After decades in the country music industry, two iconic names—Willie Nelson and The Oak Ridge Boys—have finally joined forces for a studio collaboration. Despite their long and storied careers, which both earned them places in the Country Music Hall of Fame, this marks the first time the two legendary acts have recorded together.
The song that brought them together is “I Thought About You, Lord,” written by Nelson and first released on his 1996 Spirit album. It was later re-recorded for his 2021 Family album. When The Oak Ridge Boys, under the guidance of producer Dave Cobb, entered the studio for their fifth collaboration with him, Cobb suggested they record Nelson’s song.
“When Dave Cobb played ‘I Thought About You, Lord,’ it felt like a masterpiece,” said Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys. “I realized Willie had sung with almost everyone but us. So, I reached out to Buddy Cannon, who has been producing Willie recently, to see if he would sing with us. Willie said he’d be honored. When his vocals were done, the masterpiece was complete!”
The song will appear on The Oak Ridge Boys’ forthcoming album, Mama’s Boys, set for release on October 25. The album is a tribute to their mothers and mothers everywhere, celebrating the profound impact they have on our lives. True to their roots, The Oak Ridge Boys have also infused the album with their signature blend of country and gospel music.
