Phosphorescent’s more-than-just-a-tribute-album tribute album to Willie Nelson, To Willie, has been getting its share of praise since its release earlier this year — including from us — but the album’s latest fan is the man himself. Willie invited Phosphorescent to perform on his Sirius/XM radio channel “Willie’s Place” as part of his 76th birthday celebration.

“Willie’s Place” (found at Sirius 64 or XM 13 on your satellite radio dial) will feature an hour-long birthday tribute to Willie by Phosphorescent this Thursday at 9 p.m. EST. Matthew Houck will perform with his full band and share stories about the influence and impact of Willie Nelson on him as a musician.

Matthew and the band were also personally invited by Willie to attend one of his concerts in New Brunswick, NJ, last week. They were invited onto the tour bus where Willie shared some of his thoughts on To Willie. You can read Matthew’s telling of the story here, and check out Willie’s blog here.

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