"Always on My Mind" is a ballad written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, first recorded by Brenda Lee and first released by Gwen McCrae in March 1972. Lee's version was released three months later in June 1972. The song has been a crossover hit, charting in both the country and western and pop categories. Elvis Presley's recording was the first commercially successful version of the song.
Picture sleeve (reverse) for North American single with "Separate Ways" in smaller font, also used for some European and Australian releases
Side-A label of the US 7-inch vinyl
Standard artwork for commercial releases in most territories
Willie Hugh Nelson is an American country singer, guitarist and songwriter. He was one of the main figures of the outlaw country subgenre that developed in the late 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. The critical success of his album Shotgun Willie (1973), combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978), made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in country music. Nelson has acted in over 30 films, co-authored several books, and has been involved in activism for the use of biofuels and the legalization of marijuana.
Nelson in 2007
Nelson performing on a Grand Ole Opry package show in 1965
L–R: Kris Kristofferson, Nelson, and Waylon Jennings at the 1972 Dripping Springs Reunion
Nelson and guests with President Jimmy Carter in 1978