Amanda Shires and Bobbie Nelson | Hear their reindition of ‘Always of My Mind’ | From collaborative album ‘Loving You’

Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Amanda Shires and the late, great pianist and singer Bobbie Nelson have released their tender and moving rendition of the Willie Nelson classic Always On My Mind’.  The track is the second to be released from the forthcoming collaborative album ‘Loving You‘, available 23rd June on Silver Knife/ATO Records. Pre-order ‘Loving You’ HERE. Recorded prior to Nelson’s passing, ‘Loving You’ is “a reflection on the life and music of Bobbie Nelson,” says Shires.

‘Always on My Mind’ (a smash for Elvis Presley in 1972 and a Grammy-winning #1 hit for Willie Nelson a decade later) feels especially poignant as interpreted by Bobbie and Amanda, with Nelson’s graceful, wistful piano melodies blending perfectly with Shires’ soaring vocals and stirring fiddle lines. The recording of the song was the starting point for ‘Loving You’. In April of 2021, Shires was working on her wildly acclaimed album ‘Take It Like a Man’ and considered including ‘Always on My Mind’ on the album. She booked studio time with Nelson, “because the only piano that fits that song is Bobbie’s,” says Amanda. Once together in the studio, their deep musical connection was undeniable. Amanda and Bobbie decided the two should start their own band and saved the track for what would eventually become ‘Loving You’.

‘Loving You’ was a labour of love for all involved, featuring many favourites shared by Shires and Nelson, including the first single, ‘Summertime‘, an emotive cover of the Gershwin classic, featuring a guest appearance from Bobbie’s brother Willie Nelson. The video was co-directed by Shires and Deren Ney, with footage captured by photographer Joshua Black Wilkins and album producer Lawrence Rothman at Arlyn Studios in Austin, Texas during the album recording session. The facility is co-owned and operated by Bobbie Nelson’s son, Freddy Fletcher, who also plays drums on the album, making the endeavour a true family affair.

Speaking about ‘Loving You, Amanda explains, “Bobbie Nelson’s life happened in revival tents and roadhouses, old theaters and glittering arenas, recording studios and church pews. She survived abandonment and abuse. Her children were taken from her, so she fought until she won them back. She was spiritual, determined, strong and generous with her love. She made a path for women, for mothers even, in the male-dominated music business. You can read her incredible story in the book ‘Me and Sister Bobbie’. You should, but you can hear who Bobbie was when you listen to her play the piano. Bobbie Nelson was a believer, a mother, an artist, a lover, a sister, a grandmother, and a friend. She passed away on March 10, 2022, just months after we spent time together in Austin recording this album. We chose these songs because they’re songs that she loved, songs that meant the world to her and her personal journey. Through her music, she will live on.”

Since getting her start playing fiddle with the legendary Texas Playboys at the young age of 15, Shires has brought her nuanced songwriting and boundless originality to a series of solo albums, collaborated with the likes of John Prine, and earned the 2017 Emerging Artist of the Year prize from the Americana Music Association (AMA). Also a member of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit, Amanda is the founder of The Highwomen – a supergroup she performs in alongside Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile. In 2022 she released the lauded album ‘Take It Like A Man’ featuring Jason Isbell on guitar and guest vocals by Maren Morris and Brittney Spencer, which landed on many “Best of 2022” lists including NPR, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Stereogum and BrooklynVegan to name a few. Following its release, Amanda embarked on a triumphant US tour, with Variety including her show at LA’s Troubadour on their Top 50 concerts of the year alongside the likes of Bad Bunny, Elton John and Lady Gaga.