The year 2004 saw an unforgettable collaboration between rocker Keith Richards, and outlaw country singer Willie Nelson, as they both did a live performance of “We Had It All.” The music cover was a part of Nelson’s Outlaws and Angels live album, which had its special listening concert that year. 20 years later, it’s the perfect time to revisit this magical moment in music history.
The song, originally created by Troy Seals, Donnie Fritts, and Waylon Jennings in 1973, seemed to catch the eyes of A-list country singers, as Dolly Parton also included her version in the 1984 album of covers called The Great Pretender. She did yet another remix as part of her subsequent Think About Love release in 1986.
The Rolling Stone and the Outlaw are a duo like no other
Although the original song, which featured on Waylon’s Honky Tonk Heroes album, made the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart number 28 spot, Keith’s musical prowess combined with that of Nelson’s birthed a duet that was one for the books. It also showed Willie’s range and ability to deliver across contrasting music genres too.
RELATED: Keith Richards Feels Nostalgic For First Collab With Paul McCartney In New Rolling Stones Album
On top of that, the song was a perfect consensus for both music legends, as they each could shine when it came to vocals and acoustics. Their excitement to work with each other was palpable, as Keith played along in his black and white suit, while Nelson did his thing with his famous three-stripped guitar sash over his outfit.
“We Had It All” as performed by Willie Nelson and Keith Richards is still the best years later
Two decades after their first-ever performance of “We Had It All,” Keith and Nelson reunited for an encore at the latter’s 90th birthday celebration in April 2023. Although it’s been two decades, both icons still delivered like it was their first time, proving the evergreen nature of the classic by Waylon.
They also serenaded the audience at the Hollywood Bowl with a joint rendition of “Live Forever,” evoking nostalgia from older fans, and a delightful response from the crowd. Social media was also abuzz with admiration for Keith and Nelson, as they commended their lasting friendship and working relationship so far.
