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 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.

Sections (7)

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

1929: Nelson's Parents Move to Texas

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

April 29, 1933: Willie Nelson's Birth

On April 29, 1933, Willie Hugh Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas. He is an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor and activist who later became a key figure in the outlaw country subgenre.

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.

1952: Married Martha Matthews

In 1952, Willie Nelson married Martha Matthews, his first wife. They had three children and were married until 1962.

January 22, 1953: Rene Butts (born Lynda Renee Barley) was born

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

1954: Studying Agriculture 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: Birth of Son Billy and Move to Houston

In 1958, after his son Billy was born, Willie Nelson and his family moved to Houston, Texas. Nelson sold songs to Larry Butler to make ends meet.

1962: Divorced Martha Matthews

In 1962, Willie Nelson and Martha Matthews divorced. Their marriage was marked by violence.

1963: Marriage to Shirley Collie

In 1963, Willie Nelson and Shirley Collie were married in Las Vegas.

1969: Received amplifier and guitar from Baldwin company and guitar damaged

In 1969, the Baldwin company gifted Willie Nelson an amplifier and guitar. During a show in Helotes, Texas, the guitar was damaged after being stepped on. Nelson then acquired his Martin N-20 classical guitar, "Trigger", to which he moved the pickup from the Baldwin guitar.

1971: Divorced Shirley Collie; Married Connie Koepke

In 1971, Willie Nelson divorced Shirley Collie. The same year, he married Connie Koepke after Collie discovered a bill related to the birth of Paula Carlene Nelson from an affair with Koepke.

1972: Move to Austin, Texas

In 1972, Willie Nelson moved to Austin, Texas, growing weary of the corporate Nashville music scene.

1974: First Arrest for Marijuana Possession

In 1974, Willie Nelson was arrested in Dallas, Texas, for marijuana possession. This was his first known arrest for this offense.

1977: Arrested for Marijuana Possession in The Bahamas

In 1977, Willie Nelson was arrested in The Bahamas for marijuana possession after a customs officer found marijuana in his jeans. He was jailed but released after bail was paid, and subsequently banned from the country.

1978: Introduced to Price Waterhouse

In 1978, Dallas lawyer Terry Bray introduced Willie Nelson to the accounting firm Price Waterhouse after Nelson fired his manager Neil Reshen.

1980: IRS Disallowed Deductions

In 1980, the IRS disallowed deductions which increased Willie Nelson's debt.

1981: Lung Collapsed in Hawaii

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

1981: IRS Disallowed Deductions

In 1981, the IRS disallowed deductions which increased Willie Nelson's debt.

1982: IRS Disallowed Deductions

In 1982, the IRS disallowed deductions which increased Willie Nelson's debt.

1983: Nelson gifts his 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: Organizing the First Farm Aid Concert

In 1985, Willie Nelson helped organize the first Farm Aid concert to benefit American farmers.

1988: Divorced Connie Koepke

In 1988, Willie Nelson and Connie Koepke divorced.

1990: IRS Seized Most of Nelson's 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 made during the early 1980s.

1991: Son Billy Hugh Jr. Died by Suicide; Married Annie D'Angelo

In 1991, Willie Nelson's son, Willie "Billy" Hugh Jr., died by suicide. Also in 1991, Nelson married Annie D'Angelo, his current wife.

1993: Cleared IRS Debts

By 1993, Willie Nelson had cleared his IRS debts after settling a lawsuit with Price Waterhouse and auctioning off assets.

1994: Marijuana Found in Car Near Waco, Texas

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 that year.

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".

2004: Underwent Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In 2004, Willie Nelson underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by playing the guitar. He canceled concerts and focused on songwriting during recovery.

2006: Arrested for Marijuana and Hallucinogenic Mushrooms

While traveling to Ann W. Richards' funeral 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. Nelson received six months probation.

April 2007: Nelson discusses his braids

In April 2007, Willie Nelson was interviewed about his long hair and braids in Stuff Magazine.

2008: Started Smoking Marijuana with Carbon-Free System

In 2008, Willie Nelson started smoking marijuana with 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 for a more maintainable hairstyle and to stay cool at his Maui home.

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. He was released after paying bail, and a plea agreement was reached but later rejected by the judge.

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!".

April 20, 2012: Statue unveiled to honor Willie Nelson

On April 20, 2012, a life-size statue of Willie Nelson was unveiled in Austin, Texas, at the entrance of Austin City Limits' new studio, coinciding with the date 4/20 associated with cannabis culture. During the ceremony, Nelson performed the song "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die".

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2012: Canceled Fundraising Appearance Due to Breathing Problems

In 2012, Willie Nelson canceled a fund-raising appearance in the Denver area due to breathing problems from high altitude and emphysema. He was briefly hospitalized but recovered quickly.

2012: Learned About 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.

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.

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: Received Fifth-Degree Black Belt in GongKwon Yusul

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

2015: Underwent Stem-Cell Therapy

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

2016: Rene Butts Shared a Picture with Willie Nelson

In 2016, Rene Butts shared a picture of herself with Willie Nelson on Father's Day.

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.

January 2021: Received Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

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

May 2022: Postponed Shows After Contracting COVID-19

In May 2022, Willie Nelson postponed several shows after contracting COVID-19.

September 2022: Resumed Tour After COVID-19

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

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.

March 5, 2024: Received 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.