Introduction
“Made in Texas,” a foot-tapping tribute to the state that birthed him, isn’t just another song for Willie Nelson. Released in 2024 on his album “The Border,” it coincides with his 91st birthday, making it a personal celebration.
The song itself is a delightful homage, penned by fellow Texans Shawn Camp and Monty Holmes. Nelson, himself a Texan born and bred in Abbott in 1933, has always incorporated the influences of his home state into his music. Early exposure to Western swing, a lively Texas music genre, is evident in the playful rhythm of “Made in Texas.”
This isn’t Nelson’s first rodeo when it comes to celebrating his Texan roots. Having spent decades touring the state and drawing inspiration from its landscapes and characters, “Made in Texas” feels like a culmination of that love.
Listen closely, and you’ll hear winks to Texas music legends like Bob Wills (“Ernest Tubb we trust”) alongside the signature Nelson wit (“You can always tell a Texan / Oh, but you can’t tell him much”). With this playful energy, “Made in Texas” isn’t just a song – it’s a warm welcome to the Lone Star State, delivered by a true son of Texas himself.