Willie Nelson in Charlottesville

Willie Nelson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Abbott, Texas, in 1933. A central figure in outlaw country, he is known for the album Red Headed Stranger and songs including “On the Road Again,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “Always on My Mind.” He also wrote “Crazy,” which became a signature recording for Patsy Cline. Willie Nelson began staging his Fourth of July Picnic in Dripping Springs in 1973. The following year he taped the pilot episode of Austin City Limits, beginning a long association with the program. He co-founded Farm Aid with Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985, then launched the touring Outlaw Music Festival in 2016. Willie Nelson performs with his touring group, the Family, singing and playing his guitar Trigger. Mickey Raphael’s harmonica has been part of that concert sound since the 1970s. Beyond Texas, he performed at Glastonbury Festival and marked his 90th birthday with two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023.