“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
This rendition of “Summertime” by the iconic Willie Nelson is not the song’s original form but rather a heartfelt and seasoned interpretation from his 2016 album, “Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin.” This album, released by Legacy Recordings, saw the country music legend delve into the timeless songbook of George and Ira Gershwin. The project was a significant one for Nelson, arriving on the heels of his being honored with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2015, a distinction that marked him as the first country artist to receive this prestigious award.
Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s classic recordings of Gershwin tunes, Nelson approached these standards with his signature laid-back delivery and warm, familiar voice. Rather than a radical reinvention, his “Summertime” and the entire album offer a respectful and intimate take on these legendary compositions. Produced by Buddy Cannon and Matt Rollings, the album features a straightforward, jazzy swing that allows Nelson’s distinctive phrasing and the inherent beauty of the melodies to shine through.
The decision to name the album after “Summertime” echoes Nelson’s earlier success in naming a record after a single iconic track, as he did with “Stardust.” This particular song, with its poignant lyrics and evocative melody, serves as a cornerstone of American popular music, and Nelson’s rendition brings a lifetime of musical experience and emotional depth to its performance. His version doesn’t try to outshine the many celebrated interpretations that came before, but instead, offers a comfortable and sincere appreciation of the Gershwins’ genius. Backed by his longtime collaborators, including his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano and Mickey Raphael on harmonica, Willie Nelson’s “Summertime” is a gentle reminder of the song’s enduring appeal and a testament to his own versatility as an artist.
Video
Lyrics
Summertime (Summertime) And the living’s easy Fish are jumpin’ And the cotton is high Oh, your daddy’s rich Yeah, your mama’s good-lookin’ So hush, little baby Don’t you cry
One of these mornings You’re gonna rise up singin’ Then you’ll spread your wings And you’ll take to the sky But until that mornin’ Nothing’s gonna harm you Not with your daddy and your mama Standin’ by
Summertime (Summertime) And the livin’ is easy
One of these mornings You’re gonna rise up singin’ Then you’ll spread your wings Then you’ll take to the sky But until that mornin’ There’s nothin’ gonna harm you Not with your daddy and your mama Standin’ by
Summertime And the living’s easy Summertimе The livin’ is easy Summertimе (Summertime) The livin’ is easy…
