Miranda Lambert Reflects on Country Music’s Roots and Her Love for Willie Nelson

Country superstar Miranda Lambert has always had a deep connection to country music’s traditions, and this week, she shared her memories and insights on the podcast One by Willie. Lambert’s episode explores the impact of classic country music, her upbringing in Lindale, Texas, and the profound influence of her hero, Willie Nelson.

Pickin’ Parties and Childhood Memories
Lambert recalls the outlaw anthem “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” performed by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, as one of the defining sounds of her childhood. The 1978 hit had already cemented its status in country music history before Lambert was even born, but it resonated deeply with her. Growing up in a modest household, where money was tight and life was unpredictable, Lambert found solace in country music.

“Playing and singing great country songs with friends and neighbors on the front porch was a key to my family’s survival,” Lambert said. She describes those gatherings—known as pickin’ parties—as not just a pastime but an essential part of country music’s culture and history.

She also shared a poignant memory of the first time a song ever moved her to tears. “I was seven years old,” Lambert revealed, reflecting on how music’s emotional power shaped her from an early age.

Honoring Willie Nelson and The Marfa Tapes
During the episode, Lambert celebrates the spirit of pickin’ parties by discussing two iconic records:

Willie Nelson’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Lambert lauded Nelson’s album as a quintessential example of how country music brings people together in intimate and authentic ways.
Her Own The Marfa Tapes: The Grammy-nominated collaboration with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall was recorded outdoors in West Texas, capturing the raw, unpolished essence of their pickin’-party roots.
Lambert also shared her experience performing at Nelson’s star-studded ninetieth-birthday shows at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023. She described the overwhelming love and sense of community that filled the venue, saying, “It was magical. Everyone there was there for Willie—for the music, the man, and what he’s done for all of us.”

The Debt Every Artist Owes to Willie
Lambert made it clear that she sees Willie Nelson as more than a country legend—he’s a foundational figure in the genre. “Every country artist owes him a debt,” she said. From his groundbreaking music to his advocacy for songwriters and his unyielding individuality, Nelson’s influence on the genre and its artists is immeasurable.

About One by Willie
Produced by John Spong in partnership with PRX and Texas Monthly, One by Willie celebrates the legacy of Willie Nelson by inviting artists to share their personal stories and connections to his music. The production team includes Jocelyn Gonzales, Patrick Grant, and Pedro Rafael Rosado, with contributions from the Texas Monthly team led by Brian Standefer and Patrick Michels.

Miranda Lambert’s episode offers fans a heartfelt dive into the roots of country music, the importance of community, and her admiration for Willie Nelson—a living legend who continues to inspire generations of musicians.


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