Willie Nelson appreciation thread! Why do you love Willie?

[blonndee]

I grew up with Willie, and my favorite song of his changes all the time. But today I think it's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." But "Nothing I Can do About it Now" is a close second, and often first.

How could anyone not love Willie? Please share any Willie stories, favorite songs, why you love Willie, etc.

[Madrone]

1. I LURVE Willie.

What's not to like? An old pot-smoking, peace-loving hippie with an amazing voice. :) Spending an afternoon with him would be the best thing ever!

Here's a short clip of him singing that I took at last years Family Picnic.

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=32532437

[blonndee]

2. Thanks for sharing that!

It reminds me of when I got to see him in Ruidoso, NM, a few years ago with my grandma, who was just as crazy about him as I am! I also saw him at a free concert near or in Muleshoe, Texas, years ago. I think he was performing with Waylon Jennings for FarmAid. I was a pot-smoking teenager back then, though, so I don't remember the specifics, just that I still loved him and had a great time!

[Madrone]

3. You're welcome!

I have one more short clip and a bunch of pictures that aren't online yet. The other clip is of him singing "Crazy".... I would have taken more video, but I was afraid I'd get in trouble. Everything I read before the show said cameras weren't allowed. I went out and spent almost $400 on an itty-bitty camera so it would be easier to sneak in. It was an AWESOME - but very long - show.

In the video - the 2 kids to Willie's left (or the viewer's right) are actually his sons!

[blonndee]

6. LOL!

Buying a special camera just for the Willie show. THAT is a true Willie fan!

[Madrone]

7. Well it wasn't JUST for Willie ...

Although he was a HUGE part of it. It may be my only chance you know - he's no spring chicken. And I was freaking second row CENTER. HAD to take pictures with those seats. Okay - I have a tiny sampling in my photobucket, so, in order of appearance:

Amos Lee



Drive By Truckers



Old 97's



Son Volt



WILLIE!



and a semi-decent pic of the venue:

[blonndee]

10. Great pics and great view!

It's hard to get good concert pics. They always end up looking so far away and not really giving the feel of being there. My pics at my Willie concert event ended up just awful disposable-camera crud. Yours are nice!

[Madrone]

12. Thanks!

The Willie one isn't great - there are many better ones. I think when I was uploading I chose by looking at thumbnails, and I couldn't see the blurriness in that pic until I looked at it larger. I was VERY happy with how the camera did. The video was done with that camera - and I am amazed at how clear the video is, for a regular digital camera in low light conditions.

[Captain Angry]

4. Right now, of all things, my favorite song of his is...

The Rainbow Connection, the old Muppet Movie song. I keep that CD in my car all the time in case I feel road rage coming on. I hit "Disk 6" and my CD player calms me down immediately. The next song, "I'm looking over, a four leaf clover" just makes me giggle. So, within two songs, I'm back in a good mood and the roads are safe again.

I love the fact that Willie is genuinely out there looking out for small farmers, working with biodiesel, etc.

Thanks for the thread. And thanks to Willie for being who he is.

[blonndee]

8. Wow!

I just found that on youtube. Thanks for mentioning it, because I actually never heard of it and now I have more Willie! What a sweet song! Willie always says and does what he believes in. He's such an authentic person--that's one thing I always loved about him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX9E_D_HjBo

[Captain Angry]

14. That's how I found the song.

I was reminiscing, and hit the Muppet version. And right in the list of related videos was Willie's version.

I listened to it, and ordered his CD immediately thereafter.

[hellbound-liberal]

27. Thanks Blondee, that is my new favorite You Tube music video!

I sent it to all of my friends!

[Critters2]

5. My college roommate loved Willie! Everytime I hear him, I think of her.

Her fundie husband won't allow her to speak to or write me. So, I'm left with memories of our good times listening to Willie, and sipping everclear punch. Oh, and studying some.

Here's to you, Willie!!

[elshiva]

9. Did you see the "Monk" episode with Willie?

It's on DVD. The episode is called "Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger." Willie is mistaken for a murder. Of course, he did not do it. At the end he sings "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" at Mr. Monk's dead wife's grave.

On edit: I love Willie Nelson. He was on Michael Moore. He talked to Crackers the crime fighting chicken.

Willie: "You know there's a such thing as chicken karma?"

Crackers: "Ohhhhh... Chicken Karma..."

Willie: "Order me up a bowl of that."

[blonndee]

13. No, I didn't.

Sounds great, though! He has a great sense of humor.

[littlebit]

11. I saw Willie

when I was a kid. I was never a big country music fan but I like a lot of his songs. My favorite is My Hero's Have Always Been Cowboys. I don't know what it is about that song. I just really like it.

[blonndee]

16. Ooh, that's a good one.

It's kind of a critical/thoughtful commentary on American culture, don't you think?. I wonder if Willie meant it that way, too.

Willie is country, but it's much like like Johnny Cash's: progressive and solid, and with folk AND rock roots that make it so different from today's sugary country stuff. Did you like any of Johnny Cash's songs?

[littlebit]

18. I'm sure he did.

I really like that song Hurt by Johnny Cash. I heard the NIN version first. I like the Johnny Cash version more.

[blitzen]

15. here's one reason...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8jfBxfltYD0

[blonndee]

17. Beautiful.

Wow. This clip alone could bring about world peace. Seriously. :)

[Fox Mulder]

19. I love Willie Nelson!

[hellbound-liberal]

20. I love Willie because he has always been true to himself and his beliefs

He has never sold out and he is one of the true great artists of our generation. I rank him with Johnny Cash, Neil Young and Bob Dylan as people wh have always been true to their art regardless of how it might play in the commercial realm.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

21. I'd Have to be Crazy

(This one's at the top of the list for me.)

I'd have to be crazy
to stop all my singing
and never play music again.

You'd call me a fool
if I put on a top hat
and ran out to flag down the wind.

I'd have to be weird
to grow me a beard
just to see what the rednecks would do.

I'd have to be crazy
plum out of my mind
to fall out of love with you.

You know I
(and I don't intend to)
But should there come a day,
when I say that I don't love you
They'll lock me away ay ay.

It sure would be weird
to live in an envelope
waiting along for a stamp

You'd swear I was loco
to rub for a genie
while burning my hand on the lamp

And I may not be normal
but nobody is
so I'd like to say 'fore I'm through

I'd have to be crazy
plum out of my mind
to fall out of love with you

[laylah]

22. I saw Willie in Boulder

in the late '70's when his "Red Headed Stranger" album was still fairly new. Sadly, I fell asleep :blush: Saw him later, in 1999 at the Telluride Bluegrass Fest and loved it! I have been a longtime fan of his. "Scarlett Ribbons" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" are two favorites. I also enjoy the "Highwaymen".

[peacefreak]

23. Why do I love Willie?

Because he's written so many great songs that are part of American culture. Because he's generous with time & talent. Because he's unafraid to live his life any damn way he wants to. Because he's never forgotten where he came from. I hope he's still rolling joints when he's 100 & playing that ratty beautiful sounding guitar & golfing & running & getting around in the Honeysuckle Rose powered by McDonald's grease or solar power or whatever.
My favorite Willie song? Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.

[Orsino]

24. 'Cause even though he's an America-hatin' socialist hippie...

...he had the balls to go on Colbert and take the nailing.

Also, his "Stardust" is one of the most beautiful things ever recorded. :thumbsup:

[hellbound-liberal]

29. I agree Orsino. Stardust is my favorite Willie Nelson CD. He OWNS Unchained Melody!

Here's Stardust, another favorite:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gtr-YnfsiE

[Coyote_Bandit]

25. My favorite Storytellers show

was Willie and Johnny Cash.

I also enjoyed the Highwaymen when they were together.

Not sure I have a favorite Willie song. I like a lot of them.

Had an opportunity a few years back to see Willie outdoors with Bob Dylan. Willie was great. Dylan? Eh, not so much with his perpetual mouth full of mush. Couldn't understand a word.

Willie is an original, one of a kind true to himself artist. Made his own road rather than simply following the direction of the industry power brokers. Got to admire that. And he's a hell of a lyricist. And a pretty good musician to boot. Too bad he's been labeled "country" because his repertoire really is much broader than the label suggests.

Did you know that Johnny Cash once gave Willie's old beat up guitar away during a Highwaymen show?

[blonndee]

40. Heh. I didn't know about that.

But I'm not surprised. :) I also don't like the "country" label because of what country is today. The label doesn't do Willie justice.

[Ptah]

26. My current favorite is Highwayman

http://youtube.com/watch?v=uw1bHaUk1CM

I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did ride
With sword and pistol by my side
Many a young maid lost her baubles to my trade
Many a soldier shed his lifeblood on my blade
The bastards hung me in the spring of twenty-five
But I am still alive.

I was a sailor. I was born upon the tide
And with the sea I did abide.
I sailed a schooner round the Horn to Mexico
I went aloft and furled the mainsail in a blow
And when the yards broke off they said that I got killed
But I am living still.

I was a dam builder across the river deep and wide
Where steel and water did collide
A place called Boulder on the wild Colorado
I slipped and fell into the wet concrete below
They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound
But I am still around..I'll always be around..and around and around and
around and around

I fly a starship across the Universe divide
And when I reach the other side
I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can
Perhaps I may become a highwayman again
Or I may simply be a single drop of rain
But I will remain
And I'll be back again, and again and again and again and again..

[two gun sid]

28. Because of the Red Headed Stranger album...

best country album ever.

[Schema Thing]

30. between your moniker and the content of your subject line...

.... I thought you were going to say "Because of the Red Headed Stranger album... I am typing this from prison".

[two gun sid]

43. LOL. Well, I do work at a prison...

but Willie music didn't put me here.

[flvegan]

31. His support of Kucinich and impeachment of Bush.

Speaks very highly for the man.

[InvisibleTouch]

32. I'm not so big on his music, admittedly - but...

...I love his environmental activisim (biodiesel!), and his overall attitude and personal integrity. I always admire a celebrity who uses their status to make a positive difference in the world. Otherwise, what's the point of becoming rich and famous? Most singers/actors just indulge themselves. It's the exceptional ones who really try to help the world.

[alarimer]

33. I saw Willie last October and he played for at least 2 and a half hours.

For a 74 year old guy he sounded great. Actually he just sounded great and was very energetic. Very fun concert. I had to leave because my feet hurt from standing for 5 hours (there were two openings acts).

[Bennyboy]

34. I gotta great Willie Story.....

He was playing at San Jose's Spartan Stadium back in 1980 or so. Like usual, after the show I was out front of the venue selling some photos. Some shots of Willie, Jerry, Stevie Ray etc.... laid out on a blanket.

I was talking to some people and I heard this twangy voice say "Those are some great shots there", and I turned around and it was Willie himself!

At first I thought that I was going to get with the licensing police and he was going to bust me like a few others had. Instead he wanted to know where I took them, what song etc.... then he asked me how much I got for them and I told him 3 bucks each, 2 for five, four for ten etc..... Then I told him, "for you Willie, Nothing". He told me, "no that is your work" and picked out four shots (2 willie's and 2 SRV's) and paid me. I asked him if he could sign a couple of others and no problem. Hhe thanked me, I thanked him and walked off.

What a cool dude.

[blonndee]

41. That is great!

That's so cool what he did. Thanks for sharing your story!

[logosoco]

35. I love willie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been a fan of willie since the 70s, he is very talented and speaks out very well on the causes he cares about. He's not like a typical "celebrity". In 2005 my husband gave me tickets to see willie and bob and we took two of our kids and while they try to act like they don't like willie, i think they can see what a great person he is.
We went to myrtle beach a few years ago and now when my kids talk about it, they remember me playing "on the road again" maybe a few too many times!!!
My daughter and i are working on a video for his "peaceful solution" project.
I sit here on my computer next to a high times magazine with willie on the cover and i really wish he could be president!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[grannylib]

36. I love his music, I loved him with The Outlaws, I love the fact that

he tries to bring attention to the plight of family farmers...lots of things!

[mitchum]

37. Because he made the masterpiece album "Red Headed Stranger"

[Aristus]

38. Because he's not afraid to be liberal and progressive in a musical genre

that enshrines right-wing hatred and bellicosity.

Country music used to be music that supported the people, instead of war-mongering hawks and defense industry profits. The Powers That Be appropriated country music themes and imagery to sell to a gullible populace the notion of perpetual war and a thinly veiled white-supremacy. They pander to rural Southern aggrievement without doing anything to alleviate it.

Willie is above all that. He rocks. Or he folks. Or he countrys. Or something. B-)

[Amerigo Vespucci]

39. Attending Willie's 1975 Circle Star Theater show...

...also gave me the opportunity to enjoy front-row seats for his opening act, an amazing woman who had just released her second album...



...Emmylou Harris. Treat #3, as a guitar player, was to have a front-row view of legendary guitarist James Burton (Elvis, Ricky Nelson bands).

Willie played for three hours...wasn't expecting that. He performed "medleys," but HIS medleys are Grateful Dead-style...several entire songs strung together without interruption over a 20 to 30 minute block.

The Circle Star Theater is gone now...leveled to the ground, a high-rise office building standing in its place. I always suspected that it was mob-owned, as every significant Vegas act...The Rat Pack, Wayne Newton, Tony Bennett, all of them...performed there at least once a year. It was located in San Carlos California.

I saw Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Glen Campbell, Dr. John, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, BB King, Buddy Guy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard and George Jones there. "Front Row Seats" means you were sitting no more than 20 feet from the edge of the stage. You could count the performers' nose hairs...if that's your idea of a good time.

:toast:

[philosophie_en_rose]

42. Because his Peach Cobbler ice cream is delicious.

:9

[blonndee]

44. Still on my Willie kick. *Is this country?*

This is some old-school country that I grew up with and still love. Do you guys think it's still "country"? This is some pretty progressive music to me!

Riding on the City of New Orleans,
Illinois Central, Monday morning rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders,
Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail.

All along the southbound odyssey
The train pulls out at Kankakee
And rolls along past houses, farms and fields.
Passin' trains that have no names,
and freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobiles.

Good morning, America how are you?
Don't you know me? I'm your native son,
I'm the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.

Dealin' cards with the old men in the club car.
Penny a point, there ain't no one keepin' score.
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
Feel the wheels rumblin' 'neath the floor.

And the sons of pullman porters
And the sons of engineers
Ride their father's magic carpets made of steel.
Mothers with their babes asleep,
Are rockin' to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel.

Good morning, America how are you?
Don't you know me? I'm your native son,
I'm the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.

Nighttime on The City of New Orleans,
changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee.
halfway home, we'll be there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness
Rolling down to the sea.

But the towns and people seem
To fade into a bad dream
And the steel rails still ain't heard the news.
The conductor sings his song again,
The passengers will please refrain
This train has got the disappearing railroad blues.

Good morning, America, how are you?
Don't you know me, I'm your native son?
I'm the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94AF_-RIl0E

[begin_within]

45. I love him because he won't dress up or even shave, even if he was going to win a Nobel prize

[Tuesday Afternoon]

46. The Red-Headed Stranger and That Lucky Old Sun for starters

Whiskey River can take my mind anytime.

here is his version of Lucky Old Sun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D00sdzmkhk

Up in the mornin'
Out on the job
Work like the devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun got nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day.
Fuss with my woman, toil for my kids
Sweat till i'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun got nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Dear lord above, can't you know i'm pining, tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver lining, lift me to paradise
Show me that river, take me across
Wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do but rol around heaven all day
But roll around heaven all day
Send down that cloud with a silver lining, lift me to paradise
Show me that river, take me across
Wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do
But roll around heaven all day

[begin_within]

47. Don't forget this one:

Not sure if has been posted in this thread yet, but here it is:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1u4CXlIYjyE

[blonndee]

48. They must all pretend this doesn't exist.

O.M.G.

[blonndee]

49. Thanks for the link!

ETA: thanks! dupe link, I think

[Starbucks Anarchist]

50. "Stardust" among others.

[Initech]

51. I saw Willie at Coachella last year

His music was the perfect mood-setter that night - just after the mind-blowing set by the Roots (and that was a tough act to follow) and just before the craziness of Manu Chao and the Rage Against The Machine reunion.

[yellowdogintexas]

52. I saw Willie back in 1973 right before he hit the big time. Back then in October

during the CMA week in Nashville, you could sneak into all sorts of free shows. We had left the Columbia Records appreciation concert which featured a very new and young Asleep at the Wheel, Earl Scruggs Review and others and were walking back to the car when a couple stopped us to ask directions to another concert venue, and of course we wanted to know what was there. It was a Texas Appreciation night, featuring Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck and a couple of others whose names I can't remember right now, and this couple were really excited because some guy named Willie Nelson was going to perform. So we figured it would be fun and we liked Waylon so we walked them over to the War Memorial Auditorium and squeezed ourselves into the balcony *great view of the stage. Well, the opening acts rolled through and the crowd kept changing "We want Willie, We want Willie" ..we still were trying to figure out who this Willie guy was.

So out comes this scruffy guy with red hair and a beat up looking guitar. He says, "I'm just going to do a few of my songs" and opened with "Crazy", and just kept on going for about an hour. He was awesome and we were HOOKED>

Went out and bought his albums the next day.