37 Years Ago Today, Willie Nelson Released the Album That Gave Us His Final No. 1 Hit
On July 12, 1989, Willie Nelson released an album that delivered what would become his final number-one single on country charts. The track, 'Nothing I Can Do About It Now,' composed by Texas songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, depicted a character reconciling with past regrets while moving toward future possibilities. Though Nelson's commercial momentum had slowed by the late 1980s, the album demonstrated his continued artistic relevance, with its second single also achieving top-10 success.
More than two decades later, Nelson felt the title track warranted fresh attention and recruited country music peer Merle Haggard and his son to record a new version, which appeared on Nelson's 60th studio album in 2012. Following Haggard's death in 2016, Nelson released a 2025 album performing songs associated with his longtime collaborator, reflecting the enduring creative partnership and mutual respect between two foundational figures in country music.
- Willie Nelson's 1989 album 'A Horse Called Music' produced his final #1 chart hit, 'Nothing I Can Do About It Now,' written by Beth Nielsen Chapman
- Nelson rerecorded the title track with Merle Haggard over 20 years later; he released a 2025 tribute album honouring Haggard after his 2016 death
- At 93, Nelson remains active in recording and performing, demonstrating sustained creative output across six decades