30.4.08

Happy Birthday Willie


Today is Willie Nelson's 75th birthday. I've had the honor of seeing him twice in concert. The man still tours, doing roughly 100 shows a year.

In 1965, Nelson moved to RCA Victor Records and joined the Grand Ole Opry. He followed this with a series of minor hits and then retired and moved to Austin, Texas. While in Austin, with its burgeoning "hippie" music scene (see Armadillo World Headquarters), Nelson decided to return to music. His popularity in Austin soared, as he played his own brand of country music marked by rock and roll, jazz, western swing, and folk influences. A lifelong passion for running and a new commitment to his own health also began during this period.
Happy Birthday, Willie.

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