Willie Nelson
Biography
Willie Hugh Nelson (born April 30, 1933) is an American country singer-songwriter, author, poet, actor, and activist. Nelson was one of the main figures of the Outlaw Movement, a subgenre of Country music that developed between the end of 1960s and early 1980s. The critical success of the albums Shotgun Willie, Phases and Stages, and the commercial success of Red Headed Stranger made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in country music. Nelson is also recognized for his contributions to charity, he is the president and one of the founding members of Farm Aid charity concert, and his activism for the legalization of marijuana and for the use of bio-fuels. Nelson started studying music from mail order material that his grandparents gave him. He wrote his first song at age seven and joined his first band at nine. During high school, he toured locally with the Bohemian Fiddlers as their lead singer and guitar player. After graduating from high school in 1950, he joined the Air Force. However, he was discharged due to back problems. After his return, Nelson attended Baylor University for two years but dropped out because he was succeeding in music. During this time, he worked as a disc jockey in Texas radio stations and a singer in honky tonks. Nelson moved to Vancouver, Washington, where he wrote "Family Bible" and recorded the song "Lumberjack" in 1956. In 1960, he signed a publishing contract with Pamper Music which allowed him to join Ray Price's band as a bassist. During that time, he wrote songs that would become country standards, including "Funny How Time Slips Away", "Hello Walls", "Pretty Paper", and "Crazy". In 1962, he recorded his first album, And Then I Wrote. Due to this success, Nelson signed in 1965 with RCA Victor and joined the Grand Ole Opry. Nelson is a major liberal activist and the co-chair of the advisory board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which is in favor of marijuana legalization. On the environmental front, Nelson owns the bio-diesel brand Willie Nelson Biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oil. He is the co-founder and president of Farm Aid, and has been contributing to the benefit concert series since the first event in 1985, organizing concerts and performing with other prominent artists. Nelson is also the Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Texas Music Project, the official music charity of the state of Texas. Description above from the Wikipedia article Willie Nelson, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia
Known For
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1962
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
2015
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
2015
Late Night with Seth Meyers
2014
The Simpsons
1989
The Daily Show
1996
Saturday Night Live
1975
Saturday Night Live
1975
The Colbert Report
2005
The View
1997
King of the Hill
1997
Real Time with Bill Maher
2003
Filmography
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self · 1962
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
as Self - Musical Guest · 2015
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
as Self - Guest/Musical Guest · 2015
Late Night with Seth Meyers
as Self · 2014
The Simpsons
as Willie Nelson (voice) · 1989
The Daily Show
as Self · 1996
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Host & Musical Guest · 1975
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Musical Guest · 1975
The Colbert Report
as Self (uncredited) · 2005
The View
as Self - Guest · 1997
King of the Hill
as Willie Nelson (voice) · 1997
Real Time with Bill Maher
as Self · 2003
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
as Self - Musical Guest · 2003
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
as Self - Guest · 2003
Monk
as Willie Nelson · 2002
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
· 1992
Champs-Elysées
as Self (archive footage) · 1982
Miami Vice
as Texas Ranger Jake Pierson · 1984
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
as Marshall Elias Burch · 1993
Later... with Jools Holland
· 1992
The South Bank Show
· 1978
Austin City Limits
as Self · 1975
Space Ghost Coast to Coast
as Self · 1994
CMT Crossroads
as Self · 2002
NWA World Championship Wrestling
as Self · 1985
The Kennedy Center Honors
as Self · 1978
Solid Gold
as Self · 1980
The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour
as Self · 1969
The Muppets
as Self · 2015
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
as Willie Nelson · 1999
Adventures in Wonderland
as The Troubadour · 1992
CMA Awards
as Self · 1967
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
as Self · 1996
The Dukes of Hazzard
as Uncle Jesse Duke · 2005
Zoolander 2
as Willie Nelson · 2016
VH1 Storytellers
as Self · 2005
This Is Pop
as Self (archive footage) · 2021
Thief
as David 'Okla' Bertinneau · 1981
Wag the Dog
as Johnny Dean · 1997
Delta
· 1992
Beerfest
as Self (uncredited) · 2006
The Greatest Night in Pop
as Self (archive footage) · 2024
Half Baked
as Historian Smoker · 1998
OBJECTified
as Self · 2017
Hot Country Nights
· 1991
The Country Bears
as Self · 2002
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
as Uncle Jesse · 2007
Gone Fishin'
as Billy 'Catch' Pooler · 1997
Surfer, Dude
as Farmer Bob · 2008
The Big Bounce
as Joe Lurie · 2004
Swing Vote
as Willie Nelson · 2008
Austin City Limits: Country
as Self · 2001
The Electric Horseman
as Wendell · 1979
Willie Nelson & Family
as Self · 2023
American Epic
as Self · 2017
Outlaw Justice
as Lee Walker · 1999
Barbarosa
as Barbarosa · 1982
Lost in London
as Willie Nelson · 2017
CMA Music Festival
as Self · 2004
Angels Sing
as Nick · 2013
Blonde Ambition
as Pap Paw · 2007
Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
as Self · 1993
Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years
as Self - Performer · 2014
Once Upon a Texas Train
as John Henry Lee · 1988
Stagecoach
as Doc Holliday · 1986
Pure Country: Pure Heart
as Himself · 2017
The World of Jim Henson
as Self (archive footage) · 1994
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
as Self · 2020
America | A Tribute to Heroes
as Self - Performer · 2001
2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
as Self (archive footage) · 2022
Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind
as Billy Roy Rodriguez · 1991
Be Here to Love Me
as Self - Musician · 2004
The Beach Boys: Nashville Sounds
as Self · 1996
Beer for My Horses
as Charlie · 2008
Celebrating the Man in Black: The Making of Walk the Line
as Self · 2006
Elvis | Viva Las Vegas
as Self · 2008
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song
as Self · 1985
My Darling Vivian
as Self (archive footage) · 2020
The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James
as Gen. Jo Shelby · 1986
Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas
as Self · 2022
Willie Nelson 90: Long Story Short
as Self · 2023
The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team
as Self - Performer · 1984
Willie Nelson: The Big Six-O
as Self · 1993
The Man with the Big Hat
as Self (archive footage) · 2026
The American Epic Sessions
as Self · 2016
Broken Bridges
as self · 2006
Quincy
as Self · 2018
The King of Luck
as Self · 2011
The Highwaymen: Live at Nassau Coliseum
as Self · 1990
Emmylou Harris: From a Deeper Well
as Self · 2003
Waiting for the Miracle to Come
as Jimmy Riggs · 2019
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
as Self · 2013
Johnny Cash: American Rebel
as Self · 2015
Last Party 2000
as Self · 2001
A Tribute to Johnny Cash
as Self - Performer · 1999
Some Enchanted Evening: Celebrating Oscar Hammerstein II
as Self · 1995
Charley Pride: I'm Just Me
as Self · 2019
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge: Where the Music Began
as self · 2005
Willie Nelson & Friends: Outlaws & Angels
as Self · 2004
Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz
as Willie Nelson · 1988
The Journeyman
as Samuel Hancock · 2001
All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State
as Self · 2014
Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
as Self · 2021
Irving Berlin's 100th Birthday Celebration
as Self · 1988
Willie and Me
as Willie Nelson / Bones · 2024
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies
as Self · 2025
Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story
as Willie Nelson · 1995
Joke Man
as Self · 2023
Playboy Video Magazine, Volume 4
as Himself · 1983
Coming Out of the Ice
as Red Loon · 1982
Outlaw Country: Live from Austin, TX
as Self · 2006
The Highwaymen: On the Road Again
as Self · 2003
Willie Nelson & Friends: Stars & Guitars
as Himself
9/11 Truth: Hollywood Speaks Up
as Self · 2011
The Highwaymen - Live American Outlaws
as Self · 2016
The Best Democracy Money Can Buy
as Self · 2016
I Ride
as Willie Nelson · 2011
The King of Texas
as Self · 2008
Red Headed Stranger
as Rev. Julian Shay · 1986
WWE WrestleMania VII
as Self - National Anthem · 1991
In the Hank Williams Tradition
as Self · 1989
It's Happiness: A Polka Documentary
as Self · 2006
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
as Self (archive footage) · 2009
I Am Johnny Cash
as Self · 2015
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
as Self · 2008
Honeysuckle Rose
as Buck · 1980
The Art of McCartney
as Self · 2014
John Mellencamp: It's About You
as Self · 2012
Where the Hell's That Gold?!!?
as Cross · 1988
Country at the BBC
as Self (archive footage) · 2011
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
as Self · 2007
Waylon: Renegade. Outlaw. Legend.
as Self · 1990
Opry Video Classics: Hall of Fame
as Self (archive footage) · 2007
Chet Atkins and Friends
· 1987
A Poem Is a Naked Person
as Self · 1974
Dill Scallion
as Self · 1999
Opry Video Classics : Legends
as Self (archive footage) · 2007
OK Buckaroos
· 2010
Mickey's 50
as Self · 1978
This Land Is Your Land - Folk Years
· 2002
We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash
as Self · 2012
Songwriter
as Doc Jenkins · 1984
Country Kings at the BBC
· 2014
Revolution: The Legacy of the Sixties
· 2017
The Country Bears Concert for America
as Self · 2002
Ray Charles: Genius Loves Company
as Self · 2004
Dolly Parton & Friends: Love Always Live
as Self - Performer (archive footage) · 2009
Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
as Self · 2016
Hempsters: Plant the Seed
as Himself · 2008
The Greatest Ears in Town: The Arif Mardin Story
as Self · 2010
Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man Standing, Live
as Self · 2007
Chet Atkins: A Life in Music
as Self · 2000
Merle Haggard: The Real Deal
as Self · 2008
Kris Kristofferson: His Life and Work
as Self · 1993
Heartbreakers at the BBC
as Self (archive footage) · 2023
Willie Nelson / Wynton Marsalis - Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC
as Chanteur · 2008
Baja Oklahoma
as Self · 1988
Happiness Is
as Self · 2009
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis Play the Music of Ray Charles
as Self - Vocals and Acoustic Guitar · 2009
Willie Nelson: Down Home
as Self · 1997
The Midnight Special Legendary Performances 1980
· 1980
Farm Aid: 20th Anniversary Concert
as Self · 2005
The Story of Darrell Royal
as Self · 1999
Starlight
· 1996
Heartbeat
as Himself · 1987
Willie Nelson & Friends: Live and Kickin'
as Self · 2003
Glen Campbell | Good Times Again
as Self · 2007
June
as Self · 2023
Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of the Broken Spoke
as Self · 2016
Wild Texas Wind
as Willie Nelson · 1991
American Revolutions: The Highwaymen
as Self · 2006
Walking After Midnight
as Self · 1988
The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End
as Self - Performer · 2016
Willie Nelson at the Teatro
as Self · 1998
Also Starring Austin
· 2018
Pair of Aces
as Billy Roy Barker · 1990
Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration
· 1979
Kenny, Dolly & Willie: Something Inside So Strong
as Self · 1989
Fighting With Anger
as Will · 2007
Willie Nelson - Austin City Limits '74
as Himself
Kinky Friedman: Proud To Be An Asshole From El Paso
as Self · 2001
Dust to Dust
· 1994
Hells Angels Forever
as Self · 1983
Last of the Breed: Live in Concert
as Himself · 2007
Anthem
as Self · 1997
Willie Nelson: Live from Austin TX
as Self - Vocals (archive footage) · 2006
Paradox
as Red · 2018
Willie Nelson: Live at Budokan
as Self (archive footage) · 2022
Willie Nelson - Live at Billy Bob's Texas
as Self · 2004
Willie Nelson, Texas Style
as Self · 1988
Some Enchanted Evening With Willie Nelson
as Self · 1989
Willie Nelson Live @ SXSW
as self · 2014
Willie Nelson at Austin City Limits
as Self · 2019
Willie Nelson & Family: In Concert
as Himself · 1983
The Obama Deception
as Self · 2009
Save the Farm
· 2011
The Willie Nelson Special - With Special Guest Ray Charles
as Self · 2002
Ringo Rama
as Himself · 2003
Willie Nelson & Leon Russel - Partners In Music
· 2005
Road to Austin
as Self · 2016
Farm Aid 2001 - A Concert For America
as Himself · 2002
Willie Nelson American Outlaw
as Self · 2020
Willie Nelson Live at the US Festival
as Himself · 1983
Willie Nelson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song
as Self · 2016
Willie Nelson: Live in Amsterdam
as Himself · 2001
Willie Nelson: Greatest Hits Live
as Himself · 1999
Willie Nelson's 90th Birthday Celebration
as Self · 2023