Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Willie Nelson
Discover the career path of Willie Nelson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Willie Nelson is an iconic American singer-songwriter and guitarist, central to the outlaw country movement, rebelling against Nashville's conservative sound in the late 1960s. His albums 'Shotgun Willie,' 'Red Headed Stranger,' and 'Stardust' cemented his status as a leading figure in country music. Beyond music, Nelson has appeared in over 30 films, co-authored books, and is an advocate for biofuels and marijuana legalization, showcasing his diverse talents and activism.
1945: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain Original Release
In 1945, Fred Rose originally released the song "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", which Willie Nelson covered and made a hit in 1975.
1950: Leaving School and Joining the Air Force
After leaving school in 1950, Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force. He served for eight months before a medical discharge due to back issues.
1950: Graduation and Air Force Enrollment
In 1950, after graduating high school, Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force. However, he was later discharged due to back problems.
1955: First Recordings and Radio Job
In 1955, Willie Nelson made his first two recordings and started working as a DJ at KBOP in Pleasanton, Texas, despite his lack of radio experience.
1956: Leaving Baylor University
In 1956, Willie Nelson dropped out of Baylor University to pursue a full time career in music.
1956: First Record Release
In 1956, Willie Nelson released his first record, "No Place for Me", with "Lumberjack" on the B-side, although it was not successful.
1960: Move to Nashville and Publishing Contract
In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and secured a publishing contract with Pamper Music, which allowed him to join Ray Price's band.
1960: Move to Nashville
In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, but was unable to find a label to sign him initially. He spent time at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.
1960: "Family Bible" sold
In 1960, Willie Nelson sold "Family Bible" to Paul Buskirk for $50, which later became a hit for Claude Gray.
August 1961: Recordings at Bradley Studios
In August 1961, Willie Nelson began recording at the Bradley Studios in Nashville after signing with Liberty Records.
September 1962: ...And Then I Wrote Album Release
In September 1962, Willie Nelson's first album, entitled ...And Then I Wrote, was released.
1962: First Album Recording
In 1962, Willie Nelson recorded his first album, titled ...And Then I Wrote, marking an early milestone in his recording career.
1964: Signing with RCA Victor
In 1964, Willie Nelson signed with RCA Victor, expanding his reach and influence in the music industry.
1964: Signing with Monument Records
In early 1964, Willie Nelson signed with Monument Records, but only one single, "I Never Cared For You", was released.
April 1965: Country Willie Album Recording
In April 1965, Country Willie – His Own Songs became Willie Nelson's first RCA Victor album.
November 1966: "One in a Row" Reached Top 25
In November 1966, Willie Nelson's "One in a Row" reached the Top 25 charts, marking a period of consistent success.
1967: Formed "The Record Men"
In 1967, Willie Nelson formed his backing band "The Record Men", featuring Johnny Bush, Jimmy Day, Paul English and David Zettner.
March 1969: "Bring Me Sunshine" Reached Top 25
In March 1969, Willie Nelson's cover of Morecambe & Wise's "Bring Me Sunshine" reached the Top 25 charts, becoming one of his best-selling records during his time with RCA.
1971: "I'm a Memory" reached top 30
In early 1971, Willie Nelson's single "I'm a Memory" reached the top 30, marking a minor success.
April 1972: Retirement Decision
In late April 1972, Willie Nelson recorded "Mountain Dew" as his final RCA single, and frustrated by the reception of Yesterday's Wine, he decided to retire from music.
1972: Move to Austin, Texas
In 1972, Willie Nelson moved to Austin, Texas, growing weary of the corporate Nashville music scene. The ongoing music scene of Austin motivated Nelson to return to performing, appearing frequently at the Armadillo World Headquarters.
February 1973: Recording Shotgun Willie
In February 1973, Willie Nelson was recording his acclaimed album "Shotgun Willie" at Atlantic Studios in New York City, marking a significant moment in his career as he embraced a new musical style.
May 1973: Release of Shotgun Willie
In May 1973, Willie Nelson released "Shotgun Willie". While the album earned excellent reviews, it did not sell well initially, it led Nelson to a new musical style.
1973: Shotgun Willie Album Release
In 1973, Willie Nelson released the album Shotgun Willie. Its critical success helped establish Nelson as a prominent figure in country music.
1973: Turn to Outlaw Country
In 1973, after signing with Atlantic Records, Willie Nelson turned to outlaw country with albums like Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages.
1974: Phases and Stages Release
In 1974, Willie Nelson released "Phases and Stages", a concept album about divorce inspired by his own experiences, featuring the hit single "Bloody Mary Morning". In 1974, he also produced and starred in the pilot episode of PBS' "Austin City Limits".
1975: Red Headed Stranger Album Release
In 1975, Willie Nelson released Red Headed Stranger. The album achieved both critical and commercial success, solidifying Nelson's place in country music.
1975: Red Headed Stranger Release and Tour
In 1975, Willie Nelson released the critically acclaimed concept album "Red Headed Stranger" after signing with Columbia Records. In 1975, Nelson also toured to raise funds for PBS and "Austin City Limits".
1975: Switch to Columbia Records
In 1975, Willie Nelson switched to Columbia Records, where he recorded the critically acclaimed album Red Headed Stranger. That same year, he also recorded Wanted! The Outlaws with other artists.
1976: Austin City Limits Formally Launched
In 1976, after a successful pilot, PBS ordered ten episodes, formally launching "Austin City Limits" nationwide, prompted by the positive reception of the show.
1976: Wanted! The Outlaws Release
In 1976, the album "Wanted! The Outlaws" with Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser, which featured Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, cemented their outlaw image and became country music's first platinum album.
1978: Stardust Album Release
In 1978, Willie Nelson released Stardust. This album met critical and commercial success, further boosting Nelson's recognition in country music.
1978: Platinum Albums and Stardust Release
In 1978, Willie Nelson released two more platinum albums: "Waylon & Willie", a collaboration with Jennings, and "Stardust", defying expectations and solidifying his success.
1978: The Sound in Your Mind Certified Gold
In 1978, Willie Nelson's album "The Sound in Your Mind", originally released in 1976, was certified gold.
1979: Florida Coach Customizes Tour Buses
In 1979, Florida Coach started customizing tour buses for Willie Nelson.
1979: Acting Debut in The Electric Horseman
In 1979, Willie Nelson made his acting debut in the film "The Electric Horseman".
1979: First Movie Appearance
In 1979, Willie Nelson made his first movie appearance in the film The Electric Horseman, marking the beginning of his acting career.
1980: Hit Singles and Electric Horseman
During 1980, Willie Nelson recorded a series of hit singles, including "Midnight Rider" for The Electric Horseman soundtrack and "On the Road Again" from the movie Honeysuckle Rose.
1982: Role in Coming Out of the Ice
In 1982, Willie Nelson played the role of Red Loon in "Coming Out of the Ice".
1982: Always on My Mind Release
In 1982, Willie Nelson released "Always on My Mind", his highest position on the chart until 2014.
1982: Pancho & Lefty Release and Always on My Mind Recording
In 1982, Willie Nelson released "Pancho & Lefty", a duet album with Merle Haggard. During those recording sessions, he also recorded "Always on My Mind", which became a major hit.
1982: WWII Collaboration with Waylon Jennings
In 1982, Willie Nelson released "WWII", a collaboration album with Waylon Jennings, adding to their joint discography.
1983: Honeysuckle Rose I Built
In 1983, Florida Coach built the Honeysuckle Rose I, Willie Nelson's tour bus.
1983: Take It to the Limit Collaboration with Waylon Jennings
In 1983, Willie Nelson released "Take It to the Limit", another collaboration album with Waylon Jennings, continuing their successful partnership.
1984: Charity Work with We Are the World
In 1984, Willie Nelson became more involved with charity work, including singing on "We Are the World", contributing his voice to a global cause.
1985: Establishment of Farm Aid
In 1985, Willie Nelson co-founded Farm Aid with Neil Young and John Mellencamp to assist family farms.
1985: Half Nelson Release
In 1985, Willie Nelson had another success with "Half Nelson", a compilation album of duets with a range of artists such as Ray Charles and Neil Young.
1985: First Farm Aid Concert
In 1985, Willie Nelson helped organize the first Farm Aid concert to benefit American farmers, an event that has continued annually since.
1986: Starring Role in Red Headed Stranger Film
In 1986, Willie Nelson portrayed the lead role in the film version of his album "Red Headed Stranger", and appeared in the television movie "Stagecoach".
1986: The Promiseland Topped Charts
In 1986, Willie Nelson's "The Promiseland" topped Billboard's Top Country albums chart, a feat that would not be repeated until 2014.
1986: Troublemaker Certified Gold
In 1986, Willie Nelson's gospel album "Troublemaker", originally released in 1976, was certified gold.
1988: Publication of Willie: An Autobiography
In 1988, Willie Nelson's first book, "Willie: An Autobiography", was published.
1989: A Horse Called Music
In 1989, Willie Nelson released "A Horse Called Music", which would be his highest chart position until 2013.
1990: Honeysuckle Rose I Replaced
In 1990, the Honeysuckle Rose I tour bus was replaced after a collision in Nova Scotia, Canada. The interior was salvaged and reused for the second version of the bus the same year.
1992: Release of The IRS Tapes
In 1992, Willie Nelson released The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?, with profits going to the IRS. The auction of Nelson's assets helped clear his debt.
1993: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 1993, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to country music.
1996: Spirit Album Release
In 1996, Willie Nelson released the "Spirit" album.
1998: Teatro Release
In 1998, Willie Nelson released the critically acclaimed album "Teatro", adding to his extensive discography.
2001: Participation in America: A Tribute to Heroes
In 2001, Willie Nelson participated in the benefit telethon "America: A Tribute to Heroes", singing "America the Beautiful".
2001: The Sound in Your Mind Certified Platinum
In 2001, Willie Nelson's album "The Sound in Your Mind", originally released in 1976, was certified platinum.
2002: Official Spokesman of Texas Roadhouse
In 2002, Willie Nelson became the official spokesman of the Texas Roadhouse, a chain of steakhouses.
2002: Publication of The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes
In 2002, Willie Nelson's book, "The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes", was published.
2003: Named Honorary Chairman of Texas Music Project
In 2003, Willie Nelson was named honorary chairman of the advisory board of the Texas Music Project, the state's official music charity, after Texas Governor Perry signed bill No. 2582.
2003: "Beer for My Horses" Tops Charts
In 2003, Willie Nelson's duet with Toby Keith, "Beer for My Horses", topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts for six consecutive weeks, marking a significant hit.
2004: Partnership in Pacific Bio-diesel Plants
In 2004, Willie Nelson and his wife Annie partnered in building two Pacific Bio-diesel plants.
2005: Formation of Willie Nelson Biodiesel
In 2005, Willie Nelson and business partners formed Willie Nelson Biodiesel ("Bio-Willie"), a company marketing bio-diesel bio-fuel.
2005: First Annual Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament
In 2005, Willie Nelson and his family hosted the first annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament".
2005: Co-authors Farm Aid: A Song for America
In 2005, Willie Nelson co-authored "Farm Aid: A Song for America", a commemorative book about the twentieth anniversary of Farm Aid.
2005: Tsunami Relief Austin to Asia Concert
In 2005, Willie Nelson headlined the Tsunami Relief Austin to Asia concert to benefit the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, raising an estimated $75,000 for UNICEF.
2005: Countryman Release
In 2005, Willie Nelson released a reggae album entitled "Countryman" which featured Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals.
2006: Release of Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other
In 2006, Willie Nelson released a version of Ned Sublette's "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other", supporting the LGBT movement.
2006: Publication of The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart
In 2006, Willie Nelson's book, "The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart", was published.
2007: Performance with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center
In 2007, Willie Nelson performed with jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis at the Lincoln Center, leading to a live album release.
2007: Publication of On The Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and The Future of the Family Farm
In 2007, Willie Nelson's book, "On The Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and The Future of the Family Farm", advocating for bio-diesel use, was published.
January 2008: Cover Appearance in High Times
In January 2008, Willie Nelson appeared on the cover of High Times magazine.
2008: Publication of A Tale Out of Luck
In 2008, "A Tale Out of Luck", Willie Nelson's first fictional book co-authored by Mike Blakely, was published.
2008: Advocacy for Animal Welfare
In 2008, Willie Nelson advocated for better treatment for horses and warned consumers about cruel living conditions for calves raised for dairy products.
2008: Reopening of Willie's Place
In 2008, Willie Nelson reopened Willie's Place, a truck stop in Carl's Corner, Texas.
2008: Two Men with the Blues Release
In 2008, Willie Nelson's 2007 performance with Wynton Marsalis at the Lincoln Center was released as the live album "Two Men with the Blues", reaching number one in Billboard's Top Jazz Albums.
2009: Tribute Concert to Ray Charles
In 2009, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis joined with Norah Jones in a tribute concert to Ray Charles, which resulted in the "Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles" album.
April 2010: Received the Feed the Peace Award
In April 2010, Willie Nelson received the "Feed the Peace" award from The Nobelity Project for his extensive work with Farm Aid and contributions to world peace.
2010: Founding of Luck Films
In 2010, Willie Nelson founded Luck Films, a company dedicated to producing feature films, documentaries, and concerts.
2010: Country Music Release
In 2010, Willie Nelson released "Country Music", a compilation of standards produced by T-Bone Burnett, which achieved chart success and a Grammy nomination.
2011: Kokua For Japan Concert
In 2011, Willie Nelson participated in the Kokua For Japan concert, a fund raising event for the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, raising $1.6 million.
2011: Inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame
In 2011, Willie Nelson was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work with Farm Aid and other fundraisers benefiting farmers.
2011: Here We Go Again Album Released
In 2011, the album "Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles", from a 2009 tribute concert, was released by Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones.
February 2012: Legacy Recordings Deal
In February 2012, Willie Nelson signed a deal with Legacy Recordings, which included the release of new material and past releases with outtakes, and brought Buddy Cannon back as producer.
2012: Release of Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road
In 2012, Willie Nelson released a new autobiography, "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road", named after his song.
2013: Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2013, Willie Nelson expressed his support for same-sex marriage, comparing it to the civil rights movement.
2013: To All the Girls... Release
In 2013, Willie Nelson released "To All the Girls...", a collection of duets with all female partners, achieving his highest chart position since 1989.
November 2014: Host of Television Series Inside Arlyn
In November 2014, Willie Nelson was announced as the host of the television series "Inside Arlyn", shot at Arlyn Studio in Austin, Texas.
December 2014: "Only Me" Topped Bluegrass Charts
In December 2014, Willie Nelson's duet with Rhonda Vincent, "Only Me", topped Bluegrass Unlimited's National Airplay chart, marking a success in the bluegrass genre.
May 5, 2015: Publication of It's a Long Story: My Life
On May 5, 2015, Willie Nelson's second autobiography, "It's a Long Story: My Life" co-authored with David Ritz, was published.
June 2015: Django and Jimmie Topped Charts
In June 2015, Willie Nelson's collaboration with Merle Haggard, "Django and Jimmie", topped Billboard's Top Country albums chart, marking another chart-topping success.
2015: Establishment of Willie's Reserve Marijuana Brand
In 2015, following marijuana legalization in different states, Willie Nelson announced the establishment of his own marijuana brand, Willie's Reserve.
June 2017: Appearance in The American Epic Sessions
In June 2017, Willie Nelson appeared alongside Merle Haggard in the documentary "The American Epic Sessions", performing "The Only Man Wilder Than Me" and "Old Fashioned Love".
2017: God's Problem Child Release
In 2017, Willie Nelson released "God's Problem Child", consisting mostly of originals co-written with Buddy Cannon, which entered the Top Country albums at number one.
September 29, 2018: Nelson offers free concert in Austin supporting Beto O'Rourke
On September 29, 2018, Willie Nelson performed a free concert in Austin supporting Beto O'Rourke's Senate campaign, and performed "Vote 'Em Out," later released as a single.
2018: Inducted into The Texas Institute of Letters
In 2018, The Texas Institute of Letters inducted Willie Nelson among its members for his songwriting achievements.
2018: "Cruel World" for Red Dead Redemption 2
In 2018, Willie Nelson sang "Cruel World" for the soundtrack of Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2, a song written specifically for him by Daniel Lanois.
2019: Ride Me Back Home Release and Grammy Win
In 2019, Willie Nelson's album "Ride Me Back Home" charted at number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and the title track earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.
April 20, 2020: Come and Toke It Variety Show
On April 20, 2020, Willie Nelson livestreamed a variety show titled "Come and Toke It", which was cannabis-themed and raised funds for The Last Prisoner Project.
March 2021: Nelson Records PSA for COVID-19 Vaccination
In March 2021, Willie Nelson recorded a version of "I'll Be Seeing You" for an Ad Council PSA encouraging COVID-19 vaccination.
September 2022: Nelson Resumes Tour After COVID-19 Recovery
In September 2022, Willie Nelson resumed his tour after recovering from a severe case of COVID-19.
December 2022: Release of Willie Nelson and Family Documentary
In December 2022, Mark Rothbaum announced the release of a five-part documentary entitled "Willie Nelson and Family" which was released at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
2023: 90th Birthday Concerts and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 2023, Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday with two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
