To get these songs re-released, Willie had to pull a few strings

Naked Willie Nelson

Available everywhere March 17, 2009

After establishing himself as a major Nashville songwriter (he wrote “Crazy” for Patsy Cline, among others), Willie Nelson signed his first serious artist contract at RCA in 1964. At that time, the producers and A&R men like Chet Atkins were boss. Singers weren’t allowed to select arrangements, musicians, studios – any of the key factors in making the records the artist has in mind. Willie was constantly frustrated by the syrupy strings, vocal group choruses and generally “slick” final product.

Fast forward to 2008. Willie and long-time harmonica player Mickey Raphael are casually wondering what those records would or could sound like if only the multi-track tapes could be tracked down and the songs re-mixed with the original intent in mind. Gone are the strings and gangs of back-up singers. Gone, in fact, is most of the production that always enveloped the songs.

NAKED WILLIE is a new collection of 17 vintage RCA sides – spanning 1966-1970 – FINALLY the Willie way.