At 42 years of age, Willie Nelson had penned hits for some of country music greatest performers, but had yet to receive any major acclaim for his own work. All this changed when the Red Headed Stranger rode into town.

To some listeners, Willie Nelson's "The Red Headed Stranger" could be seen as a difficult piece to follow. It was a country concept album before the concept of the concept album had gained widespread acceptance. The songs on this disc flow seamlessly from one into the other and then reflect back on themselves from time to time to show the progression of tale. The Red Headed Stranger was a wanderer, a pilgrim of sorts, running from the demons of his past, and heading for nowhere in particular. It's hard to summarize the tale in a manner that would do it justice since the album is less of a story than it is a painting, but if the idea of running from the desolation of the past and falling headlong into the arms of happiness when it's least expected seems even remotely appealing to you, then do yourself a favor and listen to The Red Headed Stranger.