‘Willie Nelson: American Outlaw’: A&E’s ‘incredible’ documentary on country legend’s legacy wins over fans

Willie Nelson’s highly anticipated documentary ‘Willie Nelson: American Outlaw’ is finally out. The feature is a celebration of the profound legacy the country outlaw pioneer has created with numerous luminaries paying tribute to the influential 86-year-old artist.

With a concert filmed live at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena back in January of 2019, the documentary, which aired on A&E TV on April 12, features a stellar list of American artistes such as Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow performing in homage to Nelson, as well as interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Stapleton opened the documentary with a spirited joyful performance of ‘Whiskey River’ before host Ed Helms declares, “We are in for an unbelievable treat tonight,” adding, “What you’re about to experience is so much more than just fantastic music. This is going to be a lovefest, a lovefest for a certain, unassuming, big-hearted, sly old son of a gun from Abbott, Texas who is still kicking more ass than you and I ever will. The eager crowd burst into a loud cheer as Helms calls out the “American hero,” as described by Helms and Nelson appears onstage, humbly greets the crowd and performs ‘City of New Orleans’ together with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. 

The feature then slides in some meaningful interviews of Nelson’s friends and fellow artistes sharing some nostalgic moments as a perfect tidbit break after the music. George Strait opens the stream of clips. “First time I saw him, I was playing a fair somewhere, and I’m thinking I’m doing really good ’cause the crowds going… I mean, they went nuts and I look over and there’s Willie’s bus pulling up, so they were all clapping for Willie,” he says. Norah Jones remembers Nelson’s 1975 LP and says, “I remember growing up and going to my grandparents’ house in Oklahoma and my grandpa’s favorite record was ‘Red Headed Stranger’, so that was always there.”

Sturgill Simpson added a touch of humor. “My grandfather, I don’t if he really listened to anything except Merle and Willie, so I think I was about eight or nine years old before I knew other people made records,” he says. Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, sat alongside his brother Micah and shared on the emotional impact his dad’s music left on him at a very young age. He says, “I remember being aware of it being in my mother’s arms, Dad playing. I remember falling asleep even though everybody was raucous and having fun, it was just nice and soothing.”

You can tell after the first few intro segments, it is nothing but smiles and good music set for Nelson and country music fans as they celebrate the iconic singer. Fans on Twitter have also shared a lot of love for their favorite country singer. Before the show aired, one fan spoke on how they attended the actual live concert, describing it as “one of the best concerts I ever attended!” and said, “Can’t wait to watch it on tv.”

One fan declared, “Best thing I watched tonight! Willie Nelson: American Outlaw” while another shared, “Willie Nelson: American Outlaw on A&E is making me so happy and sad at the same time. I love him dearly.”

“Willie Nelson American outlaw is so wonderful Oh the memories..nuff said,” wrote another.

A fan described watching the documentary as “incredible” and said, “Man @WillieNelson kicks so much ass.” One fan wrote,”@GeorgeStrait  That was an amazing tribute to Willie Nelson tonite. It was awesome to see the two of you perform together.”

Image Source:*meaww.com

Source:meaww.com