Willie Nelson has an extremely extensive and ongoing career. A whole book, let alone one singular post would not be adequate to explain all of the nuances of his career that takes up the majority of his 95 years alive. In terms of his Texan-ness, his overall relation to Texas, and the impact that the state of Texas had on his career it is most beneficial to hone in on his career around the 1960s-1970s.
Willie Nelson was born and grew up in Abbott Texas, which is where he grew his love for music and was inspired heavily by different Texan musical icons. Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, and Polka were all some of the musical influences that he had grown up listening to. Nelson spent some time in the Air Force but when he came back to Texas he began making music professionally. He primarily was working in music in various ways, from being a DJ for radio to playing at honkey tonks and even songwriting. Nelson in hopes of expanding his career, then moved to Nashville which was then in the 1960s
When Nelson was in Nashville, his songwriting is what really began to stick. His sound was not the typical sound that Nashville country tended to have. However, his songwriting abilities allowed him to tell stories through song for the artists who thrived in Nashville. Once he gained traction as a result of his songwriting, he signed a record deal with Liberty Records.
On paper, this sounds like something that would help flourish the career of a “country” artist. However, Willie Nelson quickly realized Nashville was not the place for him and what he was trying to achieve artistically. As a result of Nashville’s lack of willingness to adapt or change its musical sound, Willie decided to move.
‘Where did he move?’
you may ask… back to Texas.
This is a video of Willie discussing why he left Nashville. In the video at 2:50 Nelson states, “ It’s kinda hard to make music if you have people trying to tell you how to make your music and I was, I was sort of forced because of contractual agreements to make music the way they had done in the past without any new things, new ideas. They were a little bit reluctant to take any chances…”
Once he moved back to Texas, Nelson decided to reside in Austin. In Austin is where he began to grow a new brand of music; Outlaw. This new sound derived from what he was looking to make musically, rather than what was believed to be a good musical avenue for him to take. He also began to celebrate this unique quality, “he took charge of a movement that made outlaw a term of defiant pride”(Time Magazine) Austin, unlike Nashville was the perfect place to do this. Austin is a big college town filled with young people who historically take to new music much easier than older generations took to this sound like glue.
Nelson, when asked about this movement, says “ I think the University has a lot to do with it, the young people are here they’re liberal-minded, the whole town is liberal-minded… and people can be themselves and not be worried or uptight or anything… and for some reason, the kids got turned onto country music” this quote in itself is quite ironic considering he along with other Austin based artists were the real reasons for this. The newscast then goes on to discuss this movement overall, stating just how widespread this music was and how radio stations and live events stemmed from this movement of progressive country music.
Nelson also through his music began to bring unlikely people together through his unique sonic blend. His audience was quite polarizing, typically holding onto two different ends of the spectrum. Nelson began to pick up on the atypical makeup of his crowds, When asked about it Nelson says “They all got together and listened to music, drank a little beer, and did other things…and they realized they didn’t hate each other after all.” It’s quite interesting that i just so happened that by making the music he longed to make, he not only was satisfying his artistic desires but ended up bringing people together, far more than his Nashville music ever would.
Through his unique perspective, lyricism, and the overall gift of storytelling through song, Willie Nelson goes on to have a continuously blossoming career. He is not only an icon in terms of Austin, but Texas, and even the United States all praise him for the sonic work he has done. As stated this is only discussing a sliver of his career, that has stood the test of time and has led him to arguably be one of the most influential Texan artists of our time.
Sources
Williams, Art. “Willie Nelson Opens up about His Musical Family, His Love of Texas, and Why He’s Still on the Road to the next Stage.” Texas Highways, 18 Apr. 2019, https://texashighways.com/culture/people/willie-nelson-opens-up-about-his-musical-family-his-love-of-texas-and-why-hes-still-on-the-road-to-the-next-stage/.
“Willie Nelson – News Report on the 1974 Austin Music Scene.” YouTube, YouTube, 2 Feb. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdyhZ4c9DY0&t=2s.
“Willie Nelson Interview.” Time Magazine, 18 Sept. 1978.
“Willie Nelson Talks about Texas, Nashville, Opry, Abbott and Sings with Sister.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugpFuKILpPg&t=18s.
