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Willie Nelson. By Ryan Stuart. The Early Years. Born April 30, 1933 in Abbott, Texas Wrote his first song at age 7 and joined his first band at age 10 Bohemian Polka lead singer/guitar player in H.S. In 1962, he recorded his first album, And Then I Wrote. The Career Begins.
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Willie Nelson By Ryan Stuart
The Early Years • Born April 30, 1933 in Abbott, Texas • Wrote his first song at age 7 and joined his first band at age 10 • Bohemian Polka lead singer/guitar player in H.S. • In 1962, he recorded his first album, And Then I Wrote
The Career Begins • In 1964 he signs with RCA Victor • Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 • Retires early in 1972 but comes back in 1973 • Hippie music becomes popular in Texas at “Country Woodstock”
Outlaw Country • Influenced by country, folk, and jazz • Popular by Willie and Waylon Jennings • Created his own Outlaw weekend show Fourth of July Picnic • First country singer signed by Atlantic Records
A Star Emerges -1970’s • “Mamma’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” • “Good Hearted Woman” • “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” • “Uncloudy Day” • Releases first #1 hit “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” • First country album to reach platinum status Wanted! The Outlaws in 1976 • First gospel album he produced Troublemaker went gold • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vaYOIKWYY
Continuing Excellence-1980’s • “Midnight Rider” • “On the Road Again” • “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” duet with Julio Iglesias • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngbcsxFET68 • Formed The Highwaymen with Jennings, Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash • Worked on Half Nelson with duets including Ray Charles and Neil Young
Still Going - 1990’s - Present • 2007 Performance with Wynton Marsalis (Jazz trumpeter) Two Men with the Blues reached #1 on Jazz Billboard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWUDiqJ0wS0&list=PL24B98AFFECA84025&index=3&feature=plpp_video • Top single with Toby Keith “Beer for My Horses” • Worked with Ringo Starr on 2003 Album Ringo Rama’s “Write One for Me” • Headlined 2005 Tsunami Relief: Austin to Asia benefit concert
A Music Icon For the Ages • Uses hybrid of Jazz, Pop, Blues, Rock, Folk, and Country • Unique sound includes relaxed singing and guitar • Wide appeal even as he lives on performing today
Works Cited • http://www.willienelson.com/ • http://www.youtube.com • http://www.biography.com/people/willie-nelson-9421488/videos • http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/A2224790