Willie Nelson Biography

Willie Nelson is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor, most recognized as one of the best country music figures. He is one of the pioneers of outlaw country.

Early Life

Willie Hugh Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas on April 29, 1933. He was left by his parents as a child and was raised by his grandparents. Willie and his sister were taught music by their grandfather, a musician. He was taught how yo play guitar and was writing songs at 7 years old. During high school, Nelson joined his sister’s husband, Fletcher on his band The Texans. He was accepted into college but soon dropped out to pursue music instead.

Career Beginnings

After moving to Pleasanton, Texas he got a job as a DJ on the KWMF radio station. Willie recorded his first songs there and was DJ-ing on a variety of radio stations for the next several years. Struggling to get a career going, he was helped by Hank Cochran who got him a record deal with Pamper Music. Willie recorded Night Life and joined Cochran as bassist on his band, Cherokee Cowboys. Nelson signed a contract with Liberty Records and finally released Willingly and Touch Me which were both Top Ten hits. He moved to RCA Records in 1965 and went on to create several minor hits, retiring eventually in 1972. However, he found a new opportunity with the new folk redneck outlaw persona which moved away from the usual Nashville sound.

Breakthrough

Signed to Atlantic Records, Willie released his first album called, Shotgun Willie which earned him a following. That base grew even more with the conceptual album Phases and Stages. The real success was represented by the 1975 The Red Headed Stranger issued under Colombia Records. This time Nelson was able to get more control over his music. The following 5 years were filled with country and pop hits like Remember Me, If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time, and I Love You a Thousand Ways. The 1978 duet album Waylon and Willie with Waylon Jennings was a huge success. This LP was followed by the unconventional and unexpectedly successful album, Stardust. It spent 10 years on the country charts. After a few movie roles, his rendition of Elvis Presley’s hit Always on My Mind became a 4-time platinum song. In 1985, following countless collaborations, duets, and crossovers, his success was beginning to decline. A new batch of artists were getting the attention so Nelson decided to remain low key for the next 10 years. In 1990 he released the double album The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories? in order to pay a 16.7 million dollar fine to the IRS. All his bills paid, Willie issued his next effort called, Across the Borderline. It was received to good reviews and entered the pop charts for the first time in almost 10 years.

Living Legend

From 1993 he was recognized by the community as a country superstar. Touring and releasing new material every year, Willie was signed to Island Records and released Teatro a critically acclaimed LP. It was followed by projects like Night and Day, Me and the Drummer, Milk Cow Blues and The Rainbow Connection. Starting the 2000s he issued the following diverse albums: The Great Divide,  Run That by Me One More Time,  It Always Will Be, Outlaws and Angels, Countryman and Moment of Forever among many others. Most recently, Nelson is planning a return with his latest LP, set for release in April 2017, named God’s Problem Child.

Photo credit: LA Times