Willie Nelson, an icon in country music, is known for his accessibility to fans of all backgrounds and ages. Immersed in Baptist gospel music as a child in Texas, he penned his first song at age 7 and joined a band at 9.
At 13, Nelson sought to avoid backbreaking work picking cotton by earning money with his band in honky tonks and dance halls alongside polka bands. This exposure garnered the budding artist a dedicated fan club. He also booked and performed with well-known artists such as Bob Wills at local venues.
After composing a hit song, “Family Bible,” for Claude Gray in 1960, Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he wrote music that reflected his background in blues, country, and gospel. As he came into contact with new influences, Nelson began incorporating rock, jazz, and folk into his compositions, such as “Crazy,” “Always on My Mind,” and “Funny How Time Slips Away.”
