Willie Nelson is set to release Last Leaf On The Tree, his new studio album, later this year.
The legendary singer-songwriter announced details about the album — his 76th solo studio album and 153rd album overall throughout his decades-long career — on Thursday (August 15). His son, musician Micah Nelson, created and produced the 13-track album, in addition to playing many of the instruments and designing the cover art. Nelson also released the first track of the album, his rendition of Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf.”
Nelson, 91, is turning “his gaze to a collection of songs by rock legends, idiosyncratic singer songwriters, altrock heroes and indie folk artists. The result is a gorgeously cohesive rumination on loss, love and world-weary hope, perfectly complemented by spare and spooky musical production.” Nelson will cover songs by Beck, The Flaming Lips and others on the forthcoming album. Last Leaf On The Tree will arrive on November 1.
Nelson is in the midst of his “Outlaw Music Festival Tour,” after taking time off earlier this year because of an unspecified illness and doctor-ordered vocal rest. See the upcoming dates below.
09-06 Somerset, WI - Somerset Amphitheater &*
09-07 Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre &*
09-08 St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre &*
09-11 Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center &*
09-12 Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center &*
09-14 Burgettstown, PA - The Pavilion at Star Lake &*
09-15 Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre &*
09-17 Buffalo, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater &*
^ with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
% with Celisse
& with John Mellencamp
> with Billy Strings
@ with Brittney Spencer
* with Southern Avenue