Willie Nelson And His Son Lukas Perform 'Just Breathe'

Jun 13, 2020

For Willie Nelson and his son Micah's birthday in 2012, Willie and his other son Lukas got together to do a cover of Pearl Jam's Just Breathe, with Micah behind the camera.

Very few people who know Willie Nelson's work are surprised by his decision to take on music from other genres. He has also dueted over the years with many artists including, Snoop Dogg, Jessica Simpson, Julio Iglesias, and even Keith Richards.

However, this duet may be one of his most beautiful and meaningful ones yet. This cover of Pearl Jam's Just Breathe with son Lukas is a poignant and beautiful rendition of the grunge genre classic. This love song about regret and mortality clearly applies to more than romantic relationships. In this version, you can see that it applies to all relationships, but especially parent and child.

From regret about not spending more time together while they have a chance, the fact that one day Willie, himself will be gone, and taking moments to just breathe and enjoy each other's company, Just Breathe covers the parent and child relationship quite well. This version of the song definitely leaves a lump in your throat and forces you to consider your own family relationships.

As you listen to the song and watch the father and son duo perform, it is clear where Lukas got his musical love and talent. His voice is very similar to his dad's. When they sing in harmony, their voices perfectly overlap and intertwine. It really is remarkable to hear.

Not only could Lukas's voice be mistaken for a younger version of his father's, but he also has Willie's guitar playing talent as well. In this song, Lukas plays both acoustic and electric guitars, proving that he's an all-around music talent and that there's a little rock genre in him as well.

Willie Nelson has been touring around the country with his family band since 1973. Willie Nelson and Family include both Willie's sister, Bobbie Nelson on piano, and since 2013, son Lukas on guitar and vocals. This connection goes deep within the Nelson family and seems to continue as a tradition from one generation to the next.

In addition to performing with his dad, Lukas Nelson has his own band Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real. The group, sometimes referred to POTR, performs music within the country-rock genre. They have produced six studio albums to date. He has recorded music with his brother, Micah Nelson, and his band is currently Neil Young's backing band.

His group has also performed with Shooter Jennings, the son of his dad's good friend, Waylon Jennings. Lukas walks in his dad's famous footsteps, but has also found his own voice and style within the industry and is doing quite well for himself.

What do you think of this performance? Let us know and be sure to share this video with your friends so that they can enjoy the unique and beautiful duet between this father and son duo. It is sure to bring a tear to their eyes and inspire them to take time out to just breathe.