More than 30 years after renegades Willie Nelson and Ray Charles teamed up to sing “Seven Spanish Angels” on Willie’s compilation album of duets, Half Nelson, two of country music’s current outlaws, Dwight Yoakam and Chris Stapelton, tackled the tune at the 50th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 2.
Chris, along with wife Morgane, kicked the song off by singing the first verse and chorus that Ray sang back in 1984, before Dwight scooted into position and put his distinctive Kentucky croon in gear on Willie’s part.
The thunderous collaboration earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
Check it out below.