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.
In 1929, Willie Nelson's parents moved to Texas from Arkansas to look for work.
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.
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.
In 1950, after graduating high school, Willie Nelson joined the U.S. Air Force but was later discharged due to back problems.
In 1952, Willie Nelson married Martha Matthews, his first wife. They had three children and were married until 1962.
On January 22, 1953, Rene Butts (born Lynda Renee Barley), Willie Nelson's daughter with his friend Mary Haney, was born.
From 1954, Willie Nelson studied agriculture at Baylor University.
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.
In 1956, Willie Nelson dropped out of Baylor University to pursue a career in music.
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.
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.
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.
In 1960, Willie Nelson's song "Family Bible", which he sold earlier, turned into a hit for Claude Gray.
In August 1961, Willie Nelson began recording with Liberty Records at the Bradley Studios in Nashville.
In September 1962, Willie Nelson's first album, ...And Then I Wrote, was released.
In 1962, Willie Nelson and Martha Matthews divorced. Their marriage was marked by violence.
In 1962, Willie Nelson recorded his first album, ...And Then I Wrote.
In 1963, Willie Nelson and Shirley Collie were married in Las Vegas.
In 1964, Willie Nelson signed with RCA Victor and joined the Grand Ole Opry the following year.
In early 1964, Willie Nelson signed with Fred Foster of Monument Records.
In the fall of 1964, Willie Nelson moved to RCA Victor, signing a contract for $10,000 per year.
In April 1965, Willie Nelson recorded his first RCA Victor album, Country Willie – His Own Songs.
From November 1966 through March 1969, Willie Nelson's singles consistently reached the Top 25 charts.
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" became one of his best-selling records during his time with RCA, reaching #13 on the charts.
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.
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.
In 1972, Willie Nelson moved to Austin, Texas, growing weary of the corporate Nashville music scene.
In 1973, Willie Nelson signed with Atlantic Records and turned to outlaw country, releasing albums such as Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages.
In 1973, Willie Nelson's album Shotgun Willie achieved critical success, marking a significant milestone in his career.
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.
In 1975, Willie Nelson's album Red Headed Stranger achieved both critical and commercial success, solidifying his recognition in country music.
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.
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.
In 1978, Dallas lawyer Terry Bray introduced Willie Nelson to the accounting firm Price Waterhouse after Nelson fired his manager Neil Reshen.
In 1978, Willie Nelson's album Stardust achieved commercial success, solidifying his recognition in country music.
In 1979, Willie Nelson made his acting debut in the film The Electric Horseman.
In 1979, Willie Nelson made his first movie appearance in the film The Electric Horseman.
Since 1979, Florida Coach has been customizing Willie Nelson's tour buses.
In 1980, the IRS disallowed deductions which increased Willie Nelson's debt.
In 1981, Willie Nelson's lung collapsed while swimming in Hawaii. He was hospitalized and his concerts were canceled.
In 1981, the IRS disallowed deductions which increased Willie Nelson's debt.
In 1982, Willie Nelson played the role of Red Loon in the film Coming Out of the Ice.
In 1982, the IRS disallowed deductions which increased Willie Nelson's debt.
In 1983, Florida Coach built the Honeysuckle Rose I, Willie Nelson's tour bus.
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 benefit American farmers.
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.
In 1986, Willie Nelson portrayed the lead role in the film version of his album Red Headed Stranger.
In 1988, Willie Nelson and Connie Koepke divorced.
In 1988, Willie Nelson's first book, Willie: An Autobiography, was published.
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.
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.
In 1990, the Internal Revenue Service seized Willie Nelson's assets, claiming that he owed $32 million.
In 1991, Willie Nelson's son, Willie "Billy" Hugh Jr., died by suicide. Also in 1991, Nelson married Annie D'Angelo, his current wife.
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.
In 1992, Willie Nelson released The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?, with profits destined to the IRS, to clear his debt.
By 1993, Willie Nelson had cleared his IRS debts after settling a lawsuit with Price Waterhouse and auctioning off assets.
In 1993, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his place as an American icon.
In 1993, Willie Nelson's debt to the IRS was paid off.
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.
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.
In 1996, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus.
In 1998, Willie Nelson received the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing his contributions to American culture.
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".
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.
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.
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.
In 2004, Willie Nelson and his wife Annie partnered with Bob and Kelly King in building two Pacific Bio-diesel plants.
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.
In 2004, Willie Nelson underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by playing the guitar. He canceled concerts and focused on songwriting during recovery.
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.
In 2005, Willie Nelson and his family hosted the first annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament".
In 2005, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus.
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.
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.
In 2006, Willie Nelson co-authored The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart with Turk Pipkin.
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.
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.
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.
In April 2007, Willie Nelson was interviewed about his long hair and braids in Stuff Magazine.
In 2007, Willie Nelson forfeited six million shares of Earth Biofuels when he left the board.
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.
In January 2008 Willie Nelson had a cover appearance and inside interview in the High Times magazine.
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.
In 2008, Willie Nelson published his first fictional book, A Tale Out of Luck, co-authored by Mike Blakely.
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.
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.
In 2008, Willie Nelson started smoking marijuana with a carbon-free system to avoid the effects of smoke.
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.
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.
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, and a plea agreement was reached but later rejected by the judge.
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!".
In 2010, Willie Nelson founded Luck Films, a company dedicated to produce feature films, documentaries, and concerts.
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.
In 2011, Bee Spears, bassist of Willie Nelson's touring and recording group, the Family, died.
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.
In 2011, Willie Nelson was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work with Farm Aid and other fundraisers benefiting farmers.
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".
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.
In 2012, Willie Nelson learned that he had a daughter, Rene Butts, with his friend Mary Haney.
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.
In 2013, Willie Nelson changed his tour bus to the Honeysuckle Rose V and currently tours on it.
In 2013, Willie Nelson received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.
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.
In October 2014, Willie Nelson's braids were sold for $37,000 at an auction of the Waylon Jennings estate.
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.
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.
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.
On May 5, 2015, Willie Nelson published a second autobiography entitled It's a Long Story: My Life co-authored with David Ritz.
In 2015, Willie Nelson underwent stem-cell therapy to improve the state of his lungs due to repeated instances of pneumonia and emphysema.
In 2015, Willie Nelson won the Gershwin Prize, the lifetime award of the Library of Congress, recognizing his songwriting achievements.
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.
In 2016, Rene Butts shared a picture of herself with Willie Nelson on Father's Day.
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.
In 2017, Willie Nelson's daughter, Rene Butts, died.
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.
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.
In 2018, The Texas Institute of Letters inducted Willie Nelson among its members for his songwriting.
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".
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.
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.
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.
In 2020, Paul English, drummer of Willie Nelson's touring and recording group, the Family, 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 song "I'll Be Seeing You" for a public service announcement by the Ad Council encouraging COVID-19 vaccination in the United States.
In 2021, Willie Nelson received Grammy nominations for his album The Willie Nelson Family.
In May 2022, Willie Nelson postponed several shows after contracting COVID-19.
In September 2022, Willie Nelson resumed his tour after recovering from COVID-19.
In December 2022, Mark Rothbaum announced the release of a five-part documentary entitled Willie Nelson and Family at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
In 2022, Willie Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, a member of The Family, died.
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.
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.
In June 2024, Willie Nelson canceled his performances at Outlaw Music Festival due to health complications and was ordered to rest by a doctor.
With the death of Kris Kristofferson in September 2024, Willie Nelson became the last surviving member of The Highwaymen.
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