History of Willie Nelson in Timeline

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Willie Nelson

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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: Divorced Martha Matthews

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

1962: First Album Release

In 1962, Willie Nelson recorded his first album, ...And Then I Wrote.

1963: Marriage to Shirley Collie

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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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1979: First Movie Appearance in 'The Electric Horseman'

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

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1979: Florida Coach customizes Nelson's tour buses

Since 1979, Florida Coach has been customizing Willie Nelson's tour buses.

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: 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.

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1982: IRS Disallowed Deductions

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

1983: Honeysuckle Rose I tour bus built

In 1983, Florida Coach built the Honeysuckle Rose I, Willie Nelson's tour bus.

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.

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.

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1988: Divorced Connie Koepke

In 1988, Willie Nelson and Connie Koepke divorced.

1988: Published "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
Willie Nelson Biography: The Life in Songs of a Legend

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.

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.

1990: Assets Seized by the IRS

In 1990, the Internal Revenue Service seized Willie Nelson's assets, claiming that he owed $32 million.

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.

1991: Worried Trigger could be auctioned off

In 1991, during his process with the IRS, Willie Nelson feared his guitar, Trigger, could be auctioned off and concealed it in his manager's house.

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: Cleared IRS Debts

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

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.

1993: Debt to IRS paid off

In 1993, Willie Nelson's debt to the IRS was paid off.

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.

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.

The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes
The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes

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.

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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.

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.

Farm Aid: A Song for America
Farm Aid: A Song for America

2005: Legislation to Name Highway After Nelson Dropped

In 2005, legislation to name a section of State Highway 130 after Willie Nelson was dropped after objections from Republican senators citing Nelson's political affiliations, drinking, and marijuana advocacy.

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.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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

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.

A Tale Out of Luck: A Novel
A Tale Out of Luck: A Novel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!".

2010: Founded Luck Films

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

2010: Expressed doubts regarding 9/11 attacks

In 2010, during an interview with Larry King, Willie Nelson expressed doubts about the official story of the September 11 attacks, suggesting the buildings collapsed due to implosion rather than the planes.

2011: Bee Spears death

In 2011, Bee Spears, bassist of Willie Nelson's touring and recording group, the Family, died.

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.

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.

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.

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

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: 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

It's a Long Story: My Life
It's a Long Story: My Life

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.

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.

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.

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.

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2017: Rene Butts Died

In 2017, Willie Nelson's daughter, Rene Butts, died.

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.

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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".

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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.

2020: Paul English death

In 2020, Paul English, drummer of Willie Nelson's touring and recording group, the Family, died.

January 2021: Received Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

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

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.

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2021: Nominated for Grammy Awards for "The Willie Nelson Family"

In 2021, Willie Nelson received Grammy nominations for his album The Willie Nelson Family.

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.

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.

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2022: Bobbie Nelson death

In 2022, Willie Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, a member of The Family, died.

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.

June 2024: Canceled Outlaw Music Festival Performances Due to Health Complications

In June 2024, Willie Nelson canceled his performances at Outlaw Music Festival due to health complications and was ordered to rest by a doctor.

September 2024: Nelson becomes last surviving member of The Highwaymen

With the death of Kris Kristofferson in September 2024, Willie Nelson became the last surviving member of The Highwaymen.