Willie Nelson is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, pivotal in the outlaw country movement, which challenged the Nashville sound's constraints in the late 1960s. Albums like 'Shotgun Willie,' 'Red Headed Stranger,' and 'Stardust' cemented his fame in country music. Beyond music, Nelson has appeared in over 30 films, co-authored books, and advocated for biofuels and marijuana legalization.
In 1929, Willie Nelson's parents moved from Arkansas to Texas seeking work. His parents relocated from Arkansas in 1929 in pursuit of employment opportunities.
On April 29, 1933, Willie Hugh Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas. He later became an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, a key figure in the outlaw country subgenre.
In 1950, Willie Nelson graduated from high school and subsequently joined the U.S. Air Force, but was later discharged due to back problems.
In 1950, after leaving school, Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for eight months before being medically discharged due to back issues.
In 1952, Willie Nelson married Martha Matthews. The couple had three children and their marriage ended in 1962.
On January 22, 1953, Rene Butts (born Lynda Renee Barley), who was later revealed to be Willie Nelson's daughter, was born.
From 1954, Willie Nelson enrolled at Baylor University, where he studied agriculture and joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
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.
In 1956, Willie Nelson dropped out of Baylor University to pursue a career in music.
In 1956, Willie Nelson released his first record, "No Place for Me", with "Lumberjack" on the B-side, though it was not successful. He also continued working as a radio announcer and singing in Vancouver clubs.
In 1960, "Family Bible", a song that Willie Nelson had previously sold, became a hit for Claude Gray.
In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville but was unable to find a label to sign him. At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, he met Hank Cochran, who signed him to Pamper Music.
In 1960, Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and later secured a publishing contract with Pamper Music, which allowed him to become a bassist in Ray Price's band.
In August 1961, Willie Nelson signed with Liberty Records and began recording at Bradley Studios in Nashville, marking a significant step in his early career.
In September 1962, Willie Nelson released his debut album, ...And Then I Wrote, showcasing his songwriting talents and marking a milestone in his recording career.
In 1962, Willie Nelson divorced his first wife, Martha Matthews. Their marriage was marked by violence.
In 1962, Willie Nelson recorded his first album, titled ...And Then I Wrote, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In 1963, Willie Nelson married Shirley Collie in Las Vegas. Collie and Nelson got married in Las Vegas.
In 1964, Willie Nelson signed with RCA Victor, a major record label, signaling a significant step forward in his music career.
In early 1964, Willie Nelson signed with Monument Records, managed by Fred Foster, though only one single, "I Never Cared For You", was released.
In April 1965, Willie Nelson's first RCA Victor album, titled Country Willie – His Own Songs, was recorded, marking his debut with the label.
In November 1966, Willie Nelson's single "One in a Row" reached the Top 25, peaking at #19, marking one of his best-selling records during his time with RCA.
In 1967, Willie Nelson formed his backing band, "The Record Men", featuring Johnny Bush, Jimmy Day, Paul English, and David Zettner.
In March 1969, Willie Nelson's cover of Morecambe & Wise's "Bring Me Sunshine" reached #13, being one of Nelson's best-selling records with RCA.
In 1971, Willie Nelson divorced Shirley Collie after she discovered he had a daughter with Connie Koepke. Nelson then married Koepke the same year.
In 1972, Willie Nelson, feeling weary of the corporate Nashville music scene, moved to Austin, Texas, where he was motivated to return to performing.
In 1973, Willie Nelson's album Shotgun Willie achieved critical success, contributing to his recognition as a prominent figure in country music.
In 1973, Willie Nelson, after signing with Atlantic Records, transitioned to outlaw country with albums like Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages.
In 1975, Willie Nelson signed with Columbia Records and recorded the critically acclaimed album Red Headed Stranger. He also recorded the outlaw country album Wanted! The Outlaws with Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser that same year.
In 1975, Willie Nelson's album Red Headed Stranger achieved critical and commercial success, solidifying his reputation in country music.
In 1975, an important collection of Willie Nelson materials, including lyrics, screenplays, letters, and personal effects, became part of the Wittliff Collections of Southwestern Writers at Texas State University.
In 1977, Willie Nelson was arrested for marijuana possession in the Bahamas after a customs officer found marijuana in his jeans. He was jailed but released after bail was arranged. He was then banned from the country.
In 1978, Willie Nelson's album Stardust achieved critical and commercial success, further cementing his status as a recognized artist in country music.
In 1978, after firing his manager Neil Reshen, Willie Nelson was introduced to the accounting firm Price Waterhouse, who recommended investments in tax shelters to repay a debt created by Reshen with the IRS.
In 1979, Willie Nelson made his first movie appearance in The Electric Horseman, which was followed by other appearances in movies and television.
Since 1979, Florida Coach has been customizing Willie Nelson's tour buses.
In 1980, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's deductions, leading to an increase in his debt due to penalties and interest. This occurred during a time when Nelson's income was multiplying.
In 1981, Willie Nelson's lung collapsed while he was swimming in Hawaii. He was hospitalized and his concerts were cancelled. Afterwards, he would temporarily quit smoking cigarettes each time his lungs became congested, but would resume after.
In 1981, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's deductions, leading to an increase in his debt due to penalties and interest. This occurred during a time when Nelson's income was multiplying.
In 1982, the IRS disallowed Willie Nelson's deductions, leading to an increase in his debt due to penalties and interest. This occurred during a time when Nelson's income was multiplying.
In 1983, Florida Coach built the Honeysuckle Rose I bus for Willie Nelson's tour.
In 1983, Willie Nelson cut his braids and gave them to Waylon Jennings as a gift during a party celebrating Jennings' sobriety.
In 1985, Willie Nelson helped organize the first Farm Aid concert to support American farmers. He has appeared at every concert since then.
In 1988, Willie Nelson divorced Connie Koepke, with whom he had another daughter, Amy Lee Nelson.
In 1990, Willie Nelson's assets were seized by the Internal Revenue Service due to a claimed debt of $32 million, compounded by weak investments during the 1980s.
In 1990, the Honeysuckle Rose I bus was replaced after a collision in Nova Scotia, Canada.
In 1991, Willie Nelson married Annie D'Angelo. Also in 1991, Willie Nelson's son Willie "Billy" Hugh Jr. died by suicide.
In 1992, Willie Nelson released The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?, a double album with proceeds going to the IRS. The auction of Nelson's assets, along with the album profits, cleared his debt.
By 1993, Willie Nelson had cleared his debts with the IRS. He released "The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?" to help pay off his debts, and he sued Price Waterhouse. Many of his assets were auctioned and later returned by friends.
In 1993, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to country music.
In 1994, Texas Highway patrolmen found marijuana in Willie Nelson's car near Waco, Texas. His required court appearance prevented him from attending the Grammy Awards that year.
In 1994, the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers at Texas State University held Nelson's collection containing lyrics, screenplays, letters, concert programs, tour itineraries, posters, articles, clippings, personal effects, promotional items, souvenirs, and documents.
In 1996, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus.
In 1998, Willie Nelson received the Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating his lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
In 2003, Texas Governor Perry signed a bill funding the Texas Music Project, the state's official music charity, and Willie Nelson was named honorary chairman of the advisory board of the project.
In 2004, Willie Nelson supported Dennis Kucinich's campaign in the Democratic presidential primaries by raising money, appearing at events, and writing the song "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth?" which criticized the war in Iraq.
In 2004, Willie Nelson underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, which he developed from playing the guitar. He canceled his scheduled concerts during recovery and focused on writing songs.
In 2005, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus.
In 2005, a bill to name a section of State Highway 130 after Willie Nelson was dropped after objections from Republican senators, citing Nelson's lack of connection to the highway, his fund raisers for Democrats, his drinking, and his marijuana advocacy.
In 2006, Willie Nelson recorded a radio advertisement supporting Kinky Friedman as an independent candidate for the Texas gubernatorial election. Friedman promised Nelson a position as the head of a new Texas Energy Commission in Austin due to Nelson's support for bio-fuels.
In 2006, Willie Nelson released a version of Ned Sublette's "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other" through iTunes, achieving instant success and showing support for the LGBT movement.
In 2006, while traveling to Ann W. Richards' funeral, Willie Nelson, along with his manager and sister Bobbie, was arrested in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, and charged with possession of marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Nelson received six months probation.
In the April 2007 issue of Stuff Magazine, Willie Nelson discussed braiding his hair when it became too long in the 1970s.
In January 2008, Willie Nelson filed a lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party, claiming a violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments because they refused to allow Dennis Kucinich to appear on the primary ballot after he scratched out part of the loyalty oath.
In 2008, Willie Nelson advocated for better treatment of horses and campaigned for the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Additionally, in 2008 Nelson signed on to warn consumers about the cruel conditions for calves raised for dairy products and wrote letters to Land O'Lakes and Challenge Dairy.
In 2008, after suffering from pneumonia multiple times, Willie Nelson quit tobacco and began smoking marijuana with a carbon-free system to avoid the effects of smoke.
In April 2010, Willie Nelson was honored with the "Feed the Peace" award by The Nobelity Project in recognition of his work with Farm Aid and contributions to world peace.
On May 26, 2010, it was reported that Willie Nelson had cut his long hair, seeking a more manageable hairstyle for his Maui home.
On June 23, 2010, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.
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. An agreement to pay a fine to avoid jail time was later rejected by the judge.
In 2011, Bee Spears, the bassist, died.
In 2011, Willie Nelson was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work with Farm Aid and other fundraising efforts to benefit farmers.
On April 20, 2012, a life-size statue of Willie Nelson was unveiled in Austin, Texas, coinciding with the 4/20 cannabis culture association. During the ceremony, Nelson performed the song "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die".
In 2012, Willie Nelson canceled a fund-raising appearance in Denver due to breathing problems caused by high altitude and emphysema, leading to hospitalization. He was later confirmed to be in good health and resumed his tour.
In 2012, Willie Nelson learned that he had a daughter, Rene Butts, with his friend Mary Haney. Rene Butts was born in 1953.
In 2013, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus, currently touring on the Honeysuckle Rose V.
In 2013, Willie Nelson was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.
In 2013, during an interview with Texas Monthly, Willie Nelson responded to a comparison between the Defense of Marriage Act and same-sex marriage with the civil rights movement, stating, "We'll look back and say it was crazy that we ever even argued about this". He also presented logos with the pink equal sign representing the LGBT movement.
In October 2014, Willie Nelson's braids were sold for $37,000 at an auction of the Waylon Jennings estate.
In 2014, Willie Nelson donated his personal collection, including photographs, correspondence, song manuscripts, and awards, to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
In 2014, after 20 years of practicing GongKwon Yusul, Willie Nelson was presented with a fifth-degree black belt by his Grand Master Sam Um in a ceremony held in Austin, Texas.
In 2015, Willie Nelson underwent stem-cell therapy to improve the state of his lungs after repeated instances of pneumonia and emphysema.
In 2015, Willie Nelson won the Gershwin Prize, the lifetime award of the Library of Congress, honoring his contributions to popular song.
In 2016, Rene Butts shared a picture of herself and Willie Nelson on Father's Day.
In 2017, Willie Nelson's daughter, Rene Butts, died.
In June 2018, Willie Nelson expressed his disapproval of the Trump administration's family separation policy. During his Fourth of July Picnic, he also performed with Beto O'Rourke, who was a Democratic candidate for the Senate election in Texas.
On September 29, 2018, Willie Nelson offered a free concert in Austin to support Beto O'Rourke's Senate run. He concluded the concert with "Vote 'Em Out", a new track that was subsequently released as a single.
In 2018, The Texas Institute of Letters inducted Willie Nelson among its members for his songwriting achievements.
In 2020, Paul English, the drummer, died.
In January 2021, Willie Nelson and his sister received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
In March 2021, Willie Nelson recorded a version of the 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.
In May 2022, Willie Nelson postponed several shows after he contracted COVID-19, experiencing severe symptoms. He received treatment including Paxlovid, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids.
In September 2022, Willie Nelson resumed his tour after recovering from COVID-19.
In 2022, Willie's sister Bobbie Nelson died.
During 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.
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