Sunday Morning Coffee with Willie Nelson

Well, for those of you who enjoyed last week's post on Waylon Jennings, you have probably guessed that next up in our discussion of Nashville outsiders would have to be the Red Headed Stranger himself. That's right. Today, we sip our java (or more appropriately perhaps smoke our morning doobie) with none other than Willie Nelson.


Along with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson is one of the founding fathers of the outlaw country movement. It was the first real organized "fuck you" to Nashville. And, you have to love the bravado of these fellas who had actually risen to fame by following the rules in Nashville. Finally, the rules were just too much. Or, perhaps they realized that those who make the rules at will can also change the rules at will.

So, it is always best to follow your own set of rules. And, that is what Willie has done.

Without delving too deep into Willie's personal history, I would just like to point out that he is another in the long line of classic country folks who have gotten their big break in my home state of Washington. Along with Buck Owens and Loretta Lynn, Willie got his start in Washington on the local country radio.

But, after he got his break, he headed to Nashville like the rest of them. And, even though he couldn't make it as a singer by the Nashville standards, he excelled as a songwriter. If you didn't know it, some of the greatest hits in country music were written (but not sung) by Willie Nelson. He penned "Crazy," which topped the charts for Patsy Cline, "Hello Walls," which was a hit for Faron Young, and "Pretty Paper," which became a hit for Roy Orbison.

Most folks though recognize Willie as Willie. His trademark ponytails and worn down Martin guitar have become the stuff of legends. And, his songs and songs that he has made famous form a backbone of the American songbook. From "On The Road Again" to "Good Hearted Woman" to "Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain," he has forged his own sound that is not quite country, not quite jazz, not quite folk, not quite blues, but it is all quite great music.

But, Willie is known for more than music. He is an activist, who helped to start Farm Aid. He has also become a huge proponent of alternative fuels, particularly biodiesel. And, he is a well known advocate for the legalization of marijuana.

Willie's legacy will definitely span far beyond music. But, today, I will leave you with a few numbers to give you a little taste of this brilliant musician who never could be tamed by Nashville.

And, aside from members of ma belle famille, I must say that Willie is my favorite Texan.

Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, "Pancho and Lefty":

Willie Nelson, "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain":

Willie Nelson, Diana Krall, and Elvis Costello, "Crazy":

Patsy Cline Classic Written By Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson, "Funny How Time Slips Away":

Willie Nelson and Norah Jones, "The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want To Get Over You)":

The Classic Waylon Jennings' Tune

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