About the Song
Riding the Rails with The Highwaymen – City of New Orleans (Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990)
When The Highwaymen took the stage at Nassau Coliseum in 1990 to perform City of New Orleans, they delivered a rendition that captured the essence of American life—its nostalgia, struggles, and enduring spirit. Originally written and recorded by Steve Goodman in 1971 and made famous by Arlo Guthrie, City of New Orleans is a song about journeys, both literal and metaphorical, celebrating the legendary train that traverses the heart of America from Chicago to New Orleans. With Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson breathing new life into the track, the song became a powerful anthem of camaraderie, resilience, and wanderlust.
Each member of The Highwaymen brought his own distinct character to the song. Johnny Cash’s deep, booming voice adds a gravity that grounds the piece, while Willie Nelson’s lilting, expressive vocals infuse it with a sense of wistfulness and longing. Waylon Jennings, with his rough-edged voice, brings an air of rebellion, while Kris Kristofferson’s seasoned delivery captures the song’s reflective quality. Together, their harmonies create a rich tapestry of sound that feels as vast and varied as the American landscape itself.
The live performance setting at Nassau Coliseum enhances the song’s impact. You can feel the energy of the crowd feeding into the performance as The Highwaymen stand shoulder to shoulder, their voices weaving in and out of the melody with an ease that reflects their bond. With lines like “Good morning, America, how are ya?” the audience is invited into a shared experience, one that feels both intimate and epic. The band behind them provides a driving, steady rhythm reminiscent of a train’s journey, adding a rhythmic momentum that propels the song forward, much like the unstoppable train the lyrics celebrate.
This performance of City of New Orleans is a journey in itself, an evocative reminder of the connections forged through travel, music, and shared stories. The Highwaymen’s rendition is both a tribute to the American spirit and a celebration of their own storied careers as musicians who lived for the road. Watching them sing together, it’s clear that this isn’t just another song for them—it’s a testament to the landscapes they’ve traveled, the fans they’ve met along the way, and the roads they’ve taken to get there.
The live rendition of City of New Orleans at Nassau Coliseum offers fans a glimpse of what makes The Highwaymen so enduring: their ability to transform any song into a shared journey, capturing moments of beauty, loss, and unity along the way. It’s a reminder that while the paths may change, the spirit of adventure—and the music that carries us through it—remains timeless.