Garland, TX Gears Up for a Legendary Weekend Honoring Willie Nelson’s Iconic Album 🎶🌹
The city of Garland, Texas is turning back time and turning up the volume for a milestone celebration — the 50th anniversary of Willie Nelson’s legendary “Red Headed Stranger” album.
📍 Where it all began
Originally recorded at Autumn Sound Studios (now Audio Dallas) in 1975, this landmark album not only defined Nelson’s career but also helped shape the outlaw country movement. Now, Garland is ready to celebrate its proud role in music history with a weekend of unforgettable events.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars: May 16–17
The tribute kicks off Friday, May 16 with a screening of the 1986 Red Headed Stranger film (starring Nelson himself), followed by a live panel featuring author Michael Granberry, Nelson biographer Joe Nick Patoski, and musician Joshua Ray Walker.
🎸 Saturday, May 17 brings the party downtown**
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., free concerts will fill downtown Garland at local hotspots like Intrinsic Brewery, Fortunate Son restaurant, and Dead Wax Records. You’ll catch live sets from:
Evan Boyer (classic country)
Angel White (multi-genre soul)
Remy Reilly (indie pop)
🎤 A Star-Studded Homage to “Red Headed Stranger”
Saturday night, Texas music icons will unite for a once-in-a-lifetime performance of the album’s tracks, including:
Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel)
Rhett Miller (Old 97’s)
Joshua Ray Walker
Max and Heather Stalling
Each artist will take the stage to share not only songs, but their personal connections to Willie, the album, and the city that helped birth it.
🚌 Bonus Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss:
A display of rare Willie Nelson memorabilia from Texas State University’s Wittliff Collections
A chance to step aboard the iconic Honeysuckle Rose tour bus
Garland’s official certification as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office
