Willie Nelson

The first impression that one
gets of Willie Nelson is that
of a tough man who has
weathered many storms in his
life, and despite the
pockmarks of events such as
the suicide of his son, Billy,
and a much-publicized $ 16.7
million debt to the IRS, we
still find this
singer-songwriter still going
strong even now.

Music, it seemed, flowed
through his veins, and right
from the age of six when his
grandparents bought him a
guitar, Nelson began his
journey as a performer and
singer-songwriter. And just
like all musicians who have
come up the hard way, he
continued to work in menial
jobs such as that of a
janitor, a bible salesman
including the U.S Air Force
until he achieved what he had
set out to do.

In the early 60s though, his
brilliance as a performer was
not accepted but his ability
to write great songs were
recognized when he was given a
publishing contract at Pamper
Music. And while his singing
voice did not impress the
producers in Nashville, he was
able to cut several country
music albums when he moved to
RCA Victor Records while also
joining the Grand Ole Opry.

After spending his time here
for a few years, a decision to
retire made him move to
Austin, and with the
‘hippie’ music scene
playing its strange siren
song, Nelson returned to
country music again only this
time being heavily influenced
by jazz, western swing, folk
and rock n roll influences.

From there on until now,
Nelson has blazed a path like
no other and is for all
practical purposes, is
considered an American icon by
virtue of being inducted into
the Country Music Hall of Fame
in 1993.

Videos In The Playlist:

Willie Nelson - 1997 - Funny How Time Slips Away
Willie Nelson - You Were Always On My Mind
Willie Nelson - On the Road Again
Willie Nelson - Blue Skies
Willie Nelson and Shania Twain, Blue eyes crying in the rain
Willie Nelson & Norah Jones
The City of New Orleans - Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson - I Never Cared For You
Willie Nelson - Gravedigger
Willie Nelson - Rainbow Connection