Willie Nelson Leads Multi-Act Releases

Willie Nelson photo by David McClister, courtesy of Lost Highway.

Aug. 12, 2008 — Willie Nelson is featured in two upcoming releases — a charity album and a book about horses — each of which involves participation from a multitude of artists, including Tanya Tucker, Big & Rich, Randy Travis and Chris Cagle.

Willie’s one of 27 country stars whose respect for animals led to the book Horse Country: A Celebration Of Country Music And The Love Of Horses. Set for release Oct. 14 by Lyons Press, the Lisa Wysocky-penned title also incorporates Tanya, Chris, George Jones, Lynn Anderson, Eddie Montgomery, Charlie Daniels, Brad Paisley, Heidi Newfield, Hal Ketchum and Todd Fritsch.

Meanwhile, Willie’s version of the Dinah Washington hit "What A Difference A Day Makes" is part of a 13-track collection of remakes of both well-known standards and more obscure material compiled by controversial satellite radio personality Don Imus. The Imus Ranch Record, pegged for release Sept. 16, has proceeds earmarked for children with cancer and boasts interesting cuts including Patty Loveless covering Fleetwood Mac and Big & Rich remaking the Beastie Boys’ "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)."

The complete track list for The Imus Ranch Record (as well as the artists who made the definitive version of each song) follows:

• "Silver Springs," Patty Loveless (best-known version: Fleetwood Mac)
• "Lay Down Sally," Delbert McClinton (Eric Clapton)
• "Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys," Lucinda Williams (Waylon & Willie)
• "You Better Move On," Levon Helm (Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton)
• "Life Has Its Little Ups And Downs," Raul Malo (Charlie Rich)
• "I Ain’t Never," Little Richard (Webb Pierce)
• "I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore," Randy Travis (Charlie Rich)
• "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)," Big & Rich (Beastie Boys)
• "What A Difference A Day Makes," Willie Nelson (Dinah Washington)
• "Give Back The Key To My Heart," Dwight Yoakam (Doug Sahm)
• "What Happened," Bekka Bramlett (Bekka's original demo of song recorded by Gretchen Wilson)
• "Welfare Music," John Hiatt (Bottle Rockets)
• "A Satisfied Mind," Vince Gill (Porter Wagoner)