Willie Nelson & Emmylou Harris Cover Lowell George's 'Willin'

(MPG) Omnivore Recordings has shared a previously unissued rendition of Lowell George's signature song "Willin'," recorded by Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris, featuring Inara George. The song appears on Rock And Roll Doctor: Lowell George Tribute Album, a special 2-LP set available on vinyl for the first time on April 18 for Record Store Day, with a CD and digital release slated for April 24.

Long out of print, this collector's edition features 15 standout performances from Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Little Feat, Randy Newman and more as a salute to one of the most underrated and underappreciated figures in rock 'n' roll history.

"It's hard to believe how many years have passed since this album was first recorded," says Lowell's daughter Inara George. "I remember how meaningful it was to sing 'Trouble' with Van Dyke Parks and Ry Cooder - they were both friends of my dad, which made it even more special. So to be able to add voice, so many years later, to a track with such greats as Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson feels like a perfect bookend. It's such a gift to celebrate my father's work alongside his musical peers."

As a writer, guitarist, singer, and producer, Lowell George's influence spanned genres-rock, R&B, country, blues, and the adventurous rhythms of West Coast jazz-and seemed to know no bounds. Born and raised in Hollywood, California, George mastered multiple instruments at an early age. His prodigious talent soon caught the attention of Frank Zappa, leading to a stint with The Mothers of Invention. In 1969, after parting ways with Zappa, George formed Little Feat. With Zappa's support, the band secured a deal with Warner Bros. Records and quickly became a musicians' band, revered for its originality and virtuosity. Alongside George were standout players including keyboardist Bill Payne and drummer Richie Hayward, whose combined talents created a sound unlike any other.

"It's always fun when Little Feat gets to record with Bonnie Raitt, especially when we're giving tribute to our brother Lowell," says Payne, who co-founded Little Feat with George. Though Little Feat were not immediate chart-toppers for Warner Bros., they inspired fervent loyalty among fans and deep respect from their peers. Over time, their innovative blend of styles found a wider audience, earning the group three gold albums and one platinum award. George's songwriting left an indelible mark, yielding enduring classics such as "Willin'," "Dixie Chicken," and "Sailin' Shoes."

Internal pressures ultimately led to the band's breakup in 1979. George embarked on a solo career and released his only solo album, Thanks I'll Eat It Here, on Warner Bros. Tragically, he passed away that same year at just 34 while touring in support of the album.

It was inevitable that George's musical friends and admirers would unite to honor his legacy. Originally released in Japan in 1997 (and in the U.S. the following year), Rock And Roll Doctor: Lowell George Tribute Album brought together some of the biggest names in music to celebrate his extraordinary gifts.

This collection is a joyous tribute to one of the 1970s' most original and influential musical voices. Make your appointment now with the Rock And Roll Doctor!

Rock And Roll Doctor: Lowell George Tribute Album Tracklist:
1. Cold, Cold, Cold - Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat
2. Feets Don't Fail Me Now - Taj Mahal
3. Roll Um Easy - JD Souther
4. Rocket In My Pocket - The Bottle Rockets and David Lindley
5. Sailin' Shoes - Randy Newman and Valerie Carter
6. I've Been The One - Jackson Browne
7. Two Trains - Allen Toussaint and Leo Nocentelli
8. Long Distance Love - Keisuke Kuwata
9. Rock And Roll Doctor - Eddie Money and Buddaheads
10. Straight From The Heart - Chris Hillman and Jennifer Warnes
11. Honest Man - Little Feat
12. Spanish Moon - Phil Perry, Merry Clayton and Ricky Lawson
13. Willin' - Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris featuring Inara George *
14. Trouble - Inara George
15. Rock And Roll Heaven (Spoken Excerpt) - Lowell George

* Previously unissued

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