Willie Nelson is an iconic figure in country music and a celebrated songwriter. He has a reported net worth of $25 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Nelson’s financial success is closely tied to his decades-long career, during which he has penned hundreds of songs and released numerous albums that have profoundly influenced the music industry. His enduring appeal spans music and includes activism and acting, underscoring his broad talents and enduring influence.
The Outlaw Country Pioneer: Building A Music Legacy
Country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson promotes his “Red Headed Stranger” album at. Peaches Records and leaves his footprints in concrete on October 28, 1975, also in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tom Hill/Getty Images)
Willie Nelson’s journey began in the small town of Abbott, Texas. He wrote his first song there at age seven and joined his first band at ten. Later, he became a major figure in the outlaw country movement. It rebelled against the polished Nashville sound of the time. Nelson’s 1973 album, Red Headed Stranger, and songs like “On the Road Again” and “Always On My Mind” have become cornerstones of American music. His sound, which blends country with jazz, blues, and folk influences, has garnered him a vast and devoted audience. It has also earned him numerous awards, including multiple Grammys.
Advocate & Actor: Beyond The Music
GLASTONBURY, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 25: Willie Nelson performs on stage at the. Glastonbury Festival on June 25th, 2000, also in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns)
Apart from his musical achievements, Nelson is well-known for his activism, particularly in support of family farmers and marijuana legalization. He co-founded Farm Aid in 1985, an annual concert that raises funds to support American farmers, demonstrating his commitment to social causes. Additionally, Nelson’s acting career includes roles in over thirty films and TV shows, further broadening his impact and appeal beyond the music world.
Entrepreneurial Ventures & Recent Projects
AUSTIN, TX – JULY 04: Singer-songwriter Willie Nelson performs onstage during the 44th Annual Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic at Austin360 Amphitheater on July 4, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)
In recent years, Willie Nelson has not slowed down. He continues to tour, record new music, and engage with projects that resonate with his artistic and personal philosophies. Nelson has also ventured into the business world with his own brand of biodiesel, BioWillie, and a line of marijuana products, Willie’s Reserve, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and lifestyle. His recent music releases continue contributing to his legacy, ensuring that he remains a relevant and influential figure in the industry.
Willie Nelson’s net worth of $25 million in 2024 reflects his extensive contributions to music and beyond. His career is a remarkable testament to his songwriting, performer, and activist talents. As he continues to inspire new generations with his music and advocacy, Nelson’s legacy as a pillar of American music and culture is secure, showcasing a life rich in artistic achievement and philanthropic efforts.
Aside from today’s Easter holiday, many people all over the world have also been celebrating the release of BeyoncéCowboy Carter. The singer’s eighth album is also the second installation in a trilogy of albums she promised before the release of Renaissance. Cowboy Carter is a sprawling 27-track effort that captures Beyoncé in a full country swing, swapping 808s and uptempo dance production for the twang of a strumming banjo and a good ol’ time at the rodeo.
So far, Cowboy Carter has been met with positive reviews as it even went on to break a Spotify streaming record in the first 24 hours since its release. Throughout the album’s 27 songs, Beyoncé recruited help from names all over the industry. Some are frequent collaborators (The-Dream & Jay-Z) and others are new to working with Beyoncé (Shaboozey, Tanner Adell & Brittney Spencer). With all that being said, we dove into the album credits to see who helped Beyoncé make each of the songs on Cowboy Carter a reality. You can scroll down to check out the full list.
1. Ameriican Requiem
Guest Vocalists: Ink (Background Vocals) Producers: Beyoncé, Derek Dixie, Jon Batiste, Khirye Tyler, No I.D. & Tyler Johnson Co-Songwriters: Ink
2. Blackbiird
Guest Vocalists: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts (Featured Artists) Producers: Beyoncé, Khirye Tyler & Paul McCartney Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, John Lennon & Paul McCartney
3. 16 Carriages
Guest Vocalists: N/A Producers: Beyoncé, Ink, Dave Hamelin, Raphael Saadiq & Stuart White Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Raphael Saadiq, Ink & Dave Hamelin Drums: Lemar Carter Guitar: Dave Hamelin, Ink & Justus West Organ: Dave Hamelin & Gavin Williams Piano: Dave Hamelin Steel Guitar: Justin Schipper & Robert Rnadolph Synthesizer: Dave Hamelin Trumpet: Ryan Svendsen
4. Protector
Guest Vocalists: Rumi Carter (Intro Vocals) Producers: Beyoncé & Jack Rochon Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Ryan Beatty, Camaron Ochs & Jack Rochon
Guest Vocalists: Willie Nelson (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé & Dave Hamelin Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin, Jeff Gitelman & Leah Nardos Takele
15. Just For Fun
Guest Vocalists: Willie Jones Producers: Beyoncé & Dave Hamelin Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin, Jeff Gitelman, & Ryan Beatty
16. II Most Wanted
Guest Vocalists: Miley Cyrus (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé, Jonathan Rado, Michael Pollack, Miley Cyrus & Shawn Everett Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Michael Pollack, Miley Cyrus & Ryan Tedder
17. Levii’s Jeans
Guest Vocalists: Post Malone (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé & Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Austin Post (Post Malone), Nile Rodgers, S. Carter (Jay-Z) & Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant
Guest Vocalists: N/A Producers: Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin & Jack Rochon Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Ryan Beatty, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Dave Hamelin, Mark Spears & Jack Rochon
25. Tyrant
Guest Vocalists: Dolly Parton Producers: Beyoncé, D.A. Got That Dope & Khirye Tyler Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Camaron Ochs, David Doman, Dominik Redenczki, Ezemdi Chikwendu & Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant
26. Sweet ★ Honey ★ Buckiin’
Guest Vocalists: Shaboozey (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé & Pharrell Williams Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Collins Chibueze (Shaboozey), Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard, S. Carter (Jay-Z), Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant & Pharrell Williams
27. Amen
Guest Vocalists: Danielle Balbuena (070 Shake) Producers: Beyoncé, 070 Shake, Dave Hamlin, Derek Dixie, Ian Fitchuck, Sean Solymar, Tyler Johnson Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Camaron Ochs, Danielle Balbuena (070 Shake), Darius Dixon, Dave Hamelin, Derek Dixie, Ian Fitchuk & Tyler Johnson
Cowboy Carter is out now via Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records. Find out more information here.
The Beyoncé story continues with the release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter. She didn’t make the project by herself, though, so these are the artists she got to feature on the album.
Who Is Featured On Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Album?
As Consequence notes, the full tracklist with features was revealed before the album’s North American release, when it started being available in international markets like Australia and New Zealand. Shaboozey, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone are featured on the album. The site also reports the album is presented in the style of a country radio show, and Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell appear as DJs. On a related note, the album also features covers of Parton’s “Jolene” and The Beatles’ “Blackbird.”
Check out the album’s full tracklist below.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tracklist
1. “Ameriican Requiem”
2. “Blackbird” (The Beatles cover)
3. “16 Carriages”
4. “Protector”
5. “My Rose”
6. “Smoke Hour With Willie Nelson”
7. “Texas Hold ‘Em”
8. “Bodyguard”
9. “Dolly P”
10. “Jolene” (Dolly Parton cover)
11. “Daughter”
12. “Spaghettii” Feat. Shaboozey
13. “Alliigator Tears”
14. “Smoke Hour II”
15. “Just For Fun”
16. “II Most Wanted” Feat. Miley Cyrus
17. “Levii’s Jeans” Feat. Post Malone
18. “Flamenco”
19. “The Linda Martell Show”
20. “Ya Ya”
21. “Oh Louisiana”
22. “Desert Eagle”
23. “Riiverdance”
24. “II Hands II Heaven”
25. “Tyrant”
26. “Sweet Honey Buckin’”
27. “Amen”
Cowboy Carter is out 3/29 via Parkwood/Columbia. Find more information here.
Things are about to get real, as we’re just days away from the March 29 release date of Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter. In the lead-up, fans have been clamoring for details about the project, and today (March 27), Beyoncé revealed some big ones by unveiling the tracklist.
The tracklist, as presented on Beyoncé’s Instagram post sharing it, doesn’t confirm or deny the rumors of Travis Scott and Lady Gaga being featured on the album. However, there does appear to be a track called “Dolly P,” followed by a track titled “Jolene,” presumably a cover of Dolly Parton’s classic. Again, the post’s formatting doesn’t make it clear, but it looks like there’s either a song called “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson” or a song called “Smoke Hour” featuring Nelson, with the latter option seeming more likely.
(Update: The full tracklist with features was revealed ahead of the album’s North American release, when it became available in international markets like New Zealand and Australia, as Consequence notes. Featured on the album are Shaboozey, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone. The publication also notes the album is presented in the style of a country radio show, and making appearances as DJs are Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell.)
Check out the Cowboy Carter tracklist below.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tracklist
01. “Ameriican Requiem”
02. “Blackbird” (The Beatles cover)
03. “16 Carriages”
04. “Protector”
05. “My Rose”
06. “Smoke Hour With Willie Nelson”
07. “Texas Hold ‘Em”
08. “Bodyguard”
09. “Dolly P”
10. “Jolene” (Dolly Parton cover)
11. “Daughter”
12. “Spaghettii” Feat. Shaboozey
13. “Alliigator Tears”
14. “Smoke Hour II”
15. “Just For Fun”
16. “II Most Wanted” Feat. Miley Cyrus
17. “Levii’s Jeans” Feat. Post Malone
18. “Flamenco”
19. “The Linda Martell Show”
20. “Ya Ya”
21. “Oh Louisiana”
22. “Desert Eagle”
23. “Riiverdance”
24. “II Hands II Heaven”
25. “Tytant”
26. “Sweet Honey Buckin’”
27. “Amen”
Cowboy Carter is out 3/29 via Parkwood/Columbia. Find more information here.
Things are about to get real, as we’re just days away from the March 29 release date of Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter. In the lead-up, fans have been clamoring for details about the project, and today (March 27), Beyoncé revealed some big ones, unveiling the tracklist.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of December below.
Keys had a striking start with her debut album Songs In A Minor, and she kept that success going with Diary Of Alicia Keys, her second No. 1 album. The latter LP turns 20 years old this year, so Vinyl Me, Please has come through with a gorgeous reissue. The 3LP release is pressed on gorgeous “piano key” vinyl and comes with a bonus disc of remixes and alternate takes, along with a live performance at Webster Hall.
Late footwork pioneer DJ Rashad ultimately only released one album during his lifetime, 2013’s iconic Double Cup. That project is now a decade old and it just got a reissue that comes with revamped artwork and a limited-edition gold vinyl pressing. There’s also a documentary in the works, so that’s something for Rashad fans to keep an eye out for.
Aretha Franklin — A Portrait Of The Queen 1970-1974
BMG
This 6LP set is a great way to get into Aretha Franklin, or to revisit some favorites you already know and love. The collection includes five albums from the early ’70s, plus a bonus LP of session alternates, outtakes, and demos. On top of that, the original albums have been remastered from the analog master tapes, so they’ve never sounded better than they do here.
Sheryl Crow — Tuesday Night Music Club (3oth Anniversary Reissue)
UMe
Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club didn’t get a proper vinyl release back in 1993, so here’s one now, on the project’s 30th anniversary. Bernie Grundman originally mastered the album, and he returned to remaster it from the original master tape for this reissue. In addition to a standard black pressing, a translucent sea blue LP is also available.
Violent Femmes have been at it for over four decades now and it all started with 1983’s self-titled debut album. As the album turns 40, the band has reissued it in an expanded collection. The set features the remastered album, along with rare B-sides, live sessions, and demo recordings, as well as “a book featuring new liner notes by journalist David Fricke and interviews with the band.”
The Cranberries — Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? (Reissue)
Island/UMe
“Linger” by The Cranberries is often dubbed one of the best songs of the ’90s, and it comes from the band’s 1993 debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?. For the project’s 30th anniversary, the album has been pressed onto crisp gold vinyl, but do keep in mind that you might not want to waste time getting this one if you want it, as it’s a limited edition.
Willie Nelson — Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl
Legacy Recordings/Blackbird Presents
Earlier this year, Willie Nelson celebrated a major milestone: he turned 90 years old. There was a literal celebration, too, via a star-studded concert at the Hollywood Bowl that featured performances from Nelson, Beck, Dave Matthews, Gary Clark Jr., Keith Richards, Norah Jones, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, and Snoop Dogg. Now, that special night has been immortalized on vinyl.
For Big Thief, it all started with 2016’s Masterpiece, a boldly named debut album that lives up to the title. Now it’s gotten a reissue and the “evo-vinyl” edition is an opportunity for a fun surprise: The LPs are pressed on random recycled vinyl, so you won’t know what color record you get until you get it and open it up.
Gaucho was a major moment for Steely Dan, as the 1980 project was their last album before a lengthy hiatus, which they ended in 2000 with Two Against Nature. The band has been reissuing their old albums this year and the series continues with Gaucho, which just got a fresh remaster sourced from an analog tape copy.
Perhaps the most defining movie musical of all time, The Sound Of Music is a classic that still holds up, and now the film’s music has gotten a fresh reissue. This is the one fans have been waiting for, as this edition “collects every musical element from the film for the very first time,” including 14 previously unreleased tracks.
Additionally, Olivia Rodrigo is set to perform with Crow during the ceremony, which will also welcome to the stage the likes of Elliott, Nelson, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, HER, New Edition, St. Vincent, Stevie Nicks, Adam Levine, Carrie Underwood, Common, Ice T, LL Cool J, Miguel, Queen Latifah, and Sia as presenters or performers.
That is a lot to cram into one night, so how long is this year’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony expected to last? Well, considering it hasn’t happened yet — and there’s no official time limit, as far as anyone can tell — there’s no way to definitively know. However, as per Cleveland.com, the 2022 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony “lasted well over five hours.”
So, if you’re planning on watching the Disney+ livestream (as reported by Billboardin September), settle in. But if you’re a particularly patient person, you could also just wait until January 1, 2024, when ABC will air a three-hour edited broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
It’s music lovers’ favorite time of the year. I’m not referring to when the unofficial Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey’s classic holiday tune, glares on the speakers of all public shopping centers around the country. Although that’s equally as exciting, I’m talking about the annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony. This year’s class includes heavy hitters Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott, Kate Bush, Rage Against The Machine, Sheryl Crow, the late George Michael, The Spinners, and more.
Today (November 3), the induction ceremony and star-studded performances are set to take place. So, what time is the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony? According to the organization’s official website, show time is 8 p.m. Eastern. For those who weren’t able to secure tickets for the historic celebration going down in person at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, they’re in luck.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Disney+. Find more information here. If you can’t catch it in real-time, according to Billboard, a three-hour “edited broadcast of highlights will air on ABC” will play on January 1, 2024, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern. But with Grammy Award-winning recording artist and producer Missy Elliott set to make history as the first woman rapper to be inducted (especially on the heels of the culture’s 50th anniversary), you might want to watch it live.
The ceremony is scheduled for November 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and will livestream on Disney+. According to Billboard, the stream will begin at 8 p.m. EST, and, rather than air on HBO at a later date like in years past, a three-hour “edited broadcast of highlights will air on ABC” on January 1, 2024, beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Additionally on Thursday morning, September 28, the Rock Hall announced this year’s performers: Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton, St. Vincent, and New Edition. The Rock Hall also promised that more performers will be revealed between now and the ceremony.
The 2023 inductee class was confirmed in May. Upon the news, Missy Elliott “cried all morning. Many people felt the weight of her induction, as Missy is the first-ever female rapper to earn the honor.
“Missy Elliott got in first ballot, just like Eminem got in first ballot last year and Jay-Z the year before,” So if there’s a throughline we’re seeing, it shows the power of hip-hop music culture now, as if we didn’t know it already, as far as how quickly these artists are being recognized on the first ballot,” Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Chairman John Sykes told Variety in May.
Missy Elliott is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Making a living as a touring musician can be a challenge, especially if you’re not a household name act who gets tens of thousands of fans out to every concert. Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, recognizes this, and now they’re doing something about it.
Today (September 26), the company announced a program called “On The Road Again,” and if that reminds you of Willie Nelson, it should, as they’ve teamed with the country icon to launch the initiative. There are two major factors here that serve to help making touring a more viable commercial enterprise for musicians.
One is that at all of Live Nation’s club-sized venues (of which there are 77, as Consequence notes), artists will no longer have to pay fees to sell merchandise, which has been known to take as much as 30 percent of an artist’s merch sale income. The second is that Live Nation clubs are also “investing in developing artists by providing $1,500 in gas and travel cash per show to all headliners and support acts, on top of nightly performance compensation.”
They company notes, “By helping with these core expenses, we aim to make it easier for artists on the road so they can keep performing to their fans in more cities across the country.”
Nelson also said, “Touring is important to artists so whatever we can do to help other artists, I think we should do it. This program will impact thousands of artists this year and help make touring a little bit easier.”
The program will also provide “financial bonuses to local promoters that help execute at shows, tour reps that live life on a bus, as well as venue crew members that have worked over 500 hours in 2023.”
Learn more about “On The Road Again” here and watch the announcement video above.
