Stardust (Willie Nelson album)

"Stardust" is a studio album by American country music artist Willie Nelson, released in April 1978. As an interpretation of the Great American Songbook, the album bridges a gap between genres, blending country, jazz, and pop. It features Nelson's versions of classic songs such as "Stardust," "Georgia on My Mind," and "Unchained Melody."

The album was produced by Booker T. Jones and recorded in Nelson's home in Austin, Texas. A departure from his previously primarily country albums, Nelson intentionally selected timeless songs to demonstrate the broad appeal and longevity of the tunes.

"Stardust" was met with both critical and commercial success. Despite initial skepticism from his record label Columbia, the album went on to become one of Nelson's best-selling albums, achieving quintuple platinum status in the U.S., indicating sales of over five million copies. It was on the Billboard 200 for a staggering ten years, a testament to its wide-reaching appeal.

For his work on the album, Nelson received the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "Georgia on My Mind". "Stardust" is regarded as a pivotal album in Nelson's career, highlighting his skill and versatility as an interpretive singer. It established him as a leader and innovator in the realm of pop standards and country music alike.