“That’s Just the Way Willie Rolls”

When Texas Monthly set out to create a special issue celebrating Willie Nelson, we knew it wouldn’t be enough just to assign new stories, comb our archives for favorite old profiles, or even rank and review all 143 of Willie’s albums. So we reached out to some two dozen of Willie’s longtime friends, fans, and collaborators and asked them to share one favorite Willie story. From “Whiskey River” writer Johnny Bush’s memory of a portentous moment on tour with Willie back in 1962 to current producer and songwriting partner Buddy Cannon’s description of what it’s like to work with Willie right now, this collection of anecdotes offers an inside look at what Willie’s like when the spotlight shuts off.
MORE
-WiscoDave

*****

This is a pretty good read.
Even if you disagree with Willie's political views, there's no doubt he's one of the greatest influences on what Country Music used to be before it turned into pop music with southern accents.

I've been listening to him my whole life, matter of fact I can remember my dad having one of his first albums with the picture of him with short hair, clean shaven and wearing a fucking white turtleneck sweater, I shit you not. Willie's ugly as hell.
I can also remember listening to that album and Pop's telling me that Willie was a great songwriter but he'll never make it big as a singer because "Willie Nelson can't sing for shit".

I didn't really get into his music until the mid-70s when he teamed up with Waylon, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser for the "Wanted: The Outlaws" album.
I still listen to him today, matter of fact I've got his "Redheaded Stranger" CD in my truck right now.

I saw him live in Stockton with my ex 15 or 20 years ago - probably the worst concert I've ever been to. The music was waaay too loud for that venue, they played every song about twice as fast as they should've and there was no break in between songs - it was basically a two hour medley. He acted like he couldn't wait to get the fuck out of there, but it being Stockton I can't say that I blamed him.
But at least I can say I saw Willie live.