Maps of Music

Milk Cow Blues (2000)

Where the lyrics of Milk Cow Blues take you, and where it was really made.

Willie Nelson's 48th studio album is a blues record, built around guest players such as B. B. King and Dr. John.

Key places

Recording in Austin (2000)

Recording site Mirrorball Studios — The album was recorded at Pedernales Studio in Austin, Texas. This point uses city-center accuracy, not the studio building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Overdubs in Los Angeles (2000)

Recording site Village Recorders — Overdubs for the album were recorded at The Village Studios in Los Angeles, California. The point marks the studio building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Overdubs in Minneapolis (2000)

Recording site Flyte Tyme Records — Some overdubs for the album were recorded at Orefin Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This point uses city-center accuracy, not the studio building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• Milk Cow Blues: 48th studio album by American country singer Willie Nelson
• Released September 19, 2000 on Island Records
• Built around many guest blues artists, including B. B. King and Dr. John
• Guests on individual tracks include Francine Reed, Keb' Mo', Jonny Lang, Susan Tedeschi and Kenny Wayne Shepherd
• Recorded at Pedernales Studio and Arlyn Studios, both in Austin, Texas
• Overdubs recorded at Cello Studios and The Village Studios in Los Angeles, and Orefin Studios in Minneapolis
• Mixed at Pedernales Studio, with Dave McNair credited as mixer
• Musicians include Willie Nelson, Derek O'Brien, Jimmie Vaughan and Kenny Wayne Shepherd on guitar, Riley Osbourn on B-3 organ and piano, George Rains on drums, Mickey Raphael on harmonica and John Blondell on bass

Background

• A country singer's album centered on blues material
• Track list runs to 15 songs
• Copyright line credits The Island Def Jam Music Group

Recording

• Basic recording done at two studios in Austin, Texas
• Overdubs were added at three studios in Los Angeles and Minneapolis
• Mixing took place at Pedernales Studio

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · www.discogs.com

Tracklist

Sources: musicbrainz.org

Artist

Formation

• Born Willie Hugh Nelson on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas.
• Wrote his first song at age seven and joined his first band, Bohemian Polka, as a guitarist at age nine.
• Attended Baylor University for two years before dropping out to pursue music.
• Moved to Nashville in 1960 and joined Ray Price's band as a bassist.

Career

• Songs such as "Crazy" (Patsy Cline), "Funny How Time Slips Away" and "Pretty Paper" became hits for other artists.
• Debut album ...And Then I Wrote was released in 1962; joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965.
• Helped lead the outlaw country movement after moving to Austin, Texas in 1972.
• Red Headed Stranger (1975) was a critically acclaimed concept album; the single "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" became his first number one hit.
• Co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 with Neil Young and John Mellencamp.
• Acted in over 30 films, including The Electric Horseman (1979).
• Received a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance for "Ride Me Back Home" (2019).
• Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Reception

At release

• Released September 19, 2000 on Island Records as Willie Nelson's 48th studio album
• A blues-focused record in which many guest blues artists take part, including B. B. King and Dr. John
• Guest vocalists and players on the record include Francine Reed, Keb' Mo', Jonny Lang, Susan Tedeschi and Kenny Wayne Shepherd
• Mickey Raphael plays harmonica, and Derek O'Brien and Jimmie Vaughan join Willie Nelson on guitar
• The track list has 15 songs, including 'Milk Cow Blues', 'The Thrill Is Gone' and 'Night Life'
• The album is arranged as a country singer's tribute to blues material rather than a pure country record

Records

• Billboard blues albums chart: number 2
• Canadian top-selling country albums chart: number 9
• Released by Island Records, with a copyright line credited to The Island Def Jam Music Group

Sources: es.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• 'Crazy' was re-recorded for this album after first appearing on the debut album ...And Then I Wrote
• Several tracks list a featured guest, with B. B. King and Dr. John among the best-known names on the record
• 'Texas Flood', at 8:46 with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, is the longest track on the list
• Dave McNair is credited as the mixer on the album

Sources: es.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · it.wikipedia.org · www.discogs.com

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