Although producing countless hit performances over his career, Willie Nelson also wrote iconic songs like “Crazy”, “Hello Walls” and “Funny How Time Slips Away.”

While each song was originally recorded by a different artist, the lyrics were fashioned thanks to the legendary talents of Willie. And in 1963, the country legend wrote “Pretty Paper.” Playing the song for producer Fred Foster, it eventually landed in the lap of Roy Orbison, who turned the song into a hit. Eventually recording the song himself, Willie once joined forces with his sons Micah and Lukas Nelson to cover the classic Christmas song.

Surrounding a street vendor trying to make ends meet during the Christmas season, Willie found inspiration from a man he used to see selling pencils and paper on the street. Holding a special place in his heart, Willie decided to get a little help from his sons when he covered “Pretty Paper” in December 2021. Although having played in front of thousands of fans, the three decided to perform the song on an enclosed patio. With no fancy cameras or setups, the three showcased that talent needs nothing but an audience.

Willie Nelson Considered “Patron Saint Of Country Music”

Wishing people a Merry Christmas from the Nelson family, fans couldn’t get enough of the trio, writing, “Y’all are looking great, and sounding great. Thank you so much for your music…and kindness. Merry Christmas.” Another person added, “I Love this so much. I would just about give anything to sing with your father ,my all time favorite. I’m so happy you are a blessed singer also. Merry Christmas to your family.”

Outside of his own career, Willie Nelson also joined forces with Orville Peck for the song “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other.” Focusing on the secret relationships among cowboys, Peck praised Willie, insisting, “I think that the fact that Willie stands next to the entire LGBTQIA+ community by doing this song just shows what an amazing person he is, what a legend he is… It’s a win for all of us because that’s true allyship. Someone who’s completely unafraid to be right there next to us, there’s no vagueness involved.”

Placing Willie in the same boat as Dolly Parton, Peck considered them to be the top of country music. “They’re like the last patron saints of country music and they’re just sort of untouchable legends.”