Introduction
“Just One Love,” performed live by Willie Nelson and Kimmie Rhodes at Farm Aid IV in 1990, is a poignant collaboration that melds heartfelt songwriting with a commitment to social causes. Written by Rhodes, the song was initially recorded in January 1989 at the historic Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring Joe Ely and the legendary Jack “Cowboy” Clement on dobro .
The live performance at Farm Aid IV, held on April 7, 1990, at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana, was part of a broader effort to support American family farmers. Farm Aid, co-founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young in 1985, aimed to raise awareness and funds for farmers facing economic hardships. The 1990 concert featured a diverse lineup, including Elton John, Lou Reed, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and was notable for being the last performance of Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler with the band .
In 1995, Nelson included “Just One Love” as the title track of his studio album, which featured two duets with Rhodes. The album, produced by Grady Martin and released by Justice Records, was praised for its homage to classic honky-tonk and pre-rock ‘n’ roll country music .
The enduring partnership between Nelson and Rhodes continued with their 2004 duet album “Picture in a Frame,” which included a reimagined version of “Just One Love.” This collaboration was reissued on vinyl in 2021, highlighting the timeless appeal of their musical synergy .
“Just One Love” stands as a testament to the power of music to convey deep emotional truths while also serving as a vehicle for social advocacy. The song’s history, from its inception in a legendary studio to its role in a major benefit concert, underscores the artists’ dedication to both their craft and their causes.