City of New Orleans is a studio album by the American musician Willie Nelson, released by Columbia Records in 1984. With the exception of the Nelson penned "Why Are You Pickin' on Me", it is a cover album.
The title track was written and originally recorded by Steve Goodman; his version was released in 1971. The next year, Arlo Guthrie became the first to have a hit with the song. Nelson's version topped the U.S. country singles chart and received two Grammy nominations.
Critical reception
The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that Nelson's "pushing his all-purpose interpretive powers too far." Saw Tek Meng of the New Straits Times cited that the title track was an excellent opener, while also praising "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues" as a standout with sensitive singing. Jerry Spangler of the Deseret News found Nelson's version of "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues" laughable.
Nelson performed "City of New Orleans" at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards, as it received two nominations. It won Best Country Song for Goodman, but lost Best Country Vocal Performance, Male to Merle Haggard's "That's the Way Love Goes".
Track listing
Personnel Willie Nelson – vocals, guitar Reggie Young, J.R. Cobb, Chips Moman – guitar Mike Leech – bass guitar Bobby Emmons, Bobby Wood – keyboards Gene Chrisman – drums Mickey Raphael – harmonica Wayne Jackson – trumpet Donald Sanders – baritone saxophone Jon Marett – alto saxophone Toni Wine, Rick Yancey, Andy Black, Sherill Parks, Bobby Wood, J.R. Cobb, Chips Moman – backing vocals The A Strings – strings
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1984) Peak position Canadian Country Albums (RPM) 24 Canadian Albums (RPM) 62
Year-end charts Chart (1984) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 32 Chart (1985) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 22
Certifications
References