Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson – Pancho and Lefty
“Pancho and Lefty” is a song written by Townes Van Zandt and originally recorded by him for his 1972 album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. The song has been covered by many artists, but it is best known for the 1983 duet version by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Male Vocal Performance in 1984.
Background and composition
“Pancho and Lefty” is a ballad that tells the story of two outlaws, Pancho and Lefty, who are partners in crime. The song is set in the Mexican desert, and it follows the pair as they are hunted down by the authorities. The song is full of vivid imagery and symbolism, and it paints a bleak and unforgiving picture of the outlaw life.
Recording and production
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson recorded their version of “Pancho and Lefty” in 1983 at the Pedernales Recording Studio in Spicewood, Texas. The song was produced by Chips Moman.
The recording features Haggard and Nelson on vocals, with Haggard singing the verses and Nelson singing the chorus. The song is accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, which perfectly complements the song’s somber mood.
Video
“Pancho and Lefty” is a must-have for any collection of country music.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Townes Van Zandt and originally recorded by him for his 1972 album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt.
- Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson’s version of the song was released in 1983 on their album Pancho & Lefty.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Male Vocal Performance in 1984.
- “Pancho and Lefty” has been covered by many other artists, including Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, and Don Henley.