To get these songs re-released, Willie had to pull a few strings

After establishing himself as a major Nashville songwriter (he wrote "Crazy" for Patsy Cline, among others), Willie Nelson signed his first serious artist contract at RCA in 1964. At that time, the producers were king. Singers weren't allowed to select arrangements, musicians, studios -- any of the key factors in making the records the artist has in mind. Willie was constantly frustrated by the syrupy strings, vocal group choruses and generally "slick" final product.

Fast forward to 2008. Willie and long-time harmonica player Mickey Raphael are casually wondering what those records would or could sound like if only the multi-track tapes could be tracked down and the songs re-mixed with the original intent in mind. Gone are the strings and gangs of back-up singers. Gone, in fact is most of the production that always "ruined" the songs. 'Stripped' is a new collection of 17 vintage RCA sides -- finally the Willie way.

Track Listing:

1. Bring Me Sunshine
2. Following Me Around
3. Ghost, The
4. Happiness Lives Next Door
5. I Just Dropped By
6. Jimmy's Road
7. I Let My Mind Wander
8. If You Could See What's Going Through My Mind
9. Johnny One Time
10. Local Memory, The
11. Party's Over, The
12. Where Do You Stand
13. When We Live Again
14. What Can You Do To Me Now
15. I'm A Memory
16. Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
17. Laying My Burdens Down

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