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 a highly influential American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and activist. He rose to prominence as a key figure in the outlaw country movement, rebelling against the Nashville sound. His albums like *Shotgun Willie*, *Red Headed Stranger*, and *Stardust* achieved critical and commercial acclaim, solidifying his status as a country music icon. Beyond music, Nelson has appeared in numerous films, co-authored books, and actively advocates for biofuels and marijuana legalization, showcasing his diverse talents and passions.
1950: Leaving School and Joining the U.S. Air Force
In 1950, Willie Nelson left school and joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for eight months before being medically discharged due to back issues.
1950: High School Graduation and Air Force Enrollment
In 1950, after graduating high school, Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force but was later discharged due to back problems.
1955: First Recordings at KBOP
In 1955, Willie Nelson made his first two recordings, "The Storm Has Just Begun" and "When I've Sung My Last Hillbilly Song", at KBOP in Pleasanton, Texas.
1956: Dropping out of Baylor University
In 1956, Willie Nelson dropped out of Baylor University to pursue a career in music.
1956: First Record Release 'No Place for Me'
In 1956, Willie Nelson made his first record, "No Place for Me", with "Lumberjack" on the B-side, but the recording failed to gain traction. He was working as a radio announcer and singing in clubs at that time.
1960: Move to Nashville and Meeting Hank Cochran
In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville and met Hank Cochran, leading to a publishing deal with Pamper Music and subsequent success as a songwriter, with artists recording his songs.
1960: Move to Nashville and Pamper Music Contract
In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and signed a publishing contract with Pamper Music, which allowed him to join Ray Price's band as a bassist.
1960: "Family Bible" Turned into a Hit
In 1960, Willie Nelson's song "Family Bible", which he sold earlier, turned into a hit for Claude Gray.
August 1961: Recording with Liberty Records
In August 1961, Willie Nelson began recording with Liberty Records at the Bradley Studios in Nashville.
September 1962: Release of First Album, ...And Then I Wrote
In September 1962, Willie Nelson's first album, ...And Then I Wrote, was released.
1962: First Album Release
In 1962, Willie Nelson recorded his first album, ...And Then I Wrote.
1964: Signing with RCA Victor and Joining Grand Ole Opry
In 1964, Willie Nelson signed with RCA Victor and joined the Grand Ole Opry the following year.
1964: Signing with Monument Records
In early 1964, Willie Nelson signed with Fred Foster of Monument Records.
1964: Move to RCA Victor
In the fall of 1964, Willie Nelson moved to RCA Victor, signing a contract for $10,000 per year.
April 1965: Recording of 'Country Willie - His Own Songs'
In April 1965, Willie Nelson recorded his first RCA Victor album, Country Willie – His Own Songs.
November 1966: Singles Reaching Top 25
From November 1966 through March 1969, Willie Nelson's singles consistently reached the Top 25 charts.
1967: Formation of '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" Success
In March 1969, Willie Nelson's cover of Morecambe & Wise's "Bring Me Sunshine" became one of his best-selling records during his time with RCA, reaching #13 on the charts.
1972: Move to Austin, Texas
In 1972, Willie Nelson moved to Austin, Texas, growing weary of the corporate Nashville music scene.
1973: Signing with Atlantic Records and Turning to Outlaw Country
In 1973, Willie Nelson signed with Atlantic Records and turned to outlaw country, releasing albums such as Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages.
1973: Shotgun Willie's Success
In 1973, Willie Nelson's album Shotgun Willie achieved critical success, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1975: Switch to Columbia Records and Recording 'Red Headed Stranger'
In 1975, Willie Nelson switched to Columbia Records, where he recorded the critically acclaimed album Red Headed Stranger. He also recorded another outlaw country album, Wanted! The Outlaws, along with Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.
1975: Red Headed Stranger's Success
In 1975, Willie Nelson's album Red Headed Stranger achieved both critical and commercial success, solidifying his recognition in country music.
1975: Willie Nelson materials become part of the Wittliff collections
In 1975, an important collection of Willie Nelson's materials, spanning from 1975 to 1994, became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers at Texas State University. The collection includes lyrics, screenplays, letters, and more.
1978: Stardust's Success
In 1978, Willie Nelson's album Stardust achieved commercial success, solidifying his recognition in country music.
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 'The Electric Horseman'
In 1979, Willie Nelson made his first movie appearance in the film The Electric Horseman.
1979: Florida Coach customizes Nelson's tour buses
Since 1979, Florida Coach has been customizing Willie Nelson's tour buses.
1982: Played Red Loon in "Coming Out of the Ice"
In 1982, Willie Nelson played the role of Red Loon in the film Coming Out of the Ice.
1983: Honeysuckle Rose I tour bus built
In 1983, Florida Coach built the Honeysuckle Rose I, Willie Nelson's tour bus.
1985: Organizing the First Farm Aid Concert
In 1985, Willie Nelson helped organize the first Farm Aid concert to benefit American farmers.
1985: Co-founded Farm Aid
In 1985, Willie Nelson, along with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, co-founded Farm Aid to assist and raise awareness of the importance of family farms.
1986: Starred in film version of "Red Headed Stranger"
In 1986, Willie Nelson portrayed the lead role in the film version of his album Red Headed Stranger.
1988: Published "Willie: An Autobiography"
In 1988, Willie Nelson's first book, Willie: An Autobiography, was published.
1990: Honeysuckle Rose I replaced
In 1990, the Honeysuckle Rose I was replaced after a collision in Nova Scotia, Canada. The interior was salvaged and reused for the second version of the bus.
1992: Release of 'The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?'
In 1992, Willie Nelson released The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?, with profits destined to the IRS, to 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, solidifying his place as an American icon.
1994: Willie Nelson materials become part of the Wittliff collections
In 1994, an important collection of Willie Nelson's materials, spanning from 1975 to 1994, became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers at Texas State University. The collection includes lyrics, screenplays, letters, and more.
1996: Nelson changes tour bus
In 1996, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus.
1998: Received Kennedy Center Honors
In 1998, Willie Nelson received the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing his contributions to American culture.
2001: Participated in America: A Tribute to Heroes
In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Willie Nelson participated in the benefit telethon America: A Tribute to Heroes, leading the celebrities singing "America the Beautiful".
2002: Became spokesman for Texas Roadhouse
In 2002, Willie Nelson became the official spokesman for the Texas Roadhouse, a chain of steakhouses, promoting the chain and appearing on a Food Network special. Willie's Corner was installed at several locations.
2002: Published "The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes"
In 2002, Willie Nelson published The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes, a personal recollection of tour and musical stories from his career, combined with song lyrics.
2003: Named Honorary Chairman of Texas Music Project
In 2003, Texas Governor Perry signed bill No. 2582, which funded the Texas Music Project, the state's official music charity, and Willie Nelson was named honorary chairman of the advisory board of the project.
2004: Partnered in Pacific Bio-diesel plants
In 2004, Willie Nelson and his wife Annie partnered with Bob and Kelly King in building two Pacific Bio-diesel plants.
2004: Supported Dennis Kucinich's Campaign
In 2004, Willie Nelson supported Dennis Kucinich's campaign in the Democratic presidential primaries by raising money, appearing at events, and composing "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth?", a song criticizing the Iraq War.
2005: Formed Willie Nelson Biodiesel ("Bio-Willie")
In 2005, Willie Nelson and business partners formed Willie Nelson Biodiesel ("Bio-Willie"), marketing bio-diesel bio-fuel to truck stops and registering the company with Earth Biofuels.
2005: Hosted first Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament
In 2005, Willie Nelson and his family hosted the first annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament".
2005: Nelson changes tour bus
In 2005, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus.
2005: Co-authored "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 the foundation of Farm Aid.
2006: Co-authored "The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart"
In 2006, Willie Nelson co-authored The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart with Turk Pipkin.
2006: Supported Kinky Friedman for Texas Governor
In 2006, Willie Nelson recorded a radio advertisement supporting musician/author Kinky Friedman's independent candidacy for the Texas gubernatorial election. Friedman promised Nelson a position as head of a new Texas Energy Commission due to Nelson's biofuel advocacy.
2006: Released '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" through iTunes, which quickly gained popularity.
2007: Forfeited shares of Earth Biofuels
In 2007, Willie Nelson forfeited six million shares of Earth Biofuels when he left the board.
2007: Published "On The Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and The Future of the Family Farm"
In 2007, Willie Nelson published On The Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and The Future of the Family Farm, advocating for bio-diesel use and reduction of gas emissions.
January 2008: Cover appearance and interview in High Times magazine
In January 2008 Willie Nelson had a cover appearance and inside interview in the High Times magazine.
January 2008: Filed Suit Against Texas Democratic Party
In January 2008, Willie Nelson filed a lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party, alleging violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments for refusing to allow Dennis Kucinich to appear on the primary ballot due to a loyalty oath issue.
2008: Published "A Tale Out of Luck"
In 2008, Willie Nelson published his first fictional book, A Tale Out of Luck, co-authored by Mike Blakely.
2008: Reopened Willie's Place truck stop
In 2008, Willie Nelson reopened Willie's Place, a truck stop in Carl's Corner, Texas, featuring a concert hall, bar, dance floor, and BioWillie pumps.
2008: Advocated for Animal Welfare
In 2008, Willie Nelson signed on to warn consumers about the living conditions for calves raised for dairy products. He also wrote letters to Land O'Lakes and Challenge Dairy regarding practices at Mendes Calf Ranch. Also in 2008, Nelson campaigned for the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.
April 2010: Nelson receives "Feed the Peace" award
In April 2010, Nelson received the "Feed the Peace" award from The Nobelity Project for his work with Farm Aid and overall contributions to world peace.
June 23, 2010: Nelson inducted into Library of Congress's National Recording Registry
On June 23, 2010, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.
2010: Created Willie Nelson's TeaPot Party
After being arrested for marijuana possession in 2010, Willie Nelson created Willie Nelson's TeaPot Party under the motto "Tax it, regulate it and legalize it!".
2010: Founded Luck Films
In 2010, Willie Nelson founded Luck Films, a company dedicated to produce feature films, documentaries, and concerts.
2011: TravelCenters of America bought Willie's Place
In 2011, TravelCenters of America bought Willie's Place during its foreclosure. BioWillie plant was then put on the market for sale. Nelson kept the trademark for BioWillie, which is sold in the islands of Maui and Hawaii. Meanwhile, Nelson owns shares of Big Island Biodiesel in Hawaii and SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel in Oregon.
2011: Inducted to 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.
2012: Released "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road"
In 2012, Willie Nelson released his autobiography, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road, named after his song, containing biographical details, family pictures, political views, and marijuana advocacy. The book's artwork was designed by Nelson's son, Micah, and the foreword was written by Kinky Friedman.
2013: Nelson changes tour bus to Honeysuckle Rose V
In 2013, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus to the Honeysuckle Rose V and currently tours on it.
2013: Expressed Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2013, during an interview with Texas Monthly, Willie Nelson responded to a comparison the interviewer made with the civil rights movement, stating that it was crazy to have ever argued about same-sex marriage. He also presented logos with the pink equal sign in support of the LGBT movement.
November 2014: Announced as host of "Inside Arlyn" television series
In November 2014, Willie Nelson was announced as the host of the television series Inside Arlyn, shot at Arlyn Studio in Austin, Texas, featuring interviews and performances.
2014: Nelson donates personal collection to Dolph Briscoe Center
In 2014, Nelson donated his personal collection to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. The items include photographs, correspondence, song manuscripts, and various personal items.
May 5, 2015: Published "It's a Long Story: My Life"
On May 5, 2015, Willie Nelson published a second autobiography entitled It's a Long Story: My Life co-authored with David Ritz.
2015: Won the Gershwin Prize
In 2015, Willie Nelson won the Gershwin Prize, the lifetime award of the Library of Congress, recognizing his songwriting achievements.
2015: Established Willie's Reserve marijuana brand
In 2015, following marijuana legalization in some states, Willie Nelson established his own marijuana brand, Willie's Reserve, with plans to open chain stores in legalized states.
June 2017: Appeared in "The American Epic Sessions" with Merle Haggard
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" live direct to disc.
June 2018: Deplored Trump Administration Family Separation Policy
In June 2018, Willie Nelson deplored the Trump administration's family separation policy. During his Fourth of July Picnic, he performed a song with Beto O'Rourke.
September 29, 2018: Offered a Free Concert Supporting Beto O'Rourke and Released 'Vote 'Em Out'
On September 29, 2018, Willie Nelson offered 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.
2018: Sang "Cruel World" and contributed to "Restoration" album.
In 2018, Willie Nelson sang "Cruel World" for the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack. He also contributed to Restoration, covering Elton John's "Border Song".
2019: "Ride Me Back Home" charted at number two
In 2019, Willie Nelson's release, Ride Me Back Home, charted at number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, earning him the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance for the title track.
March 2020: Livestreamed benefit concerts
In March 2020, following the U.S. coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, Willie Nelson livestreamed a series of benefit concerts, raising $700,000 for people who had suffered financial loss due to effects on the U.S. economy.
April 20, 2020: Hosted "Come and Toke It" variety show
On April 20, 2020, Willie Nelson hosted a variety show titled "Come and Toke It", which was cannabis-themed, with some proceeds used to support The Last Prisoner Project.
March 2021: Recorded Version of "I'll Be Seeing You" for COVID-19 Vaccination PSA
In March 2021, Willie Nelson recorded a version of the song "I'll Be Seeing You" for a public service announcement by the Ad Council encouraging COVID-19 vaccination in the United States.
December 2022: Announcement of "Willie Nelson and Family" documentary release
In December 2022, Mark Rothbaum announced the release of a five-part documentary entitled Willie Nelson and Family at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
2023: Performed at Hollywood Bowl and inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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.
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