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 as a reaction against Nashville's sound. His albums like *Shotgun Willie*, *Red Headed Stranger*, and *Stardust* cemented his status as a country music legend. Beyond music, Nelson has appeared in numerous films, co-authored books, and actively advocates for biofuels and marijuana legalization, demonstrating his diverse interests and influence.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

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", using the equipment at KBOP where he worked as a DJ.

1956: First Record Release

In 1956, Willie Nelson made his first record release, "No Place for Me", that included Leon Payne's "Lumberjack" on the B-side, but the recording failed.

1960: Move to Nashville and Meeting Hank Cochran

In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and met Hank Cochran, who helped him sign with Pamper Music.

1960: Move to Nashville and Publishing 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" becomes a hit

In 1960, Willie Nelson's song "Family Bible", which he sold to Paul Buskirk, became a hit for Claude Gray.

August 1961: Recording at Bradley Studios

In August 1961, Willie Nelson signed with Liberty Records and was recording at the Bradley Studios in Nashville.

September 1962: Release of ...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, Fred Foster of Monument Records signed Willie Nelson, but only one single was released.

1964: Signing with RCA Victor

In the fall of 1964, Willie Nelson moved to RCA Victor at the behest of Chet Atkins, signing a contract for $10,000 per year.

April 1965: Recording 'Country Willie'

In April 1965, Willie Nelson recorded Country Willie – His Own Songs, his first RCA Victor album.

November 1966: Single Reaches Top 25

Starting in November 1966, Willie Nelson's singles consistently reached the Top 25.

1967: Forming The Record Men

In 1967, Willie Nelson formed his backing band "The Record Men".

March 1969: 'Bring Me Sunshine' Peaks on Charts

In March 1969, Willie Nelson's cover of Morecambe & Wise's "Bring Me Sunshine" reached #13, becoming one of his best-selling records during his time with RCA.

1972: Move to Austin, Texas

In 1972, Willie Nelson, weary of the corporate Nashville music scene, moved to Austin, Texas, and started performing at the Armadillo World Headquarters.

1973: Turning to Outlaw Country

In 1973, Willie Nelson signed with Atlantic Records and turned to outlaw country, including albums such as Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages.

1973: Critical Success of Shotgun Willie

In 1973, Willie Nelson's album Shotgun Willie achieved critical success.

1975: Signing with 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. The same year, he 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 critical and commercial success.

1975: Willie Nelson materials added to Wittliff collections

In 1975, an important collection of Willie Nelson materials (1975–1994) became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas. The collection contains lyrics, screenplays, letters, concert programs, tour itineraries, posters, articles, clippings, personal effects, promotional items, souvenirs, and documents. It documents Nelson's IRS troubles and how Farm Aid contributions were used. Most of the material was collected by Nelson's friend Bill Wittliff, who wrote or co-wrote Honeysuckle Rose, Barbarosa and Red Headed Stranger.

1978: Release of Stardust

In 1978, Willie Nelson released the album Stardust, contributing to 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.

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1979: First Movie Appearance

In 1979, Willie Nelson made his first movie appearance in the film The Electric Horseman.

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1979: Tour buses customized by Florida Coach

Since 1979, Willie Nelson's tour buses were customized by Florida Coach.

1982: Role 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 built

In 1983, Florida Coach built the Honeysuckle Rose I for Willie Nelson.

1985: Organizing the First Farm Aid Concert

In 1985, Willie Nelson helped organize the first Farm Aid concert to benefit American farmers, which has been held annually ever since.

1985: Establishment of Farm Aid

In 1985, Willie Nelson, along with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, set up Farm Aid to assist and increase awareness of the importance of family farms. The first concert raised over $9 million.

1986: Lead Role in Red Headed Stranger Film and Stagecoach TV Movie

In 1986, Willie Nelson played the lead role in the film version of his album Red Headed Stranger and starred in the television movie Stagecoach with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.

1988: Publication of 'Willie: An Autobiography'

In 1988, Willie Nelson's first book, Willie: An Autobiography, was published.

Willie Nelson Biography: The Life in Songs of a Legend

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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 the same year.

1993: Debt Clearance

By 1993, Willie Nelson cleared his debts, after suing Price Waterhouse and settling for an undisclosed amount. Nelson released 'The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?' as a double album, with all profits destined for the IRS.

1993: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1993, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

1994: Willie Nelson materials added to Wittliff collections

In 1994, an important collection of Willie Nelson materials (1975–1994) became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas. The collection contains lyrics, screenplays, letters, concert programs, tour itineraries, posters, articles, clippings, personal effects, promotional items, souvenirs, and documents. It documents Nelson's IRS troubles and how Farm Aid contributions were used. Most of the material was collected by Nelson's friend Bill Wittliff, who wrote or co-wrote Honeysuckle Rose, Barbarosa and Red Headed Stranger.

1996: Nelson changes tour bus

Willie Nelson changed his tour bus in 1996.

1998: Kennedy Center Honors

In 1998, Willie Nelson received the Kennedy Center Honors.

2001: Participation 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 in singing "America the Beautiful".

2002: Official Spokesman for Texas Roadhouse

In 2002, Willie Nelson became the official spokesman for the Texas Roadhouse chain of steakhouses, promoting the chain and appearing on a Food Network special, with several locations featuring Willie's Corner.

2002: Publication of '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 combined with song lyrics.

The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes

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2003: Named honorary chairman of the advisory board of the 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.

2004: Partnership in Pacific Bio-diesel Plants

In 2004, Willie Nelson and his wife Annie partnered with Bob and Kelly King to build two Pacific Bio-diesel plants, one in Salem, Oregon, and the other at Carl's Corner, Texas.

2004: Support for Dennis Kucinich's presidential campaign

In 2004, Willie Nelson supported Dennis Kucinich's campaign in the Democratic presidential primaries by raising money, appearing at events, and composing the song "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth?" criticizing the war in Iraq.

2005: Formation of Willie Nelson Biodiesel (Bio-Willie)

In 2005, Willie Nelson and other business partners formed Willie Nelson Biodiesel ("Bio-Willie"), a company marketing bio-diesel bio-fuel to truck stops, made from vegetable oil and usable in diesel engines without modification.

2005: Co-authorship of '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.

Farm Aid: A Song for America

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2005: Nelson changes tour bus

Willie Nelson changed his tour bus in 2005.

2006: Support for Kinky Friedman's gubernatorial election

In 2006, Willie Nelson recorded a radio advertisement asking for support to put musician/author Kinky Friedman on the ballot as an independent candidate for the Texas gubernatorial election. Friedman promised Nelson a job as the head of a new Texas Energy Commission due to his support of bio-fuels.

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" through iTunes, which achieved immediate success.

2006: Publication of 'The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart'

In 2006, Willie Nelson's third book, co-authored with Turk Pipkin, The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart, was published.

The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart

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2007: Departure from Earth Biofuels Board

In 2007, Willie Nelson forfeited six million shares and left the board of Earth Biofuels.

2007: Publication of '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, a book advocating for bio-diesel use and reduction of gas emissions.

On the Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and the Future of the Family Farm (Speaker's Corner)

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January 2008: Cover Appearance in High Times Magazine

In January 2008, Willie Nelson and his family were featured on the cover of High Times magazine following the first annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament".

January 2008: Lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party

In January 2008, Willie Nelson filed a suit against the Texas Democratic Party, alleging that the party violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments by refusing to allow co-plaintiff Kucinich to appear on the primary ballot.

2008: Reopening of 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: Advocacy for animal welfare

In 2008, Willie Nelson signed on to warn consumers about the cruel living conditions for calves raised to produce milk for dairy products and wrote letters to Land O'Lakes and Challenge Dairy. Nelson is also campaigning for the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and is on the board of directors of the Animal Welfare Institute.

2008: Publication of 'A Tale Out of Luck'

In 2008, Willie Nelson's first fictional book, A Tale Out of Luck, co-authored by Mike Blakely, was published.

A Tale Out of Luck: A Novel

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April 2010: Nelson receives "Feed the Peace" award

In April 2010, Nelson received the "Feed the Peace" award from The Nobelity Project for his extensive work with Farm Aid and overall contributions to world peace.

June 23, 2010: Nelson inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry

On June 23, 2010, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, recognizing his significant contributions to the field.

2010: Founding of Luck Films

In 2010, Willie Nelson founded Luck Films, a company dedicated to producing feature films, documentaries, and concerts.

2011: Induction into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame

In 2011, Willie Nelson was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work in Farm Aid and other fundraisers to benefit farmers.

2012: Announcement and Release of 'Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road'

In 2012, Willie Nelson announced the release of his new autobiography, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road, which was released on November 13 and contained biographical details, family pictures, and his political views and marijuana advocacy.

Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road

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2013: Support for same-sex marriage

In 2013, during an interview with Texas Monthly, Willie Nelson voiced his support for same-sex marriage in the United States, comparing the debate around it to the civil rights movement. He also presented two logos with the pink equal sign, symbol of the LGBT movement.

2013: Nelson changes tour bus

Willie Nelson changed his tour bus in 2013, and is currently touring on the Honeysuckle Rose V.

November 2014: Announcement as Host of 'Inside Arlyn' Television Series

In November 2014, it was announced that Willie Nelson would host the television series Inside Arlyn, filmed at Arlyn Studio in Austin, Texas, featuring interviews and performances by artists.

2014: Nelson donates personal collection

In 2014, Nelson donated his personal collection to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. The items include photographs, correspondence, song manuscripts, posters, certificate records, awards, signed books, screenplays, personal items and gifts and tributes from Nelson's fans.

May 5, 2015: Publication of 'It's a Long Story: My Life'

On May 5, 2015, Willie Nelson's second autobiography entitled It's a Long Story: My Life, co-authored with David Ritz, was published.

It's a Long Story: My Life

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2015: Establishment of Willie's Reserve Marijuana Brand

In 2015, Willie Nelson announced the establishment of his own marijuana brand, Willie's Reserve, with plans to open chain stores in states where marijuana was legalized.

2015: Gershwin Prize

In 2015, Willie Nelson won the Gershwin Prize, the lifetime award of the Library of Congress.

June 2017: Appearance 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" recorded live to disc.

June 2018: Criticism of Trump administration's 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, the Democratic candidate for the Senate election in Texas.

September 29, 2018: Free concert for Beto O'Rourke and release of 'Vote 'Em Out'

On September 29, 2018, Willie Nelson offered a free concert in Austin supporting Beto O'Rourke's Senate run and performed "Vote 'Em Out", which was subsequently released as a single.

2018: Induction into The Texas Institute of Letters

In 2018, The Texas Institute of Letters inducted Willie Nelson among its members for his songwriting.

2018: Collaboration with Rockstar Games and Elton John Cover

In 2018, Willie Nelson sang "Cruel World" for the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack and also contributed to Restoration, an Elton John cover album, with a performance of "Border Song".

2019: Ride Me Back Home Chart Success and Grammy Win

In 2019, Willie Nelson's album Ride Me Back Home reached number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The title track earned him the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.

March 2020: Benefit Concerts During Pandemic Lockdowns

In March 2020, following the U.S. coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, Willie Nelson began livestreaming a series of benefit concerts to raise money for those affected by the economic impact, raising $700,000.

April 20, 2020: Come and Toke It Variety Show

On April 20, 2020, Willie Nelson hosted a cannabis-themed variety show titled Come and Toke It, with proceeds supporting The Last Prisoner Project, a restorative justice program for cannabis-related convictions. He also collaborated with Karen O of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs to perform David Bowie and Queen's Under Pressure.

March 2021: Recorded 'I'll Be Seeing You' for COVID-19 vaccination PSA

In March 2021, Willie Nelson recorded a version of the popular standard "I'll Be Seeing You" that was used on a public service announcement by the Ad Council to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in the United States.

2021: Grammy Nominations for The Willie Nelson Family

In 2021, Willie Nelson received a Grammy nomination for his release of The Willie Nelson Family.

September 2022: Resumed tour after COVID-19 recovery

In September 2022, Willie Nelson resumed his tour after recovering from COVID-19.

December 2022: Announcement of "Willie Nelson and Family" Documentary

In December 2022, Mark Rothbaum announced the release of a five-part documentary entitled Willie Nelson and Family to be released at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

2023: Grammy wins, 90th Birthday Concerts and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 2023, Willie Nelson won two Grammy Awards for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Album for A Beautiful Time, performed at two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl celebrating his 90th birthday, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.