Willie Nelson Boasts Awesome Lung Power

Willie Nelson has been burning up the roads this summer touring cross-country with Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp, and at 76 he shows no signs of slowing down. Currently promoting a new album, 'American Classic,' he is a bit like the Energizer bunny ... he just keeps going, and going, and going.

The seasoned musician admits he takes nothing for granted these days when it comes to his health and ability to continue working in what is mostly a young man's business, and Willie surprises not only himself but probably a lot of other people at just how strong his lung capacity still is, considering his favorite pastime. "I'm real lucky," he recently told the Los Angeles Times, laughing. "My health is as good as it's ever been. My lungs are in good shape -- and there are lots of people all over the world wondering how that could be, like Michael Phelps! So I'm in good health, and I appreciate it!"

Willie goes back to the roots music of his childhood in the 30's and 40's for his new album, which also features a nod to Frank Sinatra on 'Fly Me To The Moon.' "Of course I'm a huge Sinatra fan," he admits of his decision to cover that song. "There are other guys who have made great versions of that song. It's probably been recorded a thousand times, but you always remember Sinatra."