Willie Nelson to Release 156th Album Featuring Track Cowritten by Bob Dylan

Country music legend Willie Nelson is one of the most prolific artists of all time. Nelson is set to release his 156th album, Dream Chaser, on May 29. That means Willie has released at least one studio album each year of his 64-year career. As far as studio albums, this marks Nelson’s 79th release. 156 is the total number of all releases, which includes live albums and compilations throughout his career. He has earned 20 No. 1 hits, with 114 chart singles between 1962 and 1994. The new album’s first single, “Dream Chaser,” was released on March 18.

Willie Nelson’s prolific career spans across seven decades. In the 1950s, Nelson started out as a songwriter, writing hits for other artists of the time before embarking on his own career. His debut album, …And Then I Wrote, was released in 1962. In the 1960s alone, Willie Nelson released 11 studio albums. He was a pioneer of outlaw country in the 1970s. His successful 1975 album Red Headed Stranger made Nelson a massive star. He earned his first No. 1 hit with “Blues Eyes Crying In The Rain” on October 4, 1975. Altogether, Nelson released over 20 albums in the 1970s, including live albums and compilations.

In 1985, Nelson formed The Highwaymen along with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. The country supergroup penned the No. 1 hit “Highwayman” in 1985. Their debut album went to No. 1 on the US Top Country Albums chart. Ultimately, the group released three studio albums between 1985 and 1995.

‘Dream Chaser’ Set for Release on May 29

Nelson’s 156th release contains a track co-written by long-time friend Bob Dylan. The folk legend first collaborated on Nelson’s 1993 album Across The Borderline, cowriting the song “Heartland.” This marks their first collaboration in over 30 years. The two have toured and performed together, with a friendship dating back to 1973. The new track is called “I Can’t Read Your Mind,” cowritten by Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Buddy Cannon. Cannon has been a producer and songwriting partner with Nelson since 2012.

On March 17, Willie Nelson & Family announced a six-show spring tour. The tour kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 22, and wraps up in New Braunfels, Texas, on May 2. Willie Nelson will turn 93 years old on April 29.