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Willie Nelson

One of the most prolific singer/songwriters of our time, Willie Nelson's impressive career has spanned decades, surpassing trends in music that have come and gone while still managing to remain relevant to the times.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Nelson began playing the guitar at a young age and was singing and writing songs shortly thereafter. After high school, Nelson moved to Nashville in hopes of pursuing a career in the music industry. Working at a radio station, he was able to get some of his own work on air, leading to a record deal with RCA Records in 1965. Over the next 30 years, Nelson released over 100 albums and toured all over the country, securing his status as an American music icon with such hits as Crazy, You Are Always on My Mind and On the Road Again.

In addition to his music, Nelson has appeared in several feature films, including Wag The Dog, with Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, Half Baked, Stardust and The Journeyman. His music has also been featured in films such as Doc Hollywood, Forrest Gump and Shrek.

In 1981, Nelson was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song for On The Road Again which was featured in the film Honeysuckle Rose. He has been inducted into several music halls of fame and was named a Kennedy Center honoree in 1998. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 Grammy Awards. Recently, Nelson published his latest book, The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes.

In May of 2003, Nelson's Live and Kickin concert special on the USA Network became the highest rated program of its kind in the history of basic cable television, featuring Ray Charles, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp, Paul Simon and Diana Krall among others. Nelson also performed at his annual 4th of July Picnic, featuring a stellar line-up of musicians including The Dead, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Billy Bob Thornton, Pauline Reese and Toby Keith. The event has become a Texas tradition and attracts visitors from around the country.

An eight-time Grammy winner, Nelson continues to tour the country as a musician and work in both television and film.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2004.

Willie Nelson Facts

Birth Name Willie Hugh Nelson
OccupationMusician, Actor
BirthdayApril 30, 1933 (90)
SignTaurus
BirthplaceFort Worth, Texas, USA
Height5' 6" (1m68)  How tall is Willie Nelson compared to you?

Selected Filmography

Willie Nelson and Friends
Honeysuckle Rose
Once Upon A Texas Train
Live From Austin TX: Willie Nelson
Save the Farm
Continue » Find more details on the Willie Nelson Movies page