When it comes to superstars, one thing is certain: their lives are anything but ordinary, and the life story of living legend Willie Nelson is an excellent illustration of this.
This great man has been making our lives better since the 1960s when he began penning songs that became enormous hits for legendary names such as Ray Price, Patsy Cline, and Billy Walker.
Nelson was already a sensation by 1975, and he accomplished something unprecedented: he made music that included traditional pop, Western swing, jazz, traditional country, cowboy songs, honky tonk, rock & roll, folk, and blues. The end effect was a large number of admirers and long-lasting hits. Nelson was introduced to music and instruments when he was very young.
In reality, he wrote his first song at the age of seven, and by the age of thirteen, he was performing alongside Bob Wills, the founder of Western swing music. He and his bandmate sister Bobbie were nurtured by their grandparents, Alfred and Nancy Nelson, both of whom studied music. Nelson picked up the guitar and has never put it down, even at the age of 89.
Last May, a member of Nelson’s band tested positive for COVID-19, forcing them to cancel their headlining performance at Jazz Festival. Sadly, Nelson acquired the illness as well, but given his age, he faced numerous challenges, and the path to recovery was not simple. Nelson complained about having difficulty breathing one day while the band was on their way to Nashville.
A test revealed he had the virus, so the family returned to Spicewood, Texas, where physicians performed a battery of tests to establish the seriousness of the country singer’s health. Nelson’s wife, Anne, stated that the singer was compelled to take drugs to help with his breathing.
Nelson’s home was converted into a medical clinic as he battled the infection. Fortunately, he began to feel better after a two-week break from touring.
Nelson later spoke up about the illness, claiming that it took an emotional and physical toll on him. Despite the difficulties, he persevered and resumed touring, delighting admirers across the country.