Willie Nelson
Willie Hugh Nelson was born in Abott, Texasd April 30th, 1933. Willie was born with music in his heart and he was determined to show the world his talent starting at a young age. He made his first public performance when he was only four years old. Since then he has produced over 100 albums and has been deemed one of the best songwriters of his time.
Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Lee Nelson were both raised by their paternal grandparents. Their grandparents raised them around music and both of them grew to love it. They encouraged Willie to sing and perform and even game him his first guitar when he was six.
Growing up, Willie was fascinated by various types of music, but had a great fondness for big band, country (Texas style), and especially the music of Frank Sinatra. A s a teenager, Willie played honkey-tonks, and earned his money as a door to door salesman, and eventually got a job at a radio station. By his graduating year he had his own radio show. He also served time in the Air Force.
When he was twenty-three he has recorded, financed, and sold his first song “No Place For Me”. By 1959, Willie had married, divorced, and had 2 children. He worked full-time as a DJ, and wrote songs in his spare time. One of the best of these was “Family Bible” which he sold for a little more than $100.00.
The following year, things changed, and Willie started making some decent money, in particular, selling the song “Night Life” for an undisclosed amount of money to three Texas businessman. After this he decided to take on the world of Nshville. Willie loved Nashville, and after only two years, he had established himself as a writer, selling two number one hits to Faron Young and Patsy Cline.
In 1970 Willie’s home had burned down and he was forced to move back to Texas. Not long after moving he realized that there were very few musicians that would buy his music. Instead of getting too discouraged he decided the only thing for him to do was to perform his own songs. During his first year back in Texas, Willie recorded two albums, “Shotgun Willie” and “Phases And Stages”.
B y 1973, Willie’s popularity had grown, and he started the first of many Independence Day picnics, which continue today. By 1975, his Red Headed Stranger album brought him to the charts, and really pushed him into the spotlight.
In 1978, Willie started his acting career. He played roles in several films, including “Red Headed Stranger”, “Thief”, “Honeysuckle Rose”, “Barbarosa”, “Pair of Aces”, “Songwriter”, “Electric Horseman”, “Stagecoach”, and many more. Add to this television acting, and cameo appearances.
In the 80’s Willie performed duets with Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Merle Haggard, and other more popular artists. Willie’s latest release is Teatro which you can purchase in my Country Music Bookstore.