Legacy Recordings kicks off Willie Nelson's semisesquicentennial month (he turns 75 on April 30) with the 4-CD, 100-song One Hell of a Ride. The mammoth box set spans more than a half-century of recordings, delivering everything from early demos ("when I've Sang My Last Hillbilly Song" bookends the collection with versions from 1954 and 2007) to the hits that transformed the scruffy outlaw into a revered icon — they're all here, most in original album form and generally sequenced in chronological order.

With dozens of worthy compilations already on the market, sheer breadth is what makes this set stand out. Plus, for an artist with more albums to his credit than years in his age, it's virtually impossible for even the most ardent fans to absorb his entire catalog. So expect to find at least a few surprises along with the songs you know by heart.

The full-color liner notes include an extensive biographical essay penned by Joe Nick Patoski, author of the forthcoming Willie Nelson: An Epic Life, plus a detailed track listing with full discographical information.

One Hell of a Ride is indeed one hell of a way to join in the celebration.

(5 out of 5)

"When I've Sang My Last Hillbilly Song" (1954, from KBOP radio in Pasadena, Texas)

"No Place for Me" (1957, recorded in Portland, Oregon)

"Man With the Blues" (1959, recorded in Fort Worth, Texas)

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon