Highlights Include Willie’s Interview with Dan Rather, Unforgettable Jams with His Friend Merle Haggard, and a Roaring Set at “the World’s Largest Honky Tonk”
“The Party’s Over” but the “Good Times” are just beginning as AXS TV presents a special Saturday Stack event dedicated to groundbreaking country icon Willie Nelson on April 28th, in honor of Nelson’s 85th birthday on Sunday, April 29th.
The festivities begin at 1 pm ET/10 am PT with Nelson’s candid hour-long discussion with Dan Rather on The Big Interview, as the beloved artist talks about the history and impact of his agricultural benefit concert, Farm Aid, the rise in organic products, and the state of marijuana in America. Then, Willie and Family blaze into town for a lively set featuring “Whiskey River,” “Mamma’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” and more in Willie Nelson at 2 pm ET; followed by Nelson’s rare 2007 sit down with Dan Rather, that finds the country superstar opening up about his views on the Iraq War, the Farm Bill, and the legalization of marijuana at his ranch near Austin, TX in American Voices – A Conversation With Dan Rather & Willie Nelson at 3 pm ET.
The day continues at 4 pm ET as Nelson takes over “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk” for a career-spanning set featuring trademark tunes “Crazy,” “Night Life,” and “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,” among others in Willie Nelson – Live At Billy Bob’s Texas. Then, relive the most unforgettable moments from Nelson’s world-famous annual benefit concert in The Best Of Farm Aid 2017 at 6 pm ET, boasting an eclectic roster of all-star talent that includes Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Sheryl Crow, and Dave Matthews. And Nelson’s friend, frequent collaborator, and fellow icon, Merle Haggard, brings the house down with a hit-packed evening in Merle Haggard – Live At Billy Bob’s Texas at 7:30 pm ET.
The block comes to a close at 9:30 pm ET with a very special presentation of the 2014 concert An Intimate Evening With Willie And Merle — a landmark event that offers a rare glimpse at one of music’s most legendary friendships, as the pair enter the studio to record their final album together before taking the stage for one of their last joint performances, trading witty banter between spirited renditions of Nelson’s “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die” and “On The Road Again,” Haggard’s “Okie From Muskogee” and “Fightin’ Side Of Me,” collaborative tunes “A Horse Called Music” and “Pancho And Lefty,” and many more; followed by an encore broadcast of Willie Nelson – Live At Billy Bob’s Texas at 10:30 pm ET.
