Willie Nelson is one of the most significant musicians of the last century not only in country music, but across all genres. His inimitable singing and guitar playing make him one of the most distinctive and instantly identifiable performers in the world, but Nelson's songcraft is really at the heart of his success — both the songs he has written, and the songs he chooses to record from others. His original songs include all-time classic like "Crazy," "Funny How Time Slips Away," "Pretty Paper" and "Hello Walls," but he's also rendered iconic versions of "Whiskey River," "Pancho & Lefty," "Always on My Mind" and many more. Fittingly, Nelson wrote "On the Road Again," which has become his signature song over the years. His 1975 album 'Red Headed Stranger' is widely considered one of the keystone country recordings of all time. In more recent years Nelson has become one of music's elder statesmen, continuing to keep a busy schedule of recording and touring into his 80s.
- Full Name: Willie Hugh Nelson
- Top Songs: “On the Road Again,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Always on My Mind”
- Did You Know? Despite his “outlaw” image, Nelson played football in school and later served in the Air Force.
- Further Reading: Top 10 Willie Nelson Songs