A Biography of Willie Nelson: Country Music's Infamous Hippie

Willie Nelson is arguably one of the most influential, talented and controversial figures in country music. Although opinions vary widely on his singing ability and political views, most can agree that his songwriting is unparalleled and his guitar playing impressive.

Willie Nelson was born in Abbot, Texas on April 30, 1933. His love of music showed early. He was singing in church by age four, and it is said he wrote his first song at seven. He then began performing with John Raycjeck's Bohemian Polka Band when he was ten. He was soon regularly playing honky-tonks and eventually ended up as disc jockey of his own radio show by his senior year of high school.

After high school, he joined the Air Force for a time, but was discharged due to back problems. He then enrolled in a farming program at Baylor University. Although he did not finish his degree, he continued playing honky-tonks, DJing, and writing songs during the 1950s. Willie Nelson's first song, "No Place for Me" was released when he was 23-years old. He financed its recording and production himself. He married Martha Matthews in 1952 and had three children with her. They would divorce in 1962.

He moved to Nashville in 1960 and began writing songs for Pamper Music. Before long, his talent as a songwriter became apparent. In 1961, three Nashville artists had hit songs written by Willie Nelson-Faron Young with "Four Walls," Patsy Cline with "Crazy," and Billy Walker with "Funny How Time Slips Away." He also signed a recording contract with Liberty Records in 1961, releasing the minor hits "Willingly" and "TouchMe." The song "Willingly" was recorded with his second wife Shirley Collie, whom he married in 1963.

Despite the moderate success of his songs, he could not rise above a moderate level of success. Further complicating his career were his alcoholism, trouble with the law, and turbulent personal life. He moved to RCA Victor Records in 1965 and joined the Grand Ole Opry, but although he had a few more somewhat successful hits, his dissatisfaction with the

Nashville music industry grew.

He divorced Shirley in 1971 and married Connie Koepke, with whom he would have two daughters before divorcing in 1988. In 1972, he left Nashville for Austin, Texas, where a new music scene was emerging. Willie Nelson truly found his trademark style in Austin, where his mixture of western swing, folk, rock and jazz music was welcomed and applauded. He released two more records through Atlantic Records over the next couple of years, the critically acclaimed Shotgun Willie, as well as Phases and Stages.

It was only when, upon moving to Columbia records and gaining complete creative control over his work, that Willie Nelson finally achieved major success with Red Headed Stranger, a concept album telling the story of a preacher on the run after murdering his adulterous wife. Stranger was a hugely popular hit with both critics and the public alike, cementing Willie Nelson's place in country music history.

Willie Nelson's unique style and unwillingness to follow Nashville's rules soon had him paired off with fellow country music maverick, Waylon Jennings. Together with artist Tompall Glaser and Waylon's wife Jessi Colter, Willie and Waylon released the 1975 album, Wanted: The Outlaws! Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings would continue to record songs together and even recorded several duet albums.

Willie Nelson's acting career began in 1979 with the movie The Electric Horseman. He continued starring and doing cameos in movies, most recently playing Uncle Jesse in 2005's Dukes of Hazzard. He has also made appearances in a number of television shows.

Willie Nelson joined with Waylon Jennings again, as well as Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, to record Highwayman in 1985. Upon its release, The Highwaymen, as the four were called, became an immensely popular group, going on a worldwide tour. Highwayman went platinum, and the group went on to record two more albums together.

Also in 1985, Willie Nelson organized the first Farm Aid benefit concert with John Mellencamp and Neil Young. The purpose was to raise money to help American farmers and bring widespread awareness of the plight of the farm family. Farm Aid has evolved into an organization, and the festival is now a yearly tradition, drawing big-name artists and thousands of fans.

Willie Nelson's music success continued throughout the 1980s. However, the IRS caught up with him in 1990, hitting him with a bill for $16.7 million worth of back taxes and penalty fees. He lost most of his assets, but with proceeds from the auction of these assets and the double album The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?, he was able to pay back the money within three years.

He married for the fourth time in 1991 to Annie D'Angelo. They have two sons and are still married. Willie Nelson has continued to write songs and record a plethora of different albums, even releasing a reggae album in 2005.

He has become increasingly active in various political and social causes. He is very vocal in his support of the legalization of marijuana. Willie also developed the company BioWillie, which promotes the use of biodiesel, a fuel produced from vegetable oil rather than petroleum.

Willie Nelson continues to tour regularly throughout the year. Although he turned 73 this year, he shows no sign of slowing down, in his private, professional or political life. With his considerable songwriting talent, over 100 albums under his belt, and his colorful personality, Willie Nelson has become a steadfast icon in country music.