BITTER SWEET, Ky. — I’ll be the first to admit that I get a little carried away at times when discussing my favorite music in the universe; but when I heard Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard are about to release a new album, I thought I would explode.

It’s like Christmas again; what a present! But I will try to control myself long enough to let you know about this new collection from two of the most famous country music legends, ever.

The album, titled Django and Jimmie will be released June 2, and it will be a collection of 14 duets – some new, some not-so-new – but all with what is sure to be a unique, traditional sound.

Now, this is not the first time these two have created music together. Their collaborative efforts date back to 1983 when Pancho & Lefty was released.

They have also played on stage together.

If you look at the past histories of these two, strictly from a musical perspective, the singer-songwriters have collectively performed for more than 110 years. It is amazing to me that Nelson, who is 81, and Haggard, a mere 78, still tour as much as they do. If we all could only be so active at their age ...

I have been a fan of their music so long, I can’t remember when I first heard each but I do know I wore out the 8-track – look it up – of Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger. That was the album that contained Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, one of Nelson’s signature songs.

For Haggard, I remember performing his great hit Workin’ Man Blues on stage and how it made me feel to step up to a microphone and sing a song made famous by “The Hag.”

There is likely no country music singer, famous or otherwise, that has not been influenced by one or both of these performers. They have received about every musical award imaginable, and I feel certain this new collection will gain them even more accolades and a whole new set of fans.

It would be foolish of me to try and give these two a grade because in my classroom they are the teachers and I am merely their humble student.

When it comes to their music, it is simply some of the best, no matter what musical genre you prefer.

I can only hope to still be as active when … if … I reach their age. It just goes to show, age is but a number.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.