In 1982 , '' Pancho & Lefty '' , a duet album with Merle Haggard produced by Chips Moman was released . During the recording sessions of '' Pancho and Lefty '' , session guitarist Johnny Christopher and co-writer of " Always on My Mind " , tried to pitch the song to an uninterested Haggard . Nelson , who was unaware of Elvis Presley 's version of the song asked him to record it . Produced by Moman , the single of the song was released , as well as the album of the same name . The single topped '' Billboard 's '' Hot Country Singles , while it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 . The release won three awards during the 25th Annual Grammy Awards : Song of the Year , Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance . The single was certified platinum ; while the album was certified quadruple-platinum , and later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008
25th Annual Grammy Awards
25th Annual Grammy Awards
Willie Nelson