hey

since there are a lot of appreciation threads being posted lately, here's another. I've been listening to Willie Nelson for over a year now, ever since a friend gave me a copy of his 'best of' cd (best gift i ever got btw). Since then I've bought a lot of his albums and I can't but be in awe of his talent and songwriting skills. I like music when i can relate to it, or when it 'touches' me, and with his music that's definitly the case. Most of his songs are so simple and yet contain so much depth. I mean gems like 'blue eyes crying in the rain', 'crazy' , 'family bible'...should be in everybody's collection. If you haven't heard them you haven't lived yet.

It's sad two of the highwaymen have already past away. I don't want to be a voice of doom but I'm kinda preparing myself for the day i turn on cnn and see Nelson's gone to. So before that happens let's discuss him a bit ( i mean i first got to know Johnny Cash when i heard he died, so I'm kinda happy I've discovered Nelson on a more positive note)...if ur in the mood.

greetz
Kev1n
[Edited 9/5/04 13:51pm]

kev1n said:

willie's a bad cat, i normally dont dig country at all, but 2 cats come to mind wille and cash... those two cats tell it like it is. yanno?..

I like Willie Nelson's Stardust album. He doesn't come off corny like other country artists.

TheRealFiness said:

for sure. Johnny & Willie are two American Masters....

CinisterCee said:

True. My favorite cuts by him were On the Road Again, Always On My Mind.

I love the way Willie sings just a little bit behind the beat.
If you've not noticed, listen closely.


S

I'm also a Willie Nelson fan.

I especially love the various duets he's done with Merle Haggard and with Waylon Jennings.

I don't care for modern country/western music at all, but those C/W legends from years ago - like Nelson, Haggard, Cash, etc etc etc (too many to name...) - that stuff is wonderful.

I always thought Willie was a very underrated guitarist. He has his own distinct style of lead-guitar plyaing.

I don't know much about country music at all. And most that I've been exposed to, I'm not crazy about. But certain people like Willie transcend the genre. I grew up hearing my mom play his records and his voice has always soothed me. I recently got his Essential set and am looking forward to digging into it.

Redayh said:

".... just enough ta turn ya on...."

For me his voice's too nasal !!!!

Willie is the muthafuckin' man!!

I met him last year in Austin, and he was the most incredibly down-to earth celeb I've ever met (and I've met lots of 'em). Funny thing is, this was the first time I was ever star-struck. I mean, here he is, just a normal dude, and I'm practically speachless while shaking his hand! I talked about it to my friend, Django Walker (who is the son of a legend himself, Jerry Jeff Walker), and he was just as blown away (Django had opened for Willie that night). Now, here's a dude who's met HUNDREDS of musical legends, and he's sitting there talking about how cool it was to meet Willie!!!

I was later discussing the whole evening with my brother, and he put it all in perspective. He noted just what Willie's status is in country music, and how it was essentially like meeting Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney. The man DEFINED much of the country music genre, and inspired artists of ALL different styles (I mean, here's a dude who has recorded songs with such diverse acts as Toby Kieth, Merle Haggard, U2, Aerosmith, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, ZZ Top, Norah Jones, Matchbox 20, etc). WOW! Its no wonder I was so in awe!!