Getty Images/Bruce Glikas
Hank Williams was the last of the country kingpins of rock ‘n’ roll, Hank Williams, Jr. the son of Hank Williams and one of the lesser lights of country. George Harrison, meanwhile, was a silent influence on many musicians, from Slash and Ritchie Blackmore to Lou Reed and the MC5.
George’s son, Julian Lennon, will release his first solo album under his own name, First Love, this week and it features a cover of one of the Beatles’ most popular hits, “A Day in the Life.” Julian Lennon’s version is also one of the tracks on a new album from Willie Nelson and his family, When I Paint My Masterpiece.
The Nelsons, Mike, Willie, Bob and Willie Jr., recorded a take on the Beatles classic at Nelson’s ranch in Texas, though most of the others in the family were busy making movie magic that day. Nelson’s songwriting partner, Art Neville, was cutting his new movie, “Carnival,” at a nearby location. (Cindy Crawford, who is good friends with Nelson, was also there on location that day.)
The Nelson’s version of the Beatles tune is a take on the original solo version and follows the release of Nelson’s Old Head Blues-The Black Cadillac as a promotional release from the ASCAP archives.
When I Paint My Masterpiece is due in stores Feb. 13.