Willie Nelson, Brandon Coleman Revive "Pretty Paper"
Nelson and Red Clay Strays singer Brandon Coleman release a new duet version of the song first recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Country
Willie Nelson and Brandon Coleman, lead singer of the Red Clay Strays, have released a new version of Nelson's "Pretty Paper." Nelson opens the recording with the introductory chorus and first verse, Coleman sings the second verse, and the two join on the final chorus.
Why it matters
The release pairs a veteran country artist with a contemporary band singer on a song with a long recording history, extending its life beyond earlier versions. It also reflects the continued collaboration between Nelson and younger acts that have performed at his events.
The new recording arrives more than six decades after Roy Orbison first recorded "Pretty Paper" in 1963, with Willie Nelson now 93 years old. The source material does not specify the release format or distribution details for the new version.
The players
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a longtime American country music singer, songwriter and outlaw country figure who organizes the Outlaw Music Festival and the Luck Reunion.
Brandon Coleman
Brandon Coleman is the lead singer of the Red Clay Strays, a Southern rock and country band that has risen in popularity in recent years.
Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was an influential American singer-songwriter known for his emotive ballads, who first recorded "Pretty Paper" in 1963.
The details
Nelson opens the recording, singing the introductory chorus and first verse, before Coleman enters with the second verse. The two then join together on the final chorus of the song.
Timeline
1963: Roy Orbison first records "Pretty Paper."
2024: The Red Clay Strays perform at the Luck Reunion at Nelson's ranch.
2025: The Red Clay Strays perform at Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival.
Friday, November 6, 2026: The new version of "Pretty Paper" is released.
Legacy Revival
Willie Nelson's new "Pretty Paper" with Brandon Coleman revisits a song first recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963, continuing a pattern of older standards being reinterpreted with younger performers. The release follows the Red Clay Strays' appearances at Nelson's 2024 Luck Reunion and 2025 Outlaw Music Festival.
Listeners can hear the new version of "Pretty Paper" once it is released on November 6, 2026. The extraction does not state the specific platforms or formats through which the recording will be available.
The takeaway
Revisiting older songs with new voices can introduce classic material to new audiences while honoring the original recordings. Listeners interested in the track's history can trace it back to Roy Orbison's 1963 version.
Further reading
Explore more country music coverage for context on artists like Willie Nelson and the genre's ongoing collaborations.
