Willie Nelson’s new duet with Orville Peck, a cover of Ned Sublette’s “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” showcases his support for the LGBQTIA+ community. The music video for the song features same-sex couples dancing in a western saloon, with Nelson and Peck playing guitar under a tree at Nelson’s ranch. The lyrics of the song touch on themes of love and acceptance within the cowboy community, with Nelson first covering the song in 2006.
Peck, an openly gay artist who broke through with his debut album “Pony” in 2019, expressed his gratitude for Nelson’s support. Nelson, a recently inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, felt that the message of the song was particularly relevant given the current political climate surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community. Peck praised Nelson for being a true ally and standing proudly beside the community despite the ongoing anti-trans legislation and perceived rollback of gay rights.
In addition to their collaboration on “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” Nelson and Peck also have plans to work together on Peck’s upcoming duets album, “Stampede.” Peck, who recently signed with Warner Records, announced the project in early April without specifying a release date. He mentioned that “Stampede” will feature a few of his friends, hinting at more collaborations with other artists in the future.
The decision to cover a queer-coded track like “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” reflects Nelson’s longstanding interest in supporting marginalized communities. Peck, who has sometimes felt excluded from the country music industry due to his identity, feels empowered by Nelson’s partnership. The song’s themes of love and acceptance resonate strongly with both artists and serve as a message of unity and solidarity for the LGBQTIA+ community. The collaboration between Nelson and Peck highlights the importance of allies and representation in the music industry.
