Willie Nelson’s son steps onto the stage, guitar in hand, and begins to sing “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” It’s more than a cover—it’s a heartfelt tribute to legends Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash. As his voice trembles with feeling, you can hear the weight of every word, like he’s lived each line himself. The crowd falls silent, caught in the spell of a song that cuts straight to the soul. Eyes well up, not from the melody alone, but from the truth it carries—a raw, beautiful reminder of life’s quiet heartbreaks and country music’s timeless grip on the heart.

Watch Willie Nelson's Son Cover “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in Honor of Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash - American Songwriter

Last week, country singer Lukas Nelson took to TikTok to post a video performance of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson. He didn’t kick off the cover alone, either. Musicians Ben Chapman, Meg McRee, Dee White, and Brian Murray joined the famous son of Willie Nelson for the cover in what appears to be his backyard, bathed in sunlight.

Watch the video down below and don’t forget to share this beautiful song with your friends and family…

 

It’s a beautiful cover, and it came just a little over a week after the late great Kris Kristofferson passed away on September 28 at the age of 88. Fans took to the comments section of the TikTok to praise Lukas and company’s rendition and also to praise the contributions that Kristofferson made to country music.

“You do this song the justice it deserves,” said one fan. “Powerful stuff for a life well lived for better or worse.”

“Mourning with ya Luke,” said another. “Kris got me through some rough times.”

“Sunday Morning Coming Down” was written by Kristofferson in 1969, though it was initially recorded by Ray Stevens. Fellow country star and Highwaymen member Johnny Cash recorded the song a year later, and it became a no. 1 hit for the outlaw country star.

Kristofferson once said that this particular song “opened up a whole lot of doors” for him and allowed him to quit his day job to become a professional musician.

Watch Willie Nelson's Son Lukas Sing A Moving Cover Of "Always On My Mind" While Filling In For Sick Dad - Wide Open Country

Lukas Nelson’s Relationship With Kris Kristofferson

Lukas Nelson is the son of Willie Nelson, an artist who was (and still is, honestly) a major figure in the outlaw country music scene. He was also a member of the supergroup The Highwaymen with Kristofferson and a dear friend of the late musician.

Naturally, Lukas Nelson grew up around Kristofferson. According to Lukas, Kristofferson even inspired him to pursue a music career. In a Facebook post from a few years back, Lukas shared a story from his childhood. He said that he had shown Kristofferson a song he had written but had little confidence in. After all, when your dad is Willie Nelson, the standards are obviously different.

Luckily, Kristofferson saw the potential in Lukas. He told him that he was “gonna be a songwriter.” When Lukas protested, Kristofferson simply said “You don’t have a choice!” This inspired Lukas to continue on, and we’re sure he’s having a rough time dealing with the loss of Kristofferson. We wish his family and friends nothing but the best.

Related Posts

GOLDEN BOND BEYOND BORDERS: Susan Boyle Flies to U.S. to Stand Beside Dolly Parton at Late Husband’s Grave — A Moment of Tears, Memory, and Unbreakable Friendship

 One Woman’s Grief, Another’s Love — And a Silent Hilltop Reunion That Left Onlookers in Tears In a world where fame fades fast, real friendship endures — and this…

No fireworks. No glitter. Just one man, one woman… and a love so real it brought Reba McEntire to tears. At the 2025 ACM Awards, Chris Stapleton and his wife of nearly 20 years, Morgane, stepped on stage—not as stars, but as soulmates. With only a mic, a guitar, and each other, they crafted a moment so raw and intimate, it felt like the whole world melted away. Chris sang “It Takes A Woman,” a song he wrote for Morgane—his partner in music, in life, and the mother of his kids—and for every quiet, strong woman who keeps her world spinning without asking for a spotlight. Morgane stood right beside him, answering with soft, heartfelt harmonies—more than just backing vocals, they were the echo of his very soul. When the last note hung in the air, the crowd was silent… and Reba was wiping away tears. This wasn’t just a performance—it was a love letter that left everyone breathless.

At the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Frisco, Texas, amid the spotlight and celebration, a rare moment of stillness reminded the world what country music is…

As Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert stood beneath the lights of Bridgestone Arena, the opening chords of George Jones’ These Days I Barely Get By echoed through the room, instantly pulling the crowd into a world of heartbreak and longing. With raw, soulful vocals, the former couple poured every ounce of emotion into the timeless ballad, transforming the performance into a deeply personal moment that left the audience visibly moved. Tears streamed down faces across the arena, as each lyric seemed to speak directly to lost love and fragile memories — a powerful reminder of music’s ability to heal and break hearts all at once.

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert Deliver Heartfelt George Jones Tribute at Bridgestone Arena It was a night to remember at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, as Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert reunited on…

Jelly Roll just pulled off one of the most heartwarming surprises the Grand Ole Opry has ever seen. In front of a packed crowd, he brought out a group of wide-eyed elementary school kids to sing with him on stage—and in that moment, dreams became real. As each child stepped into the spotlight, Jelly Roll welcomed them with a high five, like a proud big brother cheering them on. Then the music started, and their voices rose beside his, full of nerves and joy. Near the end, Jelly Roll did something unforgettable—he stepped back, let go of the mic, and gave the moment fully to the kids. They finished the song on their own, beaming with pride as the crowd erupted.

Jelly Roll Surprises Opry Crowd By Bringing Out Elementary School Kids To Sing With Him On Stage Jelly Roll just made a group of kids’ dreams come…

Away From The Cameras And Chaos Of Fame, Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani Retreat To Their Blissful Oasis After Weeks Of Touring And Competing On “The Voice”! Their Almost $20 Million Dream Home Is A Tranquil Escape Where The Beloved Couple Enjoys Quiet Moments And Down-To-Earth Routines. When They Gave A Rare Look Inside Their Magnificent Estate, Fans Were Blown Away By Its Opulence And Style! Join Us As We Explore Every Chic Detail Of Their Stunning Sanctuary! See More Below!

The No Doubt singer and Blake also own a ranch in Oklahoma Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are lucky enough to live in a sprawling mansion in California, so it’s…

“My heart’s on fire!” Adam Lambert and Duchess Kate stunned 5,000 at the Royal Charity Gala on June 6, 2025, with a tear-jerking The Way You Look Tonight at Royal Albert Hall! Kate’s fierce, fragile voice fused with Adam’s soulful power, leaving Prince William in tears. Her radiant final notes sparked a roaring ovation as #RoyalDuet lit up social media. “She’s pure magic!” Adam whispered. Is this the ultimate fairy-tale moment?

A Royal Night to Remember: Michael Bublé and Duchess Kate Dazzle with a Dreamlike Duet at Royal Albert Hall In a moment that felt more like a…