Classic Country Spotlight is a weekly series covering legendary artists from country music’s past. Whether you still listen to the timeless hits or hope to become better acquainted with an older sound, classic country will never die. Brought to you by Val Turgeon.
There’s been a balance of sunshine and rain here in Minnesota lately, a sure sign that (hopefully) summer is on its way. What’s the best thing about summer? It’s gotta be live country music. This summer, there’s a special treat at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley Events & Conventions Centers. The legendary Willie Nelson will perform August 8 (Mille Lacs) and August 9 (Hinckley) with tickets on sale now.
The braided pig-tailed Nelson is known for being one of the original “Outlaws” of country in the 1970’s, joining other legendary names like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Hank Williams Jr., Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash.
Nelson earned his spot in this prestigious group, not just as a singer, but also as a songwriter. He didn’t play it safe, borrowing styles from multiple genres including pop, Western swing, rock and roll, honky tonk, folk, jazz, and blues.
Growing up in Abbott, Texas, Nelson was around a climate filled with country music in the air. He learned to play piano and was front man of a band in high school. After graduation, Nelson joined the air force, but left because of back problems.
Back in Texas, he took a job as a country DJ for Fort Worth’s KCNC in 1954. Two years later Willie gave a shot at recording. Following the success of “Family Bible” for Claude Gray in 1960, Nelson moved to Nashville. He was invited by Ray Price to join his touring band, the Cherokee Cowboys as a bassist.
In 1962, he recorded his first album, …And Then I Wrote. Due to this success, Nelson signed in 1964 with RCA Victor. The following year he joined the Grand Ole Opry. He found great success with his songs recorded by other artists including “Funny How Time Slips Away” by Billy Walker, “Hello Walls” by Faron Young and “Crazy” by Patsy Cline.
Nelson retired from country music in 1972 after being discouraged by not being able to reach the country Top 40. He moved to Austin, Texas, but soon after discovering a more traditional honky tonk audience there, Nelson gave music another shot. This time, he dropped his pop sound for his now well-known outlaw image and earned a contract with Atlantic Records in 1973.
In 1975, Nelson switched to Columbia Records, where he recorded the album, Red Headed Stranger followed by many more outlaw album hits. 1978 was his most successful year with his first duet album with Jennings and the hit “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” Nelson’s album “Stardust” was an unconventional album, but one of his most successful with selling over 4 million copies.
After taking on a role in the Robert Redford movie “The Electric Horseman,” Nelson continued his success in the 80’s with hit songs “On the Road Again” and “Always On My Mind,” a cover of Elvis Presley’s hit. Nelson also recorded duet albums with Haggard and Jennings and earned a number one single with “Highwayman,” a song performed with other outlaw icons, Jennings, Cash and Kristofferson.
In 1990 Nelson faced some trouble with the IRS, but in 1993 all his debts had been paid off with the help of his release of the double album The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories? He then continued with his recording career.
Nelson has recorded an astounding 68 albums and has sold more than 40 million copies—and that’s just in the U.S. Twenty-five of his songs reached the number one spot on the charts. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and he received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998.
Not only an actor and musician, but Nelson is also an activist for a variety of causes including legalizing marijuana and gay marriage, and he has received awards and recognition for his work as President of Farm Aid to raise money for farmers.
Austin, Texas renamed Second Street to Willie Nelson Boulevard in 2010 and honored him with life-size statue placed at the entrance of Austin City Limits’ new studio in 2012. That same year, the CMA Awards Lifetime Achievement Award was created and named after Nelson, of which he was the first recipient.
It really has been a Lifetime of Achievement for Nelson, and even at 80-years-old, Nelson continues to record and perform, keeping the Outlaw image alive.
Recently, Nelson, along with Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard appeared on Country Weekly’s cover. The issue features these original “Outlaws” of country, taking a look back at the 1970’s Outlaw movement and the artists who are currently carrying on the tradition.
Oh, and Nelson will also receive his fifth degree black belt at a ceremony in Texas on April 28, just one day before his 81st birthday. Outlaw country and master of the martial arts? I don’t think it gets any more bad ass than this.
See this original Outlaw live right here in Minnesota this summer. Get your tickets NOW.
Friday, August 8 at Grand Casino Mille Lacs | Tickets here
Saturday, August 9 at Grand Casino Hinckley | Tickets here
Don’t forget to book a room so the fun can last all weekend long!
Check out the epicness of The Highwaymen performing “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
View other Classic Country Spotlights by clicking HERE.