Willie Nelson Joins Kenny Rogers For “Blue Skies” Duet
on Feb 19, 2025
Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers teamed up for a performance of Nelson’s “Blue Skies”
As part of an NBC special, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers performed a classic Irving Berlin song.
“One of my favorite albums that you ever recorded, and obviously one of theirs as well, is the Stardust album,” Rogers told Nelson before the performance. “You did a song called ‘Blue Skies,’ which happens to be one of my favorite songs.”
So, the old friends performed “Blue Skies” together, and it might be one of the best collaborations we’ve ever heard. We aren’t alone in that thought.
Their performance went on to win a Prime-Time Emmy for Outstanding Sound Mixing in a Variety or Music Series. The television special, titled Something Inside So Strong, also featured Dolly Parton.
RELATED: Willie Nelson Is Young, Beardless & Braidless In 1965 Performance
“Blue skies smiling at me/ Nothing but blue skies/ Do I see bluebirds singing together,” sings Nelson while Rogers played the upright bass. “Singing a song/ Nothing but bluebirds all day long.
“Blue Skies” Was Originally Composed By Irving Berlin In 1926
Irving Berlin released his iconic version in 1926, and it was recorded by Nelson over five decades later in 1978. The song was a massive success on an international scale, charting in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.
“Blue Skies” has been covered by countless artists, including Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, Ella Fitzgerald, Alessandro Juliani, and more.
While it seems like an unlikely song for two country legends to cover, it really is the perfect tune for them both.
You can watch the duet below.
