The legendary Willie Nelson celebrates his 89th birthday today, emerging from a rural Texas town to become a leading figure in the folk/country music genre for 60 years and counting. Nelson got his start in 1956, working in the Vancouver radio industry while struggling to make a name for himself. Nelson initially gave in to self-doubt, moved back to Texas, and went door-to-door selling encyclopedias. Fortunately, that isn’t the end of his story.
After a string of releases that varied in popularity, Nelson would find breakthrough success with a run of albums in the early seventies, including Shotgun Willie (1973), Phases and Stages (1974), and Red Headed Stranger (1975). Nelson also starred in the pilot episode of Austin City Limits in 1974, a series that is still running today. By pairing with Waylon Jennings, the two created the idealistic “Outlaw Country” movement, and the rest was history.
Listen To Willie Nelson’s Emotional Cover Of The Grateful Dead’s ‘Stella Blue’
Nelson hasn’t slowed down since, with over 80 albums under his belt and more still to come. With more than 40 million albums sold, not to mention his own strain of marijuana and his own Luck, TX concert venue, there’s really nothing off-limits for a legend like Willie Nelson. With Willie on our mind, we wanted to share some glorious live footage of the mastermind. Check out this star-studded live performance of his hit, “I’ll Fly Away”, from Farm Aid 2019, which proves he’s still got it.
Willie Nelson & Family — “I’ll Fly Away Melody”
[Video: Farm Aid]
Wishing you all the best Willie!