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Artwork for One by Willie

One by Willie

John Spong
Willie Nelson
Stardust
Farm Aid
Texas
Country Music
Red Headed Stranger
Songwriting
Me and Paul
Tejano Music
Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
Walkin
Wade Bowen
Miranda Lambert
Billy Strings
Phases and Stages
Bruce Robison
Somebody Pick Up My Pieces
Texas Country Music
Lucinda Williams
Picking Parties

Each episode, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song that they love, leading to highly personal looks at the life, art, and legend of a genuine American folk hero. Check us out on instagram: @onebywillie and our website onebywillie.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes73Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MusicMusic CommentaryMusic History

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Artwork for One by Willie

Latest Episodes

Million-selling country star Jamey Johnson, one of the finest singer-songwriters alive and a man generally considered the walking embodiment of Outlaw Country, talks on the title-cut to Willie’s 2004 album, It Always Will Be. The song’s a simple, hym... more

Kenny Chesney, a Country Music Hall of Famer and longtime Willie friend, fan, and collaborator, talks about Willie’s 1976 cover of “That Lucky Old Sun.” That beautiful, hushed track, which opened the album The Sound in Your Mind, was one of Willie’s ... more

Music writer John Spong talks each episode to one notable Willie fan about one Willie song they love--then runs down the kinds of rabbit holes that open up when the subject is Willie Nelson. Starting March 11, fifteen new episodes featuring Kenny Che... more

With the holiday season in full effect, we’re reaching back to OBW’s earliest days to re-up this Nov 2020 episode with Lumineer Wesley Schultz on Willie’s initial contribution to the holiday canon, “Pretty Paper.” Wes was a little kid growing up in t... more

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Recent Guests

Kenny Chesney
Country musician; artist interviewed about his love for Willie's music
Solo artist
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
George Saunders
Novelist
Author
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
Matt Berninger
Lead singer and lyricist of The National
The National
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
Taj Mahal
Blues great
Musician
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
Jamey Johnson
Outlaw country musician
Musician
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
Tami Neilson
Americana singer-songwriter
Musician
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7
Wesley Schultz
Lead singer and co-writer for The Lumineers
The Lumineers
Episode: Wesley Schultz on "Pretty Paper" (special holiday reboot)
Geoffrey Himes
Author and music journalist focusing on country music
Author of In-Law Country
Episode: BONUS: Sound Opinions - In-Law Country
Conor Oberst
Indie rock pop and folk icon, member of Bright Eyes and Monsters of Folk
Bright Eyes
Episode: Conor Oberst on "Undo the Right"

Host

John Spong
Host of One by Willie, John Spong engages his guests in meaningful discussions about their favorite Willie Nelson songs, exploring personal stories and the cultural significance of music.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Just want more

    I spent the past couple of months listening through every one of these episodes and I just wish there were more. Not sure if you would be open to it, but I bet a lot of non-notable fans would write in with their own picks and stories about what Willie means to them for a chance to be interviewed. I know I would.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JSHigg
    United States2 months ago
  • Great Deep Dive

    Inspiring and deep, John Spong’s delves deep into the life, wisdom, and exquisite music of Willie Nelson. His interview style is great. His guest list is deep and diverse. He delves into the story of the song with people who were actually there in Willie’s life and the creation process of the song.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stevopeach
    United States3 months ago
  • Best podcast

    I love music! If only every podcast could be as well put together as this one. Each one feels new. So many different points of view by people who understand music. My favorite listen! I love Willie and I enjoy the mix of songs and great questions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    405Fussy
    United States6 months ago
  • I LOVE WILLIE!!!!

    Hey it’s Katy Harbison. I love Willie! I first saw him at the old McMorris Ford dealer on Lamar back in the early 70’s. He played in the back of a flat bed ford truck and he’s been my all time favorite ever since! I grew up seeing him at the Armadillo!!! Thanks for these wonderful podcasts John!!!! They are bringing me so much joy!♥️🎶💃

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    scarlett rose monroe
    United States8 months ago
  • I Willie Love It

    I came late to Willie Nelson—just about a year ago, but was so inspired by him last July at the Hollywood Bowl. Willie Nelson has made me a better person. This podcast has taught me about his music, his life, and his wide-ranging influence in American music and culture. Listened to every episode and some twice and it has widened the music I have listened to. So great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BobbyJohnC999
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the personal and emotional depth of conversations about Willie Nelson's music, celebrating the unique format where guests discuss their favorite songs.
Overall, the podcast is praised for its innovative take on music commentary, with listeners finding joy and upliftment in its content.
Many express gratitude for the thoughtful storytelling and the sense of community this podcast fosters among Willie Nelson fans.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kenny Chesney on "That Lucky Old Sun"
Q: How did Willie influence your sense of authenticity as an artist?
Willie showed that real artistry comes from compromising neither your vision nor your voice, which encouraged me to pursue music that felt true to who I am, even if it wasn't the most commercially safe path.
Kenny Chesney on "That Lucky Old Sun"
Q: What was it like to record a duet with Willie, and how did that shape Moment of Forever?
The process was transformative; Willie's participation and the people around him created a rare, intimate studio environment that redefined how I approached producing and collaborating, ultimately influencing the direction of Moment of Forever.
Kenny Chesney on "That Lucky Old Sun"
Q: Tell me about how you discovered That Lucky Old Sun and what grabbed you about Willie's version.
I grew up hearing Willie's voice in my grandparents' home, and the honesty in his delivery, plus the melody, drew me in deeply; I always connected with the song and later sought to reinterpret it on my own terms.
Conor Oberst on "Undo the Right"
Q: How do you become a Willie fan growing up in Omaha in the 90s?
Oberst mentions having older brothers who were into music and parents who were also Willie fans, which influenced his appreciation for Willie’s music.
Mark Seliger on "Stardust"
Q: But you landed on Stardust. Why does Stardust mean so much to you?
Stardust represents a significant emotional connection for Seliger, marking a pivotal moment from his youth listening to Willie Nelson's music during a lonely time in college, which has since stayed with him throughout his life.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About One by Willie

What is One by Willie about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Esteemed figures from various realms of the music industry gather to share in-depth discussions about their personal connections to the revered artist and songwriter Willie Nelson. Each episode features a guest who reflects on a specific Nelson song, delving into not only musical insights but also the profound influence of Nelson's work on their lives and careers. The conversations often explore themes of nostalgia, artistry, and human experience, weaving together anecdotes that paint a rich tapestry of Willie Nelson's expansive legacy within American culture. With a strong focus on storytelling, humor, and personal perspective, the show illuminates the cultural significance and emotional resonance of Nelson's music, creating an engaging ex... more

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Which podcasts are similar to One by Willie?

These podcasts share a similar audience with One by Willie:

1. Fresh Air
2. Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
3. The Daily
4. The New Yorker Radio Hour
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of One by Willie are there?

One by Willie launched 6 years ago and published 73 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on One by Willie?

Recent guests on One by Willie include:

1. Kenny Chesney
2. George Saunders
3. Matt Berninger
4. Taj Mahal
5. Jamey Johnson
6. Tami Neilson
7. Wesley Schultz
8. Geoffrey Himes

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