is so distinct. Once you hear him sing it, that's the way it's engraved in your mind. There's no way to sing it like Willie. My biggest takeaway from this experience? Just trying to do it justice, but I don't try to imitate Willie because I'm not gonna top him."
Indeed, the album's unparalleled legacy speaks for itself. In a sea of pop-country-infused tunes, Red Headed Stranger shines like the original outlaw, with its raw, minimalistic production, soul-stirring ballads, and profound storytelling. Max and Heather Stalling, Rhett Miller, and Joshua Ray Walker join Benson for the tribute concert, paying homage to a timeless classic that continues to inspire.
The enriching journey doesn't end with the concert. Autumn Sound Studios, where Nelson recorded the legendary album, will offer exclusive tours, shedding light on the recording process that redefined country music. Lastly, The Texas Music Office will present Garland with a music-friendly community certification, celebrating the city's commitment to preserving and nurturing music history.
Don't miss these special events!- Red Headed Stranger* film screening @ Plaza Theatre, Garland. 7 p.m. May 16, $15 admission.- Red Headed Stranger "Fringe Concert Series" @ Intrinsic Brewery, Fortune Son and Dead Wax Records, Garland. 3 p.m. May 17, free admission.- Red Headed Stranger 50th Anniversary Tribute Concert @ Granville Arts Center, Garland. 8 p.m. May 17, $75-$105 tickets.**
Be a part of history and revel in the legendary sound of Red Headed Stranger. It's a weekend you won't forget!
Arts Access is a collaborative arts journalism project powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA. This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access' journalism.
The weekend celebration in Garland, Texas, includes more than just a tribute concert for the iconic album Red Headed Stranger. It's an opportunity for the community to delve into the history of the recording process that revolutionized country music, as evidenced by exclusive tours of Autumn Sound Studios.
The news of The Texas Music Office presenting Garland with a music-friendly community certification adds to the excitement, signifying the city's unwavering commitment to preserving and nurturing music history. With news screenings, live performances, and intimate acoustic concerts, this weekend promises to be a memorable tribute to a timeless classic that continues to inspire.
