Willie Nelson Says Frank Sinatra Is His Vocal Inspiration in Dan Rather’s ‘The Big Interview’

Over the six decades of his journalism career, Dan Rather has interviewed presidents, senators, and newsmakers from all walks of life.

For The Big Interview, his series on AXS-TV, the veteran reporter is tackling sitdowns with some of the biggest names in entertainment. For his Jan. 26 episode, Rather sits down with Willie Nelson, who reveals that he patterned his distinctive vocal style after Frank Sinatra.

Dan Rather on His ‘Big Interview’ With Willie Nelson: ‘He Never Ceases to Amaze Me’

“I’m a huge Frank Sinatra fan. He’s my favorite singer. I’ve been listening to him for many, many years,” Nelson says of Ol’ Blue Eyes. “And I loved the way he phrased — that he kind of sung it the way he wanted to…..I liked that, and felt like it was easy for me to do.” Billboard.com