Willie Nelson’s New Music Video Chronicles Personal Triumph And Tragedy
Willie Nelson’s latest music video chronicles a lifetime of personal triumph and tragedy. In “The Wall,” Nelson outlines his battles with addiction, personal relationships, and financial distress. Although the song is somber, the video includes numerous details about the 81-year-old legend’s successful career.
“The Wall” is one of 14 tracks featured on Nelson’s latest album, Band of Brothers. The album includes nine original songs and five covers.
The original tracks were produced by Buddy Cannon. Accompanying Nelson are Jim “Moose” Brown and Bobby Terry on guitar, Eddie Bayers on the drums, Kevin “Swine Grantt on bass, Tommy White on the steel guitar, and Mickey Raphael on harmonica.
As reported by Rolling Stone, the covers include Vince Gill’s “Whenever You Come Around,” Billy Joe Shaver’s “The Git Go” and “Hard to Be an Outlaw,” and Gordie Sampson’s “The Songwriters.”
Willie Hugh Nelson was born in 1933 in Abbott, Texas. He and his sister Bobbie were raised by their grandparents, who encouraged the children to perform gospel music.
At the age of six, Nelson purchased his first guitar. As he displayed a unique talent for writing, singing, and playing guitar, he was invited to join a local polka band at the age of seven. As reported by Biography, he and his sister later joined the Bud Fletcher band, which combined elements of country dance music and swing.
Following his high school graduation and a short stint with the United States Air Force, Nelson worked a variety of odd jobs. By the late 1950s, Nelson was hired as a radio disco jockey. While working as a DJ, Nelson wrote and produced several songs, which included “Crazy,”Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Pretty Paper,” “Hello Walls,” and “Night Life.”
Although the songs were made famous by other artists, Nelson soon became well known as a talented song writer. In 1960, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Throughout his career, Nelson has written more than 2,500 songs and recorded 300 albums. He has received numerous awards, including American Music Awards, Country Music Awards, and Grammy Awards.
Nelson is most recognized for his music. However, he is also a passionate activist. He is a strong supporter of environmental causes and an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana.
In 1990, Nelson lost a large portion of his assets to the Internal Revenue Service. Officials said the legendary performer failed to pay more than $32,000,000 in federal taxes. Although Nelson blamed his accountant, he was held responsible for the oversight.
Although Willie Nelson is over 80 years old, he continues to write and perform music. When discussing his latest album, Nelson said he “got on kind of a writing kick.” He also said, “It’s good to be writing again.”
Watch Willie Nelson’s new music video HERE.
[Image via Photo.net]
