Early Life and Education of Willie Nelson: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Willie Nelson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1929: Parents Move to Texas

In 1929, Willie Nelson's parents moved to Texas from Arkansas to look for work.

April 29, 1933: Willie Nelson Born

On April 29, 1933, Willie Hugh Nelson, an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, was born.

1950: High School Graduation and Air Force Enrollment

In 1950, Willie Nelson graduated from high school and joined the U.S. Air Force, though he was later discharged due to back problems.

1950: Leaving School and Enlisting in the 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.

January 22, 1953: Birth of daughter, Rene Butts

On January 22, 1953, Willie Nelson's daughter Rene Butts (born Lynda Renee Barley) was born.

1954: Studies at Baylor University

From 1954, Willie Nelson studied agriculture at Baylor University.

1956: Dropping out of Baylor University

In 1956, Willie Nelson dropped out of Baylor University to pursue a career in music.

1958: Move to Houston

In 1958, after the birth of his son Billy, Willie Nelson moved with his family to Houston, Texas.

1962: Divorce from Martha Matthews

In 1962, Willie Nelson divorced his first wife, Martha Matthews. Their marriage was marked by violence.

1969: Acquisition of "Trigger" Guitar

In 1969, the Baldwin company gifted Willie Nelson an amplifier and guitar, but after it was damaged, he acquired a Martin N-20 classical guitar named "Trigger" from Shot Jackson for $750, moving the Baldwin pickup to the Martin.

1971: Divorce from Shirley Collie and marriage to Connie Koepke

In 1971, Willie Nelson divorced Shirley Collie after she discovered he had a child with Connie Koepke. He married Koepke the same year.

1974: First marijuana arrest

In 1974, Willie Nelson was arrested for marijuana possession in Dallas, Texas.

1977: Arrest for marijuana possession in The Bahamas

In 1977, Willie Nelson was arrested and jailed in The Bahamas after marijuana was found in his luggage. He was later released on bail and ordered to never return to the country.

1978: Introduction to Price Waterhouse accounting firm

In 1978, after firing his manager Neil Reshen, Willie Nelson was introduced to the accounting firm Price Waterhouse to help repay the debt Reshen had created with the IRS.

1980: IRS disallowed tax deductions

In 1980, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's tax deductions, increasing his debt due to penalties and interests.

1981: Lung collapse in Hawaii

In 1981, Willie Nelson's lung collapsed while swimming in Hawaii. He was hospitalized, and his concerts were canceled.

1981: IRS disallowed tax deductions

In 1981, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's tax deductions, increasing his debt due to penalties and interests.

1982: IRS disallowed tax deductions

In 1982, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's tax deductions, increasing his debt due to penalties and interests.

1983: Nelson gives braids to Waylon Jennings

In 1983, Willie Nelson cut his braids and gave them to Waylon Jennings as a gift during a party celebrating Jennings' sobriety.

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.

1988: Divorce from Connie Koepke

In 1988, Willie Nelson divorced Connie Koepke, with whom he had a daughter, Amy Lee Nelson.

1990: IRS seizure of assets

In 1990, the IRS seized most of Willie Nelson's assets, claiming that he owed $32 million due to unpaid taxes and weak investments.

1991: Marriage to Annie D'Angelo and son's suicide

In 1991, Willie Nelson married Annie D'Angelo and had two sons with her. Also in 1991, Willie Nelson's son, Willie "Billy" Hugh Nelson Jr., died by suicide.

1991: Protection of "Trigger" During IRS Issues

In 1991, during his IRS issues, Willie Nelson feared his guitar "Trigger" might be auctioned off, so he had his daughter Lana hide it until his debt was paid.

1993: Debt Payoff and Return of 'Trigger'

In 1993, Willie Nelson's debt was paid off, and his guitar 'Trigger' was returned after being concealed in his manager's house.

1994: Marijuana possession arrest near Waco, Texas

In 1994, Willie Nelson was arrested after Texas Highway patrolmen found marijuana in his car near Waco, Texas, preventing him from attending the Grammy Awards.

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".

2004: Carpal tunnel surgery

In 2004, Willie Nelson underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, which had damaged his wrists due to continuous guitar playing. He canceled his concerts and only wrote songs during his recovery.

2006: Arrest for marijuana and hallucinogenic mushroom possession in Louisiana

In 2006, while traveling to Ann W. Richards' funeral, Willie Nelson, along with his manager and his sister, Bobbie, were arrested in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, and charged with possession of marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Nelson received six months probation.

April 2007: Nelson discusses hair in Stuff Magazine

In the April 2007 issue of Stuff Magazine Willie Nelson was interviewed about his long locks. He stated that he started braiding his hair when it started getting too long, probably in the 70's.

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: Smoking marijuana with a carbon-free system

In 2008, after quitting tobacco, Willie Nelson started smoking marijuana using a carbon-free system to avoid the effects of smoke.

May 26, 2010: Nelson cuts his hair

On May 26, 2010, it was reported that Willie Nelson had cut his hair to get a more maintainable hairstyle and stay cooler at his Maui home.

November 26, 2010: Arrest 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. He was later released after paying bail.

2010: Creation of Willie Nelson's TeaPot Party

Following his arrest for marijuana possession in 2010, Willie Nelson created Willie Nelson's TeaPot Party under the motto "Tax it, regulate it and legalize it!".

2011: Bee Spears Death

In 2011, Bee Spears died. Bee Spears was the bassist from Willie Nelson's band.

2012: Breathing problems and hospitalization in Denver

In 2012, Willie Nelson canceled a fund-raising appearance in the Denver area due to breathing problems from high altitude and emphysema and was taken to a local hospital.

2012: Discovery of daughter with Mary Haney

In 2012, Willie Nelson learned that he had a daughter, Rene Butts, with his friend Mary Haney.

2013: Nelson receives honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In 2013, Willie Nelson received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music, recognizing his musical achievements and contributions to the field.

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.

October 2014: Nelson's braids sold at auction

In October 2014, Willie Nelson's braids were sold for $37,000 at an auction of the Waylon Jennings estate.

2014: Fifth-degree black belt in GongKwon Yusul

In 2014, after 20 years of practicing GongKwon Yusul, Willie Nelson was presented with a fifth-degree black belt by Grand Master Sam Um in a ceremony held in Austin, Texas.

2015: Stem-cell therapy for lungs

In 2015, after repeated instances of pneumonia and emphysema, Willie Nelson underwent stem-cell therapy to improve the state of his lungs.

2016: Picture shared with daughter Rene Butts

On Father's Day in 2016, Rene Butts, Willie Nelson's daughter, shared a picture of both of them.

2017: Death of daughter Rene Butts

In 2017, Willie Nelson's daughter, Rene Butts, passed away.

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.

2020: Paul English Death

In 2020, Paul English died. Paul English was the drummer from Willie Nelson's band.

January 2021: Received Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

In January 2021, Willie Nelson and his sister received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

May 2022: Contracted COVID-19 and postponed shows

In May 2022, Willie Nelson postponed several shows after he contracted COVID-19. His wife detailed that he was severely affected by the illness, and that he received a treatment including Paxlovid, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids.

September 2022: Resumed tour after COVID-19 recovery

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

2022: Bobbie Nelson Death

In 2022, Bobbie Nelson died. Bobbie Nelson was the sister of Willie Nelson and was also the pianist from his band.

March 5, 2024: Write-in Votes for President

Willie Nelson received 19 write-in votes for President of the United States in the Minnesota Legal Marijuana Now presidential primary held on March 5, 2024.

June 2024: Cancellation of Outlaw Music Festival performances due to health complications

During June 2024, Willie Nelson had to cancel his performances at Outlaw Music Festival due to health complications and was ordered to rest for four days by a doctor.