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Willie Nelson's song from a concept album hit No. 1

Willie Nelson
Singer Willie Nelson performed at the White House on the South Lawn Nov. 6, 2014, in Washington, D.C.
Pool | Getty Images

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Today's Morning Edition music is from Willie Nelson with "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," which was No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart 40 years ago Monday.

It was part of the "Red Headed Stranger" concept album, which was Nelson's first success as a performer. He had been known only as a songwriter until then. He did not write this song — Fred Rose did. Many others including Hank Williams recorded it.

It is also believed to be the last song that Elvis Presley sang on the day he died in 1977.