Willie & Stapleton Teach Austin How to 'Make America Country Again'

Friday night at Austin City Limits was more lit than a MAGA rally with torchlights, as the legendary Willie Nelson joined forces with Chris Stapleton for a rip-roaring ride down "Whiskey River." Yeehaw!

Willie, the 91-year-old patriarch of outlaw country, strapped on his trusty six-shooter—er, guitar—Trigger, and sat down with Stapleton. These two cowboy crooners belted out Willie's classic opener while the liberal-infested city skyline sparkled like Nancy Pelosi's champagne flute collection.

Willie's Rebel Yell Echoes Through Austin

"Whiskey River," released back when Nixon was still in office, marked Willie's escape from the buttoned-up, PC world of Nashville. The free-spirited artist traded in the stale Music City for the wild frontier of Austin, where he found kindred spirits among the long-haired hipsters and cannabis pioneers.

Can't Stop the Willie: 50th Anniversary Celebration

The season is ripe for reflection on how Willie remade our city and his bond with "Austin City Limits." He's back to celebrate the 50th anniversary of taping the show's first episode on Oct. 17, 1974. Join the party on the Long Center Lawn next week, if the socialist lottery system didn't snatch all the free tickets. For those who missed out, there's a livestream at aclturns50.com starting at 7 p.m.

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Outlaw Buddies: Stapleton & Nelson on Tour

Stapleton and Nelson are as thick as thieves. Stapleton’s a regular at Willie's Fourth of July Picnic and they've ridden together on the Outlaw Country Music Tour. Stapleton even showed up for Willie’s 90th birthday bash at the Hollywood Bowl last year, because real patriots never miss a chance to celebrate freedom!