Country legends Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard have a devoted fan in actor Ethan Hawke. The Training Day star is a longtime admirer of both music icons. The November 2025 release of Willie Sings Merle, Nelson’s cover album of Merle Haggard’s hits, blends the talents of both of Hawke’s country favorites. Hawke recently shared his “go-to” Christmas song, which appears on Nelson’s covers album Working’ Man: Willie Sings Merle.

In a post shared to social media, Ethan Hawke writes, “If we make it through December” has long been my go-to Christmas song. Willie Nelson has a gorgeous new cover on Willie Sings Merle. The whole album is a gift.”

Willie Nelson Covers Merle Haggard

Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, a tribute album honoring the songs of Merle Haggard, reflects Willie Nelson’s long friendship with the “Mama Tried” singer and his deep regard for Haggard’s influence on country music.

Featuring Nelson’s stripped-down, traditional style, Willie Sings Merle finds him interpreting Haggard’s catalog through his own unmistakable musical lens.

Ethan Hawke’s Connection to Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

Ethan Hawke, 55, is a longtime admirer and friend of Willie Nelson and has appeared with the country music legend at events connected to Farm Aid. The actor has also spoken publicly about Merle Haggard’s influence on his understanding of American storytelling and songwriting.

Hawke directed and appears in the critically acclaimed Merle Haggard documentary Highway 99: A Double Album, which premiered this year at the Telluride Film Festival. Using archival footage and interviews, the film captures Haggard’s journey from Oildale, California, to country music superstardom and features musical icons including Dolly Parton, Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Willie Nelson, and Norah Jones.

Merle Haggard’s Influence and Legacy

Known for songs like “Okie from Muskogee” and “Sing Me Back Home,” Merle Haggard is widely regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters in country music history. Rising to prominence in the 1960s, his music often explored working-class life, hardship, regret, and redemption.

Willie Nelson referred to Merle Haggard as his “brother.” The two shared a deep friendship, a lasting musical legacy, and a mutual love of poker.

Merle Haggard died in 2016 at the age of 79.