Amy Irving Embarks on a Musical Journey with Willie Nelson’s Songs for New Album
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Acclaimed actress Amy Irving, known for her roles in classic films like Carrie, Yentl, Crossing Delancey, and Traffic, is venturing into the music world with her upcoming second album, “Always Will Be.” The album pays homage to her longtime friend and co-star from Honeysuckle Rose, Willie Nelson, featuring 10 songs either written or popularized by the country music legend.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “If You Want Me To Love You I Will,” for which a music video is exclusively premiering on PEOPLE ahead of the album’s release. Irving’s interpretation of the song takes a unique twist, giving it a punk rock edge while exploring a variety of genres, including Brazilian and French pop. The album was produced by bandleader Goolis (Jules David Bartkowski), Tom Tierney, and Irving’s son and manager, Gabriel Barreto.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Irving expresses her excitement about the innovative arrangements on the album, done by Jules David Murkowski. She describes the experience of blending Nelson’s songs with different genres as “thrilling” and emphasizes that “Always Will Be” is far from being a traditional country album.
The album holds special significance for Irving as a tribute to her late best friend, Judy Nelson, who lost her battle with breast cancer. Despite not knowing the specific inspiration behind Nelson’s songs, Irving resonates with the emotional depth and universal themes they convey. Irving acknowledges the power of music to capture and articulate shared human experiences, whether in times of heartbreak or newfound love.
Irving and Nelson’s friendship dates back to their collaboration on Honeysuckle Rose in 1979, and Nelson’s influence can be heard once again on Always Will Be. The album features guest appearances by artists like Amy Helm, Louis Cato, Steve Earle, Chris Pierce, and Lizzie No, adding diverse layers to the reinterpretations of Nelson’s classic tunes.
While Irving focuses on her music career with the release of “Always Will Be,” she looks back fondly on her acting roles, particularly highlighting the resurgence of Crossing Delancey. The romantic comedy, directed by Joan Micklin Silver, continues to resonate with audiences, as reflected in its recent availability on streaming platforms and the Criterion Collection’s 4K Blu-ray release.
“Always Will Be” is set for release on April 25, with Irving scheduled to perform songs from the album live at New York City’s City Winery on May 4 and at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, N.Y., on May 31. Tickets for the performances are available on Irving’s website, offering fans an opportunity to experience her musical talents in person.
As Irving embarks on this new chapter in her career, her dedication to honouring Nelson’s musical legacy while exploring fresh interpretations showcases her versatility and artistic depth. With “Always Will Be,” she invites listeners on a genre-bending journey through the timeless songs of Willie Nelson, infused with her own creative spirit and passion for storytelling.