Danny Widdicombe is turning 50 in 2025, and to celebrate, he’s releasing a swag of new recordings throughout the year – starting with this homage to Willie Nelson’s recording of ‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ In the Rain’– which also turns 50 this year. The single will be released on Tuesday 29th April 2025 – which happens to be Willie Nelson’s birthday.
‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain’ was the cornerstone piece from Willie Nelson’s concept album ‘Red Headed Stranger’. Originally composed by Fred Rose, Willie’s version of the song went on to become a number one hit around the world in 1975. On a snowy London Christmas night later that same year, Danny Widdicombe was born into the world.
Danny is a Brisbane based musician and multiple award-winning songwriter, who has dedicated his life to making music of varying genres, with a wide variety of people, over a very long period of time. His latest collaboration is with his new band The Wand’rin’ Stars made up of Michel Rose (pedal steel), Luke ‘Fiddleboy’ Moller (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Brendan St. Ledger (piano), Gus Fenwick (bass), and Doug Gallagher (drums). The Wand’rin’ Stars and Danny got together at Alchemix Studio in Sth Brisbane in early 2025 to record some new original songs as a live performance. Included as an encore in the set was a version of the tune written by Fred Rose, ‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain’. Although not composed by Willie Nelson, the song is generally thought of as belonging to him, and Danny’s new version is a nod to the great Willie Nelson who is about to turn 92 on 29th April.
2025 also marks 30 years of Danny living with leukaemia and all its complications – he’s more machine than man these days after the assault of decades of treatment. His resilience comes from loving music more and more every year. Danny is excited to bring his version of ‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain’ into the world, and share his new songs with music fans all over the world to celebrate his 50th lap around the Sun.
‘Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain’ is out now via Futurfonic Records.
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