Songs We Need to Hear at Outlaw Music Fest

Outlaw Music Festival is an event you can’t miss. The show is coming to Hersheypark Stadium on September 8, and the legendary artists headlining the festival are the talk of the town. If you’ve never seen Willie Nelson or Van Morrison live, this is the place to do it! To celebrate their return to The Sweetest Place On Earth, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite songs by the icons.

Willie Nelson

Where can you even begin when compiling a list of your favorite Willie Nelson songs? With too many beloved songs to name, we had to really take our time when choosing our favorites.  There were a few we could agree had to be on our list - do they make your list as well?

5. On The Road Again (1980)

Who hasn't started a road trip with this song? We're not sure how, and we're not sure why, but we are sure that this song is one we know all of the words to.

4. Crazy

Willie Nelson wrote this touching ballad which Patsy Cline covered and made a hit. This song has been covered by many artists, but has most often been tied to Nelson or Cline.  This song gives us the chills everytime, and is one you couldn't get tired of! 

3. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground

This song proves Nelson's undeniable gift as a songwriter, and his talent as a singer. Countless musicians have covered it and made it their own, but have kept some of the elements that made it so unique to Willie. The song became Willie's 7th number one on the country chart and was on the charts for 14 weeks - no small feat!

2. Always on My Mind (1982)

Is there anyone who doesn't love this song? It's one of Willie's biggest hits for sure, and even won three Grammy's! Even if this isn't your all-time favorite Willie song, it's got to be in your top 5! 

1. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (1975)

This song is one you have to love. It was a part of Nelson's 1975 album Red Headed Stranger, and jump started his career in country music.  That alone makes it fit to be our #1 song, and when you listen to those words and Nelson's sound, it solidifies its status as an unforgettable tune for any music lover. 

Van Morrison

Van the Man is a music legend who has an immediately recognizable voice and a style all his own.  Sometimes soulful, sometimes jazzy, sometimes Celtic, and more, Van is capable of performing a variety of ways while maintaining his unique style. With countless iconic hits, it's difficult to choose only 5 favorite songs - but we did our best to choose some which we hope you also love! 

5. Crazy Love (1970)

Did this song give you the chills the first time you heard it? "Crazy Love" is comparable to Willie Nelson's "Crazy", in it's touching lyrics. If you haven't heard "Crazy Love", listen now - you won't regret it. 

4. Days Like This (1995)

Mamma told us there'd be days like this! Saturday, September 8 is sure to be one of those days at Hersheypark Stadium. This song came late in Van's career, and proved that he's still got it. If this song doesn't put a smile on your face, we don't know what will. 

3. Moondance (1970)

It sure is a marvelous night for a moondance. Van's 1970 album of the same name was a huge commercial success, and made Van the star he is today. This song is one almost everyone knows, and one which could get anyone on their feet. 

2. Brown Eyed Girl (1967)

Speaking of songs everyone knows...  If you haven't learned all of the words to "Brown Eyed Girl," you haven't spent enough time listening to the radio.  This song is arguably Van's most famous, and one which has been covered by countless other musicians. It remains one of the most popular songs from the 1960's, making it a must-add to this list. 

1. Into the Mystic (1970)

This song is one that truly is a work of art. It is uniquely Morrison, and the music and lyrics perfectly work together to create an incredible sound.  This work is so soothing, in fact, that one study found it to be one of the most popular songs for surgeons to listen to while operating!  It also has made quite a few "Greatest Songs" lists, making it undoubtedly our #1 Van Morrison song. 

If you haven't gotten your tickets to hear some of these songs and more at Hersheypark Stadium on September 8, no worries - we have some seats left. Click on the link below to grab yours before its too late!