At almost 75, no one would fault him if he decided to just sit around, relax and reminisce about the good old days. But an ordinary mortal he is not. Despite having to contend with backbreaking tours, he still manages to release at least two albums a year. Thus far, he has recorded over 100 albums, some of which are collaborations with almost every major artist there is. With his unique vocal style, amazing guitar playing and exceptional songwriting skills, he has managed to evoke awe, admiration and inspiration with each album he makes.
Willie Nelson’s distinctive voice and his guitar “Trigger” (named after Roy Rogers’ horse) have become familiar trademarks. His talents as a singer, songwriter and guitar player are irrefutably indispensible in an industry that seems to be full of aspiring stars, but sadly lacking in durable quality artists.
At the recently concluded 50th Grammy Awards, Willie took home with Ray Price the trophy for best Country Collaboration with Vocals for Lost Highway – a testament to the Nelson magic that he has wielded over millions of fans and critics worldwide.
I recently caught a glimpse of Willie playing his latest music on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and it was a thrill indeed. Ably assisted by his loyal musician-sister Bobby and his two sons, Micah and Lucas, Willie’s voice was like vintage wine that only gets better with age.
I like Willie not only because of his artistry but also for his compassion for animals. He champions the cause for a full halt to dog fighting and has convinced American lawmakers to take a closer look at how horses are being slaughtered. You wouldn’t expect this from a man who was the acknowledged vanguard of the 1970s country music’s outlaw movement — a genre that was largely linked with reckless, subversive behavior (think Whiskey Rivers, cocaine binges, and slow suicide through excess).
It was a genre which created unchained or unrestricted melodies, crafted for music’s sake. Willie was among the artists who wanted to extend the limits of country music, and they fortunately found an audience that wanted to hear them try. To this day, the iconic Willie remains the favorite of everyone from rednecks to hippies, and there seems to be no stopping him.
With the album “Willie Nelson: The Complete Atlantic Sessions,” the movement gained eminence. But it had nothing to do with music passages about booze or coke. Rather, Willie hit songwriting peaks and took chances that were unheard of or were unequaled in Nashville at the time.
He got his first guitar at age six. At 10, his first performance was playing at a dance. Since then, music had become the central part of his life. While awestruck by big band — country (Texas-style), and especially by the music of Frank Sinatra — Willie charted his own road to stardom.
One of the favorite vinyl albums that I have of Willie is “Stardust.” I have its original pressing, half-speed and 45-rpm re-issue as well. The album is as timeless as the man who made it happen. In fact nobody expected that Willie, in 1978, would ever record a collection of tunes that is so sublime.
Thus, “Stardust” was viewed by many as Willie’s mellowing. With his “just-ahead-of-the-beat” vocal delivery, Willie’s interpretation of classic songs such as Georgia On My Mind is simply marvelous and has yet to be surpassed.
Listeners will be mesmerized by Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies as Willie showcases how well he plucks his acoustic guitar. Many artists have recorded their takes on Unchained Melody and Stardust, but Willie’s versions are compelling with their soft elegance.
The 26-year-old “Stardust” album to this day remains the standard in measuring “The Great American Songbook,” that period between the 1930s and 1950s when American popular music songwriting reached its glorious peak. The legendary Willie Nelson has made sure that our love affair with those free or unchained melodies will stand the test of time, etched in our collective memories to be passed on for future generations to embrace.
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