Red Headed Stranger Turns 50 and SAM Had a Front Row Seat
Many folks might not be familiar with Garland, Texas, but they have most certainly heard it, whether they realize it or not. This artsy town northeast of Dallas is home to Audio Dallas (formerly Autumn Sound Studios) where Willie Nelson recorded one of his most celebrated albums, Red Headed Stranger, in January of 1975.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of this seminal work and the City of Garland decided to celebrate with a two-day event featuring performances of the full album by artists such as Ray Benson (Asleep At The Wheel), Rhett Miller (The Old 97’s), Joshua Ray Walker, and Max and Heather Stalling, as well as a screening of the film Red Headed Stranger, starring Willie Nelson and Morgan Fairchild – who also attended.
At the creative helm of the event was SAM Director of Music Licensing, Jeff Ryan. Working with Garland’s Cultural Arts Director, Amy Rosenthal, the two envisioned a creative gathering to recognize the significant impact that Red Headed Stranger has had on the city and its growing arts community.
“The birth of outlaw music was literally in our backyard,” says Jeff in an interview with Texas Highways’ Cat Cardenas. “I think it’s important that people know about North Texas, and our cultural relevance when it comes to the history of music.”
The tie to local arts was an important part of the event, and as a lead up to the sold out headline concert, ten local artists performed in and around Garland Square, demonstrating just how influential Willie Nelson’s music has been. Commemorating the weekend and the past 50 years of music creativity in Garland, the Texas Music Office certified the city as a Music Friendly City.
With the original Red Headed Stranger tour bus on hand, and Willie’s lyrics hanging in the evening air, nostalgia and inspiration were bursting out of every seam.
Read more about this event:
- How Red Headed Stranger Changed Country Music Forever (Texas Highways, May 2025)
- Dallas Musicians Reflect on Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger Ahead of 50th Anniversary Celebration (Dallas Observer, May 2025)
Photo credit: Andrew Sherman