Singer/songwriter Willie Nelson spent the '60s writing songs that became mega hits, like Ray Price's "Night Life," Patsy Cline's "Crazy," Faron Young's "Hello Walls," Roy Orbison's "Pretty Paper," and Billy Walker's "Funny How Time Slips Away."
In the 1970s, he joined creative forces with Waylon Jennings, and the beginning of country music's outlaw movement was under way. RCA compiled the album Wanted: The Outlaws!, using material from Nelson, Jennings, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Colter.
As a solo artist, Nelson signed to RCA in 1965, the same year he joined the Grand Ole Opry. Nelson achieved his career breakthrough in 1975 with the release of the legendary album The Red Headed Stranger, which included his cover of Roy Acuff's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain."
In 1978, he released Waylon and Willie, which included the mega-hit "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" and the Nelson and country classic "On the Road Again" Nelson released the multi-platinum album Stardust, a collection of pop standards, later that year, becoming one of the most successful recordings of his career. The album prompted Nelson's venture in acting. He appeared in the 1979 Robert Redford movie The Electric Horseman and starred in Honeysuckle Rose (which featured "On the Road Again") the following year.
Crossover success came with Nelson's 1982 cover of "Always on My Mind," previously a hit for Elvis Presley. The next two years brought duet albums with Merle Haggard.
Nelson, Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson united to form the Highwaymen. The title single became a huge hit for the foursome.
Nelson has won nine Country Music Association Awards, including 1979's Entertainer of the Year. The Academy of Country Music also recognized him with nine trophies. In 1993, Nelson was recognized for his unmatched career when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He continues to tour and release new music.
Latest CD
Remember Me Vol. 1