By
Samuel Wood
MUS 125
History of Rock Music
Fall 2014
Section 1013
Professor: Melissa Pellegrino
Throughout his life and career, Willie Nelson has been labeled many things: country music icon, environmentalist, redneck, pot head, hippie, and even a tax evader (Doyle). Mr. Nelson has worked with many different musicians and singers, has endlessly traveled and toured, has produced several chart topping hit albums and songs; and has won many awards, including his fair share of Grammy awards. At 81 years old, he is still going strong, and his successful career continues with a musical career that spans over a half century. To my ears, Willie Nelson has always been enjoyable to listen to. With his classic country twang, his inclination to construct stories of life’s inevitable circumstances; and his consistent portrayal of hope, success, failure, and misfortune - Willie Nelson personifies country music though an enlightened prose that expresses the very essence that is country music. More than just listening to his music, I have recently been enlightened as to the reason I enjoy his music. Over the years, Willie has made many friends and has incorporated the passion of those cohorts in contributing to his …show more content…
His body of work speaks for its self and his career down falls have been met head on and put in his past. There is the culture of people who relate to him because of his marijuana advocacy. There are people who resent him for his IRS problems. This group of people should realize that most of that tax debt was paid back from hard work and endless touring, he is not the only celebrity to get into hot water with the IRS. Many will remember his charitable activities such as Farm Aid and his contributions to the environment. But, the masses will remember Willie Nelson for his music, the music has given him the ability to influence other