Willie Nelson Continues His Musical Journey at Houston Rodeo

HOUSTON, TX — He may have been ailing recently — he had to cancel a few shows earlier this year — but Willie Nelson made sure a sold-out NRG Stadium knew he wasn't going to let a little malady keep him from playing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 10th time.

"Hello, Houston," the 83-year-old legend shouted to the 75,008 fans in the stadium on Saturday, as he emerged from a black SUV and ascended the stairs to the stage, set up in the middle of the dirt-covered rodeo floor.

Nelson, who was accompanied by his regular band, including his piano-playing sister, Bobbie, opened with "Whiskey River," a staple, and the crowd seemed to appreciate the choice, as cheers and applause filled the cavernous arena.

In addition to signing some of his hits, such as "On the Road Again," Nelson paid tribute to Hank Williams and Merle Haggard, as well as Waylon Jennings.

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Nelson's appearance was the first sold-out concert at this year's Rodeo, a testament to the Red-Headed Stranger's staying power. His guitar-playing was top-notch, and his singing approach suited his playing: his voice may not be as complete as it once was, but it's full of pathos, power when need be, and experience.

"Shoeshine Man" closed out the concert, and with that, Nelson left the stage as the crowd stood as one.

Here is the set list for Nelson's Houston Rodeo appearance:

"Whiskey River"
"Still is Still Moving to Me"
"Beer for My Horses"
"Good Hearted Woman"
"Mama, Don’t Let Them Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"
"Angel Flying to Close to the Ground"
"On the Road Again"
"You Were Always on My Mind"
"Georgia on My Mind"
"Georgia on a Fast Train"
"It’s All Going to Pot"
"Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die"
"Jambalaya"
"Hey, Good Lookin'"
"Move it On Over"
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken"
"I Saw the Light"
"Still Not Dead"
"Me and Paul” (briefly), into "Shoeshine Man"

— Main image: Wikimedia Commons/joshbg2k