Willie Nelson

The Profile

Willie Nelson (born 1933, Abbott, Texas) is an American singer‑songwriter, guitarist, and key architect of outlaw country. After early success as a songwriter (including Crazy) he broke through with Shotgun Willie, Phases and Stages, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust, and later delivered enduring hits like On the Road Again and Always on My Mind.

Co‑founded Farm Aid in 1985 with Neil Young and John Mellencamp; advocates cannabis legalization and civil rights; comfortably crosses country, jazz, blues, and standards; issued tributes to Ray Price and Frank Sinatra; collaborated live with Wynton Marsalis; remained prolific with albums such as Last Man Standing.

Four reviews trace Willie Nelson’s many facets: a joyous jazz-country live set with Wynton Marsalis, late‑career originals, and tributes to Ray Price and Frank Sinatra. The writers praise his enduring voice, guitar feel, and genre‑bridging ease. They frame Nelson as both icon and activist, touching on Farm Aid, liberal causes, and cultural heft. Overall tone: admiring, with thoughtful context on American music and myth.