One By Willie

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Each week, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song that they love, leading to highly personal looks at the life, art, and legend of a genuine American folk hero. Listen here.

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Recent Reviews
  • Mini Oven
    My hero!
    John Spong, thank you! You are my hero for your knowledge and your vision of this podcast! I’ve loved Willie for as long as I can remember. My father loved Willie. Willie is part of our family’s story. Willie is in my heart and soul. I listen to your every podcast, savoring it like a fine meal. And, of course, I love the conversations you have with guests to dig in to every cherished song. Thank you for season #6. You are my hero!
  • JamesACU
    Fantastic Show!
    Best podcast I’ve ever listened too! Willie Nelson is my Favorite, and this is so cool to hear the stories and perspectives. His artistry, writing and inspiration will live forever. Thank You John Spong for your dedication and knowledge! Here is to Next Season of the Show!
  • Okie 60’s Girl
    Uplifting
    This show always lifts my spirits! Thanks, John!
  • Red paper tape
    Amazing!
    Willie’s music is so universal, and this podcast is such an enjoyable way to hear how other people experience this music!
  • Bloopity blogh
    Just wonderful
    This is truly one of my absolute favorite listens. The concept is so unique and leads to such excellent discussions. Thank you Texas Monthly, every listen is a special experience.
  • Ysjsjabsjsjqv
    Fabulous Listen
    I’ve loved Willie since the old KLBJ days in the 70s and John’s show reminds me why. Such a great podcast!
  • leon Zuma
    A must for any Willie fan
    So much to learn here for any Fan of Willie ! John Spong is terrific…
  • juniemeskey
    Willie by John Spong
    Deep insight to all knowledge about Willie. I’ve learned so much more from every podcast. I felt like I was hearing family stories about a beloved relation. John S. is able to add a unique take on his well versed knowledge of all Willie Nelson music, then and now!
  • PCBennett
    Wonderful Deep Dive into Willie's World
    Love the stories, the different perspectives and learning about songs or albums I'd never heard before. Been saving albums after nearly every episode! Now let's get Patty Griffin to do one!
  • JRHassan59
    Ethan Hawke
    I like Hawke’s work generally. But he is a pretentious wind bag. Very tedious interview.
  • Jc1-3:/4(;567
    Stardust
    Season 5 episode 3 with Booker T. Jones is outstanding. Such great insight to the making of Willie’s Stardust masterpiece. So many great details. Emmylou’s living room!!
  • SadieWit
    Loved learning the lore behind Willie songs
    I grew up with Willie Nelson (literally! We learned taekwondo from the same master!) but didn't appreciate his music until much later. This podcast helps me dig even deeper into the history
  • Brad Texas damnit
    Great Podcast
    Stumbled on to this show by accident and listened to season one all the way to the last show. I have allways been by a Willie fan, but this show introduced me to songs I hadn’t heard before and forced me to listen to the songs I knew differently. Can’t wait for the next season.
  • For morhers
    Willie Nelson 101
    This wonderful podcast hosted by the engaging, knowledgeable John Spong is a excellent lesson in Willie Nelson and his treasure trove of music. ❤️🎶🎸
  • Moo movie
    Love Willie and live this Podcast.
    So good to hear all the ins and outs of Willie songs. I am not a big country person. But Willie transcends. There is nothing like him.
  • LoveMyCreek
    What a fun Deep Dive into Willie through the years
    Treat yourself! John Spong is a master podcaster, and this is a blast - one episode after another. I started the podcast in preparation for Willie’s 4th of July Picnic - my first Willie live concert. What fun to hear this wide variety of Willie’s kids, collaborators, and wise friends talk about Willie and his songs through the years. A true Texas treasure - Willie and this lovely podcast.
  • Asylum King
    Love it!
    I’m part way through season 2 and am loving every story and song!
  • Zizzabet
    Memories Rolling In
    Listening to one at a time in order to savor the glory of it for as long as i can. The memories roll in with almost every episode. Very well put together - not a highly commercialized type production - keeps with Willie’s style. Selection of guests is right on - unfortunately missing quite a few of Willie’s closest (RIP to each) and then some. Guess not everyone can come to the party.
  • Lulabelle91
    Stellar!
    Just found this - it’s wonderful! Real conversations. #bingeworthy
  • moke
    My favorite podcast
    One By Willie has become my favorite podcast hearing others take on classic Willie Nelson songs give new insights into them John Spong does a great job interviewing guests keep the shows coming
  • G_Chere
    Amazing Grace
    Amazing Grace in deed! This episode with Brené Brown brought tears to my eyes. “A Meritocracy girl living in Graceville”. - so true! God Bless her with more grace! She is one brave woman making a difference in this world- changing so many hearts and minds. Thank you!🙏❤️😇
  • Sweeney Kid
    Thank you
    Beautiful interview, beautiful ideas. Thank you!! Brene Brown I’ve missed your presence on podcast!!
  • PZ4242
    Amazing Grace
    Love the OBW podcast but the episode with Brene Brown was outstanding.
  • CHC1970
    Willie
    I’ve been listening to Willie since I was a child, the first album I heard was The Red Headed Stranger, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Seen him live twice, and hoping to again. This podcast is amazing, please keep it up.
  • Alpine Andy Allen
    One of the best
    This is one of if not THE best podcast available. If you like Willie…or just music in general, you will love every minute of this!
  • Hildagarde47
    I’m loving every interview!
    What a wonderful thing this is…to listen to personal stories from Willie’s friends and family. I’ll soon be 76, and have listened to and enjoyed all things Willie Nelson, most of my life. God bless him for all that he has done, and for showing his children how to carry on his musical legacy, and purity of spirit. He is a gift to us all. Keep on keepin’ on with these podcasts.
  • Tinka Tingle
    Love From and To Willie
    With all the wonderful songs that really has written,You can keep this podcast going for years. Please do. Willie and his songs are an Americantreasure
  • mr. monkey butt
    The enjoyment of Willy nelson
    This podcast is very good and entertaining for me and it is kinda quarkey but still injoyable I like Willy Nelson’s songs !!!🤗#🦖💨#🐖💨
  • MissyL0401
    Willie for President!
    What’s not to love about this podcast??? I e never written a review, but had to sign up to write this one. Everyone can learn something from Willie. Thanks for the great content. I just may move to Texas!!
  • Smirkmeister
    One by Willie
    It is hard for me to imagine a podcast that would give me as much pleasure as just LISTENING to Willie, and yet I have binge-listened to One by Willie for the last 12 hours straight! So good! Such a great concept and amazing guests with a hundred perspectives! Thank you for this! Will continue till I've heardvthem all.
  • jimmyjazz66
    Sooo good!!!
    This is the first time I’ve written a review for a podcast because this show is just so good! I want more episodes!!!
  • mateysfan
    So good!
    This podcast is so great. The episodes with Ethan Hawke and Kacey Musgraves are the best but they’re all good.
  • gambling Rod.
    Great Podcast
    John does a great job interviewing the guests and allows them to tell tell there history about and with Willie. I am amazed every week about the history of Willie’s song writing ability. Look forward to the next show.
  • LI BEVO
    One By Willie
    This is an absolutely fantastic presentation about Willie Nelson’s music. The listener learns a a great deal about Willie’s tunes as one song is discussed each week by a guest (guests are from all types of music). The podcast host John Spong does a spectacular job. This is a must listen-to for any serious music fan, not just Willie Nelson or country music fans.
  • bobjguuuuu
    Highly Recommended
    I keep preaching this podcast. One day I will get the enthusiastic thanks that I expect from every recommendation. I get it, people THINK they know Willie. But John Spong plus a thoughtful guest plus a tune pulled from the decades-large mystery bag is a great formula. My friends don’t know what they are missing.
  • JCRiley09
    Love Willie and this show
    Willie is of course a Texas and National Treasure. I have learned so much about him, his songs, and the passion others have for Willie and his music. Thank you for continuing this podcast!
  • DerekRalph
    Fantastic show!
    So great to hear the back stories on these songs and the stories from the guests. A must listen to for any Willie fan.
  • Marfaplain
    Cannot Get Enough
    A real treasure. If you grew up in Texas and listened to Willie and thought you knew everything, you’re wrong. Go to school here and be prepared to be blown away.
  • MsDawntreader
    Perfection!
    Actually, words fail me here. These episodes, each of them, give perspective, insight, nuance, and speak to the heart, much as does Willie’s music itself. I am grateful to the wonderful host whose knowledge and deep love make the magic come alive. Thank you.
  • hamilton k
    An absolutely perfect podcast.
    ^
  • cmack
    Amazing Show
    This is the show if you happen to love Willie, Texas, history, or just music in general. Great insight into the music industry, and awesome stories about Willie.
  • Webbjeri
    So great
    A real highlight of the week. Thoughtful, lovely and amazing, just like Willie.
  • 😄😄😄😄😄😄😍love it
    True and Authentic as They Come
    This is the best kind of show for a true long time fan. Intelligent, sensitive and full of true love for Willie Nelson.
  • MicrophoneMixer
    Thoughtful and thought provoking, a master story teller brings unique insights into Nelson’s work
    What a fantastic show! “One by Willie” brings together great songs, fascinating stories and the best artists in country and Americana. It sounds great and John Spong really knows the subject matter. Willie has an amazing body of work which means that this podcast should have real staying power.
  • PMJ-TX
    Home Run
    John knows his stuff when it comes to Austin. His love of the good times and bad especially od Willie and Family is unparalleled. Give him a listen or 50!!!! Thanks John
  • Les Lynn
    Host Is Superb
    The host does a superb job in blending deep research on Willie Nelson's music and a light, amiable, witty touch with his guests. I can't imagine this concept being better realized than it is on this podcast. And it's a rewarding, entertaining, and even edifying concept.
  • DaphneB99
    Fantastic Podcast about a musical hero
    No better subject than Willie Nelson
  • Pokhofdszr
    It’s about Willie, a great host and fantastic guests
    I had listened to Season 1 in 2020 and loved that season. I forgot about the 2nd season, just remembered it, and binge listened it. Season 2 is fantastic. Host John Spong truly loves, knows, and appreciates WIllie and the guests have so many great stories. You don’t have to be a hard-core Willie fan to appreciate and enjoy this podcast. The podcast provides great insights into crafting music and 20th century popular music. I can’t recommend this enough!
  • Dfurb
    Great podcast
    Great podcast with great Willie stories!
  • Sean2599
    Love this podcast
    This show is awesome
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