Happy Birthday Willie Nelson: A look at some of the legend's iconic Texas moments
AUSTIN, Texas - Legendary country singer-songwriter Willie Nelson is celebrating his 89th birthday today, April 29.
According to TheBoot.com, Nelson was actually born around midnight, so he celebrates his birthday on both April 29 and 30.
The country star is among the oldest musicians still performing. He's slated to kick off his latest tour on April 29 and 30 at the new Moody Center alongside George Strait and Randy Rogers Band. Nelson's tour runs until September 23, with a final show in Camden, New Jersey.
Britannica reports Nelson was taught how to play the guitar by his grandfather at the age of 10, meaning he's been playing for nearly 80 years!
Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas in 1933, about two hours north of Austin. Many Texans consider Willie to be one of the state's most loved and legendary musicians.
To celebrate this native Texan's legendary impact on country music and Texas itself, let's take a look back at some of his most memorable moments in the Lone Star State.
Austin City Limits
Nelson produced and starred in the pilot episode of PBS' Austin City Limits, taped on October 17, 1964. He kicked off this iconic series with his hit "Whiskey River" and was later inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Willie Nelson (L) and Gary Clark Jr. perform in concert during the ACL Hall of Fame taping at ACL Live on October 12, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic
Nelson's 4th of July Picnic is an Austin tradition that has been going on since 1973. The event features numerous stars in the lineup. This year's event is being held at Austin FC's home field, Q2 Stadium at noon and will feature Midland, Brothers Osborne, Asleep at the Wheel and more.
AUSTIN - JULY 4: Country singer and songwriter Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson perform as the Highwaymen at Willie Nelson Fourth of July picnic on July 4, 1985 in Austin, Texas. (photo by Beth Gwinn/Getty Images)
Political support, benefit concerts
Nelson has been no stranger in revealing his political side. He's shown support through his music in Texas many times. In 2004, Nelson held a concert in Austin aimed at getting presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich's (L) recognized.
In 2018, the country icon headlined a rally for Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke (D), who is now running for governor in Texas. Months after that rally, Nelson debuted his new song "Vote Em Out" at his free concert benefiting O'Rourke in Austin.
"Here’s a new song we’re going to spring on y’all tonight. Take it home with you, spread it around," said Nelson, before starting the song with lyrics like: "If you don’t like who’s in there, vote ’em out / that’s what Election Day is all about / and the biggest gun we got / is called the ballot box / if you don’t like who’s in there / vote ’em out."
AUSTIN, TX - JANUARY 3: Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (L) sings "I Saw the Light" with musician Willie Nelson at a fundraiser January 3, 2004 in Austin, Texas. The fundraiser was designed to elevate the name of Kucinich, who has received lit
In 2021, Nelson attended the Moral March for Democracy rally organized by The Poor People's Campaign. He played his music in support of the organizer's goal of supporting voting rights and demanding change.
Willie Nelson attends at the We Are the Moral Resurrection! Georgetown-to-Austin March for Democracy rally to support voting rights at the Texas State Capitol on July 31, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP) (Photo by SUZANNE COR
Luck Reunion
Nelson lives on a ranch in Spicewood, Texas and has been inviting fans to his home for the "Luck Reunion" for nearly a decade now. It's a concert featuring a star-studded lineup and an opportunity for attendees to visit and take in Nelson's normally private family ranch.
This year, the reunion will feature its annual Pot Luck featuring chefs Duff Goldman, Scott Conant and others. The showcase will feature artists like Shakey Graves, Modest Mouse, and others. Tickets to the 2022 Luck Reunion are already sold out, says Billboard.
SPICEWOOD, TX - MARCH 16: (L - R) Willie Nelson, Paul English, Lukas Nelson and Mickey Raphael perform in concert during the Luck Reunion at Luck, Texas on March 16, 2017 in Spicewood, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
Farm Aid
Farm Aid was first organized by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985. It's a benefit concert aiming to bring awareness to the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep families on their land. T
he organization's website says Dave Matthews joined the board of directors in 2001, and Margo Price joined in 2021. It also says Farm Aid has raised more than $64 million to promote resilience in the family farm system of agriculture.
Since its beginning, several Farm Aid festivals have been held in Texas.
Pedernales Records
Nelson launched Pedernales Records out of Austin in 1999 with Freddy Fletcher. The record label went on to produce several of Nelson's albums as well as the Los Lonely Boys' hit self-titled album "Los Lonely Boys."
James Stroud, producer, Willie Nelson, and Ray Benson (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage)
After years of iconic music and achievements in Texas, the state's residents continue to show love and appreciation to the Grammy-winning artist. In Austin, you can find a statue of the singer, and several murals painted on walls of buildings honoring Nelson can be found throughout the state. Happy Birthday, Willie!