History of Willie Nelson in Timeline
Willie Nelson is a highly influential American country music icon known for his contributions to the outlaw country subgenre. His albums Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust garnered immense success, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in country music. Nelson's multifaceted career includes acting, writing, and activism, notably for biofuels and marijuana legalization.
1929: Nelson's Parents Move to Texas
Willie Nelson's parents relocated from Arkansas to Texas in 1929 in search of work opportunities.
April 29, 1933: Willie Nelson is Born
Willie Hugh Nelson was born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas.
1950: Nelson Graduates High School and Enlists in the Air Force
In 1950, Willie Nelson graduated from Abbott High School, where he was an active student and athlete. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
1950: Graduation and Military Service
Willie Nelson graduated high school in 1950 and subsequently joined the U.S. Air Force, but was later discharged due to back problems.
1952: Nelson is Medically Discharged and Marries Martha Matthews
After serving nine months in the Air Force, Willie Nelson received a medical discharge due to back issues in 1952. He then married Martha Matthews.
1952: Willie Nelson marries Martha Matthews
In 1952, Willie Nelson married Martha Matthews. This was the start of his first marriage.
January 22, 1953: Rene Butts is born
On January 22, 1953, Rene Butts (born Lynda Renee Barley), Willie Nelson's daughter with Mary Haney, was born.
1954: Nelson Begins Studying Agriculture at Baylor University
Willie Nelson enrolled at Baylor University in 1954 to study agriculture. He also became a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
1955: Nelson Makes His First Recordings
In 1955, while working as a DJ in Pleasanton, Texas, Willie Nelson made his first two recordings: "The Storm Has Just Begun" and "When I've Sung My Last Hillbilly Song".
1956: Nelson Drops Out of Baylor University
In 1956, Willie Nelson left Baylor University to pursue a career in music.
1956: Nelson Releases "No Place for Me"
Willie Nelson's first record, "No Place for Me", featuring Leon Payne's "Lumberjack" as the B-side, was released in 1956.
1958: Nelson's Son Billy is Born
Willie Nelson's son, Billy, was born in 1958. Nelson and his family then relocated to Houston, Texas.
1960: Claude Gray's "Family Bible" Becomes a Hit
In 1960, "Family Bible", a song written by Willie Nelson and sold to Paul Buskirk, was recorded by Claude Gray and became a hit.
1960: Move to Nashville
In 1960, Willie Nelson relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, marking a significant step in his music career.
1960: Nelson Moves to Nashville and Signs with Pamper Music
Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1960. While there he met songwriter Hank Cochran, who convinced his publisher, Pamper Music, to sign Nelson.
August 1961: Nelson Signs With Liberty Records
Willie Nelson signed with Liberty Records in August 1961 and began recording in Nashville.
September 1962: Nelson Releases Debut Album: "...And Then I Wrote"
Willie Nelson's first album, "...And Then I Wrote", was released by Liberty Records in September 1962.
1962: Willie Nelson and Martha Matthews divorce
In 1962, Willie Nelson and Martha Matthews divorced, ending their 10 year marriage.
1962: Debut Album: ...And Then I Wrote
Willie Nelson released his first album, '...And Then I Wrote', in 1962.
1963: Nelson Marries Shirley Collie
Willie Nelson married Shirley Collie in 1963 in Las Vegas.
1963: Willie Nelson marries Shirley Collie
Willie Nelson married Shirley Collie in 1963, marking his second marriage.
1964: Signing with RCA Victor
In 1964, Willie Nelson secured a record deal with RCA Victor, a major milestone in his music career.
1964: Nelson Signs with Monument Records
In early 1964, Fred Foster signed Willie Nelson to Monument Records.
1969: Acquisition of "Trigger" Guitar
In 1969, the Baldwin company gifted Willie Nelson an amplifier and a guitar featuring their "Prismatone" pickup. After the guitar was severely damaged, Shot Jackson, a repairman in Nashville, offered Nelson a Martin N-20 classical guitar and transferred the pickup to it at Nelson's request. Nelson bought the guitar for $750 and named it "Trigger" after Roy Rogers' horse.
1971: Willie Nelson marries Connie Koepke
Willie Nelson married Connie Koepke in 1971, making this his third marriage.
1972: Relocation to Austin
In 1972, Willie Nelson moved to Austin, Texas, seeking a change from the Nashville music scene.
1973: Shotgun Willie Released
In 1973, Willie Nelson released his critically acclaimed album, 'Shotgun Willie'.
1973: Outlaw Country Era Begins
Willie Nelson's venture into outlaw country music began in 1973, marked by the release of albums such as 'Shotgun Willie' and 'Phases and Stages'.
1974: Willie Nelson is arrested for marijuana possession
Willie Nelson's first arrest for marijuana possession happened in 1974 in Dallas, Texas.
1975: Signing with Columbia Records and Outlaw Country Success
Willie Nelson signed with Columbia Records and continued to thrive in the outlaw country genre in 1975 with the release of 'Red Headed Stranger' and 'Wanted! The Outlaws'.
1975: Success of Red Headed Stranger and Wanted! The Outlaws
Willie Nelson achieved both critical and commercial success with his albums 'Red Headed Stranger' and 'Wanted! The Outlaws' in 1975.
1975: Collection of Nelson Materials Added to Wittliff Collections
Starting in 1975, a collection of Nelson materials became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
1977: Willie Nelson is arrested for marijuana possession in The Bahamas
In 1977, while traveling to The Bahamas after a tour with Hank Cochran, Willie Nelson was arrested for marijuana possession. He was jailed for a short time then released and ordered by the judge to never return to the country.
1978: Nelson Fires Manager, Hires New Accounting Firm
In 1978, Nelson fired his manager, Neil Reshen, and was introduced to the accounting firm Price Waterhouse by Dallas lawyer Terry Bray.
1978: Stardust Elevates Nelson's Fame
In 1978, Willie Nelson released 'Stardust', further solidifying his status as one of the most recognized artists in country music.
1979: Willie Nelson Starts Using Florida Coach Tour Buses
In 1979, Willie Nelson began using tour buses customized by Florida Coach.
1979: Acting Debut in 'The Electric Horseman'
Willie Nelson made his acting debut in the 1979 film 'The Electric Horseman.'
1979: Film Debut in The Electric Horseman
Willie Nelson made his first movie appearance in 1979 with the film 'The Electric Horseman'.
1980: White House Performance
In 1980, Willie Nelson performed on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring a duet with First Lady Rosalynn Carter of Ray Wylie Hubbard's "Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother".
1980: IRS Disallows Deductions
The IRS disallowed Nelson's deductions for 1980.
1981: IRS Disallows Deductions
The IRS disallowed Nelson's deductions for 1981.
1981: Willie Nelson's lung collapses
In 1981, while swimming in Hawaii, Willie Nelson's lung collapsed. He was taken to Maui Memorial Hospital and had to cancel scheduled concerts.
1982: Pancho & Lefty Release and Success
In 1982, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard released their collaborative album 'Pancho & Lefty,' produced by Chips Moman. The album included the hit single "Always on My Mind," which Nelson decided to record after hearing it from session guitarist Johnny Christopher. The single and album achieved significant commercial success, topping country charts and reaching high positions on the Billboard Hot 100.
1982: IRS Disallows Deductions
The IRS disallowed Nelson's deductions for 1982.
1982: WWII Album Release
Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings released their collaborative album 'WWII' in 1982.
1982: Role in 'Coming Out of the Ice'
Willie Nelson played the role of Red Loon in the 1982 film 'Coming Out of the Ice.'
1982: Release of 'Always on My Mind'
Willie Nelson's 1982 album, 'Always on My Mind,' held his highest position on the Billboard 200 chart for over 30 years.
1983: Florida Coach Builds Honeysuckle Rose I
In 1983, Florida Coach built Willie Nelson's first customized tour bus, Honeysuckle Rose I.
1983: Willie Nelson Gifts Braids to Waylon Jennings
In 1983, Willie Nelson cut off his braids and gave them to Waylon Jennings as a gift during a party celebrating Jennings' sobriety.
1983: Take it to the Limit Album Release
Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings released another collaborative album, 'Take it to the Limit,' in 1983.
1984: The Highwaymen Formation and "We Are the World"
In 1984, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash formed the supergroup The Highwaymen, achieving platinum record sales and touring globally. Nelson also participated in the charity single "We are the World" in the same year.
1985: Farm Aid is Founded
In 1985, Willie Nelson, 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 for America's family farmers.
1985: Farm Aid Concert and The Highwaymen
Willie Nelson co-founded the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 and joined the country supergroup The Highwaymen.
1985: Half Nelson Album Release
Willie Nelson released 'Half Nelson' in 1985, a compilation album featuring duets with various artists like Ray Charles and Neil Young.
1986: Release of 'The Promiseland'
In 1986, Willie Nelson released 'The Promiseland,' which became his last album to top the Billboard Top Country albums chart until 'Band of Brothers' in 2014.
1986: Lead Role in 'Red Headed Stranger' and Other Appearances
Willie Nelson starred in the film adaptation of his album 'Red Headed Stranger' in 1986. He also appeared in the television movie 'Stagecoach' alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
1988: Publication of "Willie: An Autobiography"
In 1988, Willie Nelson's first autobiography, titled "Willie: An Autobiography," was published.
1988: Willie Nelson and Connie Koepke divorce
Willie Nelson and Connie Koepke get divorced in 1988, ending their 17 year marriage.
1989: Release of 'A Horse Called Music'
Willie Nelson released the album 'A Horse Called Music' in 1989, which would later become a benchmark for his later releases.
1990: IRS Tax Troubles
Willie Nelson faced significant financial trouble in 1990 when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seized his assets due to a substantial tax debt.
1990: IRS Seizes Nelson's Assets
In 1990, the IRS seized most of Nelson's assets claiming that he owed $32 million in unpaid taxes.
1990: Honeysuckle Rose I Wrecked, Rebuilt
In 1990, Willie Nelson's tour bus, Honeysuckle Rose I, was involved in a collision in Nova Scotia, Canada. The interior was salvaged and used to build the second version of the bus the same year.
1991: Willie Nelson's Trigger Guitar in Jeopardy
In 1991, during his process with the IRS, Nelson was worried that his beloved guitar, Trigger, could be auctioned off. He asked his daughter to take the guitar from his studio before any IRS agent arrived there.
1991: Willie Nelson marries Annie D'Angelo and Willie "Billy" Hugh Jr. dies
In 1991, two major life events happened for Willie Nelson. He married his fourth and current wife, Annie D'Angelo. Sadly, this was also the year that his son, Willie "Billy" Hugh Jr., died by suicide.
1992: The IRS Tapes Released
Willie Nelson released the double album 'The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?' in 1992 to address his tax debt and regain financial stability.
1993: Willie Nelson's Trigger Guitar is Safe
After concealing Trigger in his manager's house, Nelson paid off his debt to the IRS in 1993, ensuring the safety of his guitar.
1993: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 1993, Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1993: Nelson Clears Debt to the IRS
Nelson cleared his debts to the IRS in 1993 after releasing a double album and suing his accounting firm.
1994: Collection of Nelson Materials Added to Wittliff Collections
A collection of Nelson materials, spanning from 1975 to 1994, became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
1994: Willie Nelson is arrested for marijuana possession and misses the Grammy Awards
In 1994, Texas Highway patrolmen found marijuana in Willie Nelson's car near Waco, Texas. Because of his required court appearance, he was unable to attend the Grammy Awards that year.
1996: Release of 'Spirit'
Willie Nelson released the album 'Spirit' in 1996, notable for featuring mostly self-penned songs.
1996: Willie Nelson Gets New Tour Bus
In 1996, Willie Nelson upgraded to a new tour bus from Florida Coach.
1996: Twisted Willie Release
In 1996, 'Twisted Willie', a tribute album featuring rock versions of Willie Nelson's songs performed by various artists including Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Cantrell, Mark Lanegan, L7, the Presidents of the United States of America, and Jello Biafra, among others, was released. Nelson re-recorded the tracks "Hello Walls" with the band the Reverend Horton Heat, and "Bloody Mary Morning" with the Supersuckers, for the album. Proceeds from the sale of the record went to Nelson's Farm Aid.
1998: Received the Kennedy Center Honors
Nelson received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998.
1998: Teatro Release
Willie Nelson released the critically acclaimed album 'Teatro' in 1998.
2001: Willie Nelson Participates in "America: A Tribute to Heroes"
Following the September 11 attacks, Nelson participated in the benefit telethon America: A Tribute to Heroes, leading the rest of the celebrities singing "America the Beautiful".
2002: Willie Nelson becomes Texas Roadhouse Spokesperson
In 2002, Willie Nelson became the official spokesperson for Texas Roadhouse, a chain of steakhouses. He actively promoted the chain, even appearing in a Food Network special.
2002: Publication of "The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes"
In 2002, Willie Nelson published "The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes," a book combining personal recollections of tour and musical stories from his career with song lyrics.
2003: Named Honorary Chairman of the Texas Music Project Advisory Board
In 2003, Nelson was named honorary chairman of the advisory board for the state's official music charity, the Texas Music Project.
2003: "Beer for My Horses" and 70th Birthday Celebration
Willie Nelson's duet with Toby Keith, "Beer for My Horses", was released as a single and topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts for six consecutive weeks. Nelson also appeared on Ringo Starr's album 'Ringo Rama' as a guest vocal on "Write One for Me." A USA Network television special celebrated Nelson's 70th birthday, and he released 'The Essential Willie Nelson' as part of the celebration.
2004: Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album
Willie Nelson was featured on the album 'True Love' by Toots and the Maytals, which won the Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Reggae Album.
2004: "Beer for My Horses" Video Award
The music video for "Beer for My Horses," Willie Nelson's collaboration with Toby Keith, won "Best Video" at the 2004 Academy of Country Music Awards.
2004: Willie Nelson undergoes surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
In 2004, Willie Nelson had to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome caused by his continuous guitar playing. He cancelled his scheduled concerts and focused on songwriting during his recovery.
2004: Willie Nelson Supports Dennis Kucinich's Presidential Campaign
Nelson supported Dennis Kucinich's campaign in the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries.
2004: Partnership in Pacific Bio-diesel plants
In 2004, Willie Nelson and his wife Annie partnered with Bob and Kelly King to build two Pacific Bio-diesel plants in Salem, Oregon and Carl's Corner, Texas.
2004: Tsunami Relief Concert
In 2005, Willie Nelson headlined the 'Tsunami Relief Austin to Asia' concert to benefit the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, raising an estimated $75,000 for UNICEF.
2005: "Busted" Release
A live performance of the Johnny Cash song "Busted" with Ray Charles featuring Willie Nelson was released on Charles' duets album 'Genius & Friends' in 2005.
2005: First Annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament"
In 2005, Nelson and his family hosted the first annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament", to promote marijuana legalization.
2005: Formation of Willie Nelson Biodiesel
In 2005, Willie Nelson and business partners established Willie Nelson Biodiesel ("Bio-Willie"), a company marketing bio-diesel bio-fuel made from vegetable oil to truck stops.
2005: Publication of "Farm Aid: A Song for America"
In 2005, Willie Nelson co-authored "Farm Aid: A Song for America," a commemorative book marking the 20th anniversary of the Farm Aid foundation.
2005: Willie Nelson Gets New Tour Bus
In 2005, Willie Nelson upgraded to a new tour bus from Florida Coach.
2005: Bill to Name Highway After Nelson Dropped
In 2005, a bill to name 49 miles of State Highway 130 after Nelson was dropped after objections from two Republican senators.
2005: Countryman Release
Willie Nelson released a reggae album entitled 'Countryman', which featured Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals on the song "I'm a Worried Man", in 2005.
2006: Publication of "The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart"
Willie Nelson's book, "The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart," co-authored with his long-time friend Turk Pipkin, was published in 2006.
2006: Willie Nelson Supports LGBT Community Through Music
In 2006, Nelson published a version of Ned Sublette's "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other", through iTunes.
2006: Willie Nelson Supports Kinky Friedman's Gubernatorial Run
Nelson recorded a radio advertisement asking for support to put musician/author Kinky Friedman on the ballot as an independent candidate for the 2006 Texas gubernatorial election.
2006: Willie Nelson is arrested for drug possession
In 2006, while traveling to Ann W. Richards' funeral, Willie Nelson was arrested along with his manager and sister in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. They were charged with possession of marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Nelson received six months probation.
2007: Publication of "On The Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and The Future of the Family Farm"
In 2007, Willie Nelson published a book advocating for biodiesel use and reduced gas emissions titled "On The Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and The Future of the Family Farm."
2007: Departure from Willie Nelson Biodiesel
Willie Nelson forfeited six million shares and left the board of Willie Nelson Biodiesel in 2007.
2007: Lincoln Center Performance with Wynton Marsalis
Willie Nelson performed with jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis at the Lincoln Center in 2007.
January 2008: Willie Nelson Sues Texas Democratic Party
In January 2008, Nelson filed a suit against the Texas Democratic Party, alleging that the party violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution by refusing to allow co-plaintiff Dennis Kucinich to appear on the primary ballot.
January 2008: Willie Nelson on the Cover of High Times Magazine
In January 2008, Nelson appeared on the cover of High Times Magazine and gave an interview about marijuana legalization.
2008: Reopening of Willie's Place
Willie Nelson reopened Willie's Place, a truck stop in Carl's Corner, Texas, in 2008. The establishment served as a concert hall, bar, and dance floor and featured BioWillie pumps.
2008: Publication of "A Tale Out of Luck"
In 2008, Willie Nelson's first fictional book, "A Tale Out of Luck," co-authored with Mike Blakely, was published.
2008: Two Men with the Blues and Moment of Forever Release
The live album 'Two Men with the Blues', capturing Willie Nelson's 2007 performance with Wynton Marsalis at the Lincoln Center, was released in 2008; reaching number one in Billboard's Top Jazz Albums and number twenty on the Billboard 200. The same year, Nelson recorded his first album with Buddy Cannon as the producer, 'Moment of Forever'.
2008: Grammy Hall of Fame Induction
In 2008, Willie Nelson's 1982 album 'Pancho & Lefty' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
2008: Willie Nelson starts smoking marijuana with a carbon-free system
In 2008, Willie Nelson made the switch to a carbon-free system for smoking marijuana to mitigate the effects of smoke inhalation.
2008: Willie Nelson Advocates for Animal Rights
In 2008, Nelson campaigned for the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and warned consumers about the cruel and illegal living conditions for calves raised to produce milk for dairy products.
2009: Ray Charles Tribute Concert
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis joined Norah Jones in a tribute concert to Ray Charles in 2009.
April 2010: Received "Feed the Peace" Award
Nelson received the "Feed the Peace" award from The Nobelity Project in April 2010 for his extensive work with Farm Aid.
May 26, 2010: Willie Nelson Cuts his Hair
On May 26, 2010, Willie Nelson cut off his iconic braids after many years of having the hairstyle.
June 23, 2010: Inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry
Nelson was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry on June 23, 2010.
November 26, 2010: Arrested for Marijuana Possession
On November 26, 2010, Nelson was arrested in Sierra Blanca, Texas for possession of six ounces of marijuana found in his tour bus while traveling from Los Angeles back to Texas.
2010: Founding of Luck Films
In 2010, Willie Nelson co-founded Luck Films, a company dedicated to producing feature films, documentaries, and concerts.
2010: Country Music Release
In 2010, Willie Nelson released 'Country Music,' a compilation of standards produced by T-Bone Burnett. The album peaked at number four in Billboard's Top Country Albums and number twenty on the Billboard 200. It was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2011 Grammy Awards.
2010: Willie Nelson Expresses Doubts About 9/11
In 2010, Nelson expressed his doubts about the 9/11 attacks and the official story during an interview with Larry King.
2010: Willie Nelson Creates the TeaPot Party
After his arrest for possession of marijuana in 2010, Nelson created the TeaPot party under the motto "Tax it, regulate it and legalize it!"
2011: Here We Go Again Release
'Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles', capturing the 2009 tribute concert featuring Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones, was released in 2011.
2011: Bee Spears, Bassist for Willie & Family, Dies
In 2011, Bee Spears, bassist for Willie Nelson's band, Willie & Family passed away.
2011: Inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame
In 2011, Nelson was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work with Farm Aid.
2011: Kokua For Japan Concert
Willie Nelson participated in the concert 'Kokua For Japan' in 2011, a fundraising event for the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan which raised $1.6 million.
2011: Foreclosure of Willie's Place and Sale of BioWillie Plant
Willie's Place was foreclosed in 2011 and bought by TravelCenters of America. The BioWillie plant was put up for sale, while Nelson retained the trademark for BioWillie, which continues to be sold in Maui and Hawaii.
February 2012: Legacy Recordings Deal
In February 2012, Legacy Recordings signed a deal with Willie Nelson that included the release of new material, as well as past releases that would be selected and complemented with outtakes and other material selected by him. Buddy Cannon returned to produce Nelson's recordings under this new deal.
April 20, 2012: Austin Unveils Statue of Nelson
On April 20, 2012, the city of Austin unveiled a life-size statue in honor of Nelson.
2012: Willie Nelson learns he fathered a daughter
In 2012, Willie Nelson discovered he had fathered a daughter, Rene Butts, with his friend Mary Haney.
2012: Publication of "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road"
In 2012, Willie Nelson released a new autobiography titled "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road," named after a song from his album "Heroes."
2012: Willie Nelson cancels fundraising appearance due to breathing problems
Willie Nelson had to cancel a fundraising appearance in Denver in 2012 due to breathing problems caused by high altitude and emphysema. He was taken to a local hospital, but his publicist confirmed he was in good health and would continue to his next scheduled concert.
2013: Willie Nelson Voices Support for Same-Sex Marriage
During an interview with Texas Monthly in 2013, Nelson voiced his support for the LGBT movement and same-sex marriage.
2013: Jody Payne Retires from Willie & Family
In 2013, Jody Payne retired from his longtime role as guitarist for Willie Nelson's band, Willie & Family.
2013: Release of 'Heroes' and 'To All the Girls...'
In 2013, Willie Nelson released two albums: 'Heroes,' which featured guest appearances from his sons and other notable musicians, and 'To All the Girls...,' a collection of duets with female artists. 'To All the Girls...' became his highest-charting album since 1989.
2013: Received an Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music
Nelson received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music in 2013.
October 2014: Willie Nelson's Braids Auctioned
In October 2014, Willie Nelson's braids which he had gifted to Waylon Jennings in 1983 were sold for $37,000 at an auction of Jennings' estate.
November 2014: Announcement of "Inside Arlyn" Television Series
In November 2014, it was announced that Willie Nelson would host "Inside Arlyn," a television series filmed at Arlyn Studio in Austin, Texas.
December 2014: Duet with Rhonda Vincent Tops Bluegrass Charts
In December 2014, Willie Nelson's duet with Rhonda Vincent, "Only Me," reached the top of the Bluegrass Unlimited's National Airplay chart.
2014: Willie Nelson receives his fifth-degree black belt in GongKwon Yusul
In 2014, after 20 years of practice, Willie Nelson received his fifth-degree black belt in the Korean martial art GongKwon Yusul from his Grand Master Sam Um in Austin, Texas.
2014: Nelson Donates Personal Collection to Dolph Briscoe Center
In 2014, Nelson donated his personal collection to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
May 5, 2015: Publication of "It's a Long Story: My Life"
On May 5, 2015, Willie Nelson's second autobiography, "It's a Long Story: My Life," co-authored with David Ritz, was published.
June 2015: Collaboration with Merle Haggard Tops Charts
Willie Nelson's collaboration with Merle Haggard, 'Django and Jimmie,' topped Billboard's Top Country albums chart and reached number seven on the Billboard 200 in June 2015.
2015: Launch of Willie's Reserve Marijuana Brand
Following the legalization of marijuana in various states, Willie Nelson announced his own marijuana brand, Willie's Reserve, in 2015, with plans to open chain stores in states where marijuana was legalized.
2015: Won the Gershwin Prize
Nelson won the Gershwin Prize, the lifetime achievement award of the Library of Congress, in 2015.
2015: Willie Nelson undergoes stem-cell therapy
To improve the state of his lungs after repeated instances of pneumonia and emphysema, Willie Nelson underwent stem-cell therapy in 2015.
2016: Rene Butts shares a picture of her and Willie Nelson
In 2016, Rene Butts shared a picture of her and Willie Nelson on Father's Day.
June 2017: Appearance in "The American Epic Sessions" Documentary
In June 2017, Willie Nelson appeared alongside Merle Haggard in "The American Epic Sessions," a documentary directed by Bernard MacMahon. Their performance, which included a song Haggard wrote for the film and a Bob Wills classic, was recorded live direct to disc using a 1920s sound recording system.
2017: Release of 'God's Problem Child'
Willie Nelson's album 'God's Problem Child,' released in 2017, reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart and number ten on the Billboard 200.
2017: Rene Butts dies
Rene Butts, Willie Nelson's daughter, died in 2017.
June 2018: Willie Nelson Condemns Family Separation Policy
In June 2018, Nelson deplored the Trump administration family separation policy.
September 29, 2018: Willie Nelson Holds a Free Concert in Support of Beto O'Rourke
On September 29, 2018, Nelson offered a free concert in Austin supporting Beto O'Rourke's Senate run. The last number he performed was "Vote 'Em Out", a new track that was subsequently released as a single.
2018: Contributions to 'Red Dead Redemption 2' and 'Restoration'
In 2018, Willie Nelson contributed to two projects: recording 'Cruel World' for the soundtrack of the video game 'Red Dead Redemption 2' and performing 'Border Song' on the Elton John cover album 'Restoration.'
2018: Inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters
In 2018, The Texas Institute of Letters inducted Nelson into its membership for his songwriting.
2019: Release of 'Ride Me Back Home' and Grammy Award Win
Willie Nelson released the album 'Ride Me Back Home' in 2019, which charted at number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He also won a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance for the title track.
March 2020: Benefit Livestreams during COVID-19 Pandemic
Willie Nelson livestreamed a series of benefit concerts in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to support those affected by the economic downturn.
April 20, 2020: 'Come and Toke It' Benefit Livestream
On April 20, 2020, Willie Nelson held a cannabis-themed variety show livestream titled 'Come and Toke It' to raise money for The Last Prisoner Project, which advocates for those convicted of cannabis-related crimes.
2020: Paul English, Drummer for Willie & Family, Dies
In 2020, Paul English, drummer for Willie Nelson's band, Willie & Family, passed away.
January 2021: Willie Nelson and his sister receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
Willie Nelson and his sister got vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Moderna vaccine in January 2021.
March 2021: Willie Nelson's song used for COVID-19 vaccination campaign
In March 2021, Willie Nelson's song "I'll Be Seeing You" was featured in a public service announcement by the Ad Council to promote COVID-19 vaccination in the United States.
2021: Release of 'The Willie Nelson Family'
Willie Nelson released the album 'The Willie Nelson Family' in 2021, which later earned him two Grammy Award wins.
May 2022: Willie Nelson contracts COVID-19
Willie Nelson had to postpone several shows in May 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19. His wife shared that his symptoms were severe, and he received a treatment regimen including Paxlovid, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids.
September 2022: Willie Nelson resumes his tour
After recovering from COVID-19, Willie Nelson resumed his tour in September 2022.
December 2022: Announcement of Documentary and Grammy Nominations
In December 2022, the release of a five-part documentary about Willie Nelson was announced, and Nelson received four Grammy nominations for his recent albums.
2022: Bobbie Nelson, Sister and Pianist for Willie & Family, Dies
In 2022, Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson's sister and longtime pianist in his band Willie & Family, passed away.
2023: 90th Birthday Celebrations and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
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.
2024: Featured in Beyoncé's 'COWBOY CARTER' Album
Willie Nelson was featured in two interludes on Beyoncé's 2024 album 'COWBOY CARTER,' titled "SMOKE HOUR ★ WILLIE NELSON" and "SMOKE HOUR II."