XM Satellite Radio has announced that country music legend Willie Nelson will join XM to launch Willie's Place on XM's traditional country music channel, formerly known as Hank's Place, writes MediaBuyerPlanner. In his new role as "proprietor" of Willie's Place, Nelson will provide creative direction for the channel, as well as contribute exclusive programming to Willie's Place and other XM music channels.

Willie's Place will begin broadcasting July 10. In addition to changing the channel name, XM is building new studios for Willie's Place in Carl's Corner, Texas, located in the Willie Nelson's BioDiesel Truck Stop. The channel will begin broadcasting live from Carl's Corner in 2007.