Challenges in the Life of Willie Nelson in a Detailed Timeline
Life is full of challenges, and Willie Nelson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
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.
1962: Divorce from Martha Matthews
In 1962, Willie Nelson divorced Martha Matthews, ending a marriage marked by violence.
1970: Divorce and Ranch Fire
In 1970, Willie Nelson divorced Shirley Collie, and his ranch in Ridgetop, Tennessee, burned down, leading him to seek change.
1977: Arrest in the Bahamas for Marijuana Possession
In 1977, Willie Nelson was arrested and jailed in the Bahamas after marijuana was found in his luggage; the charges were dropped, but he was banned from returning to the country.
1977: Discovery of Reshen's Tax Issues
In the summer of 1977, Willie Nelson discovered that his manager Neil Reshen had been filing tax extensions and not paying the IRS, leading to turmoil and a change in management.
1978: Introduction to Price Waterhouse
In 1978, after firing his manager Neil Reshen, Willie Nelson was introduced to Price Waterhouse to repay the debt Reshen had created with the IRS.
1980: IRS disallows deductions for tax shelters
In 1980, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's deductions for tax shelters, increasing his debt due to penalties and interests.
1981: IRS disallows deductions for tax shelters
In 1981, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's deductions for tax shelters, increasing his debt due to penalties and interests.
1981: Lung Collapse in Hawaii
While swimming in Hawaii in 1981, Willie Nelson's lung collapsed, leading to hospitalization and canceled concerts.
1982: IRS disallows deductions for tax shelters
In 1982, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's deductions for tax shelters, increasing his debt due to penalties and interests.
1990: IRS Seizes Nelson's Assets
In 1990, the IRS seized most of Willie Nelson's assets, claiming he owed $32 million due to unpaid taxes and weak investments.
1991: Concealment of Trigger During IRS Issues
In 1991, during his IRS process, Willie Nelson concealed his guitar "Trigger" to prevent it from being auctioned off.
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.
1994: Marijuana Found in Car
In 1994, Texas Highway patrolmen found marijuana in Willie Nelson's car near Waco, Texas; his court appearance prevented him from attending the Grammy Awards.
2004: Carpal Tunnel Surgery
In 2004, Willie Nelson underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, a result of his continuous guitar playing, leading to canceled concerts and songwriting during recovery.
2005: Failed Attempt to Name Highway After Nelson
In 2005, a bill to name a section of State Highway 130 after Willie Nelson was dropped due to objections citing his controversial stances and lack of connection to the highway.
2006: Arrested for Possession in Louisiana
In 2006, Willie Nelson, along with his manager and sister Bobbie, were arrested in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, and charged with possession of marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms while traveling to Ann W. Richards' funeral, receiving six months probation.
2007: Forfeiture of Earth Biofuels Shares
In 2007, Willie Nelson forfeited six million shares of Earth Biofuels upon leaving the board.
November 26, 2010: Arrested for Marijuana Possession in Sierra Blanca, Texas
On November 26, 2010, Willie Nelson was arrested in Sierra Blanca, Texas, for possession of six ounces of marijuana found in his tour bus; an agreement to pay a fine to avoid jail was later rejected by the judge.
2011: Foreclosure of Willie's Place
In 2011, TravelCenters of America bought Willie's Place during its foreclosure.
2012: Breathing Problems in Denver
In 2012, Willie Nelson experienced breathing problems due to high altitude and emphysema during a fund-raising appearance in the Denver area, requiring hospitalization.
May 2022: Nelson Postpones Shows After Contracting COVID-19
In May 2022, Willie Nelson postponed several shows after contracting COVID-19, experiencing severe symptoms.
June 2024: Nelson Cancels Performances Due to Health Complications
In June 2024, Willie Nelson had to cancel his performances at the Outlaw Music Festival due to health complications, and was ordered to rest for four days by a doctor.
