The event saw music legends like Elvis Costello, Steven Tyler, and Eric Clapton come together to celebrate Willie’s incredible career. But the true highlight of the night was when Shania Twain took the stage for a poignant duet with Willie, delivering a soul-stirring rendition of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”
This classic track, originally written by Fred Rose, is from Willie’s acclaimed *Red Headed Stranger* album. The song has been covered by many greats, including Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Russell, and Charley Pride. However, it was Willie’s version that skyrocketed him to fame, earning him his first number one hit as a singer and cementing his status as a superstar. Rolling Stone even ranked it as number 302 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
During the duet, Willie and Shania brought out the song’s deep emotional layers, creating a moment that was both tender and powerful. Their voices blended perfectly, adding new dimensions to the timeless lyrics and making it a performance to remember. It was a fitting tribute to Willie’s enduring legacy and the perfect way to close out an unforgettable celebration.