Willy Nelson One of the pillars of country music of the 20th century, winner of numerous awards, including Grammy Awards. Date of Birth: 30.04.1933 Country: USA

Biography of Willie Nelson

William Hugh Nelson, known as Willie Nelson, was born on April 30, 1933. He is a legendary figure in 20th century country music and has received numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards. Nelson's musical career began in 1956, but his own recordings were initially rejected by record company executives due to their unconventional and raw sound. As a result, Nelson gave his new songs to other artists, including Patsy Cline's famous country ballad "Crazy" and Ray Price's widely-covered country melody "Night Life."

Nelson faced obstacles in promoting his own career due to his fondness for alcohol, marijuana, and carrying an unlicensed weapon in public. Tired of legal troubles, he relocated to Austin, Texas, in 1965, a city known for its liberal attitudes at the time. In Austin, Nelson's music took on a non-standard sound, incorporating influences from rock and roll, western swing, jazz, and folk-rock. He also adopted a healthier lifestyle, becoming a fan of morning exercises.

In the early 1970s, Nelson and Waylon Jennings, both donning beards and worn-out jeans, declared war on the mainstream country industry dominated by polished performers in impeccably tailored suits. They championed the return of country music to its cowboy roots and sought to infuse the genre with lost energy. Nelson's album "Red Headed Stranger" (1975) became a milestone in this movement. The most successful singles of his career, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" (1975) and "On the Road Again" (1980), were released during this period.

During the 1980s, Nelson became involved in acting and formed the successful supergroup "The Highwaymen" with old friends Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. He also recorded duets with artists from different genres, such as Julio Iglesias on the song "To All the Girls I've Loved Before." Nelson's widespread recognition extended beyond the country music industry. In 1982, he won a Grammy Award for "Record of the Year" for his rendition of the classic song "Always on My Mind."

In 1990, Nelson faced a legal battle with the IRS for alleged tax evasion. With debts exceeding $16 million, a significant portion of his assets were sold to settle the liability. To repay the debt, Nelson even released a double album. Following the legal ordeal, he released an album of duets with stars from other genres, including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Sinéad O'Connor, in 1993. In the late 1990s, Nelson's popularity, like that of other veteran artists, began to decline. His active advocacy for the legalization of marijuana did not help improve his image. In an interview, he proudly proclaimed that he smoked marijuana on the roof of the White House during a reception hosted by President Jimmy Carter. In an effort to attract younger country music listeners, Nelson recorded an album with prominent reggae influences. In 2006, he returned to the top of the country charts after many years, and a year prior, he stirred controversy with the release of the single "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other."