Willie Nelson and Neil Young

Born during the great American depression on 29 April 1933 in Abbott, Texas, Willie Hugh Nelson worked some odd jobs and had a short-lived college career at Baylor University until he left it all to pursue a music career. He caught his big break in 1961 when he signed with Liberty Records and by 1962 released his first record “…And Then I Wrote.” By the fall of 1964 Nelson moved to RCA records, released “Country Willie- His Own Songs” and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965. While some of his songs charted, Nelson was finding difficulty to fully stay afloat and from his frustration retired from music around 1972.

But that was not the end of Willie Nelson. He moved to Texas and the growing hippie music scene revived his love for singing. Playing songs inspired by all of his influences, he started to gain a following in Texas, eventually signing with Atlantic Records, becoming their very first country artist. By February 1973 he had started recording what was to be one of his most iconic records “Shotgun Willie.” The album didn’t do so well at first, and Nelson released one more album before moving labels again, this time to Columbia Records, a move that allowed him complete creative control. This change was exactly what he needed to “turn around” his music career, starting with the critically acclaimed “Red Headed Stranger” album; additionally it lent to the creation of the outlaw country genre, as it did not fit with the traditional country music standards.

The rest of the 70s he found himself with four albums reaching gold and platinum status, one of which was his first gospel album. And the 80s were just as successful with three Grammy awards for Song of the Year, Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance. However in 1990 Nelson ran into some legal trouble with the IRS, allegedly owing over $30,000 in tax money. Luckily things worked out, with his lawyer getting a lowered payment and Nelson using the scenario as inspiration for an album he entitled “The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?”

Even at the age of 81 Willie Nelson continues to thrive. He continues to put out new music, play for his fans and be active with Farm Aid, an activist movement he helped start to increase the awareness of the importance of family farms.

From a young age Young developed a love for music hearing a wide variety of genres of on the radio, with rockabilly, doo wop, R&B, pop and country ruling the air waves. Later picking up his first instrument, the ukulele, Young’s musical journey had only just begun. Once enrolled in high school, he joined a few varying genre bands eventually progressing on to the guitar inspired by the likes of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison and Little Richard.

After leaving high school Young would play solo in coffeehouses and folk clubs where he would meet like-minded musicians. Briefly joining the band Mynah Birds in 1966, once the band had split him and bass player Bruce Palmer moved to Los Angeles, US seeking fame and fortune. It was here that together they formed the band Buffalo Springfield fusing psychedelia, rock, folk and country. In their two year duration the band released three studio albums.

Once Buffalo Springfield had disbanded, Young signed a solo deal with Reprise Records in 1968 sharing the same management as his friend Joni Mitchell. Later that year he released his debut self-titled album and although receiving mixed reviews from the critics for the heavy handed production, the album featured some musical gems such as “The Loner” and “I’ve Been Waiting for You” which still remains a staple in his live sets.

For his follow up album, Young sought the help of musicians Danny Whitten (guitar), Billy Talbot (bass) and Ralph Molina (drums) who would later become known as Crazy Horse. 1969 came the release of “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” credited as Neil Young with Crazy Horse. The album featured the hit singles “Cinnamon Girl”, “Down by the River” and “Cowgirl in the Sand”.

Young spent the majority of the early 70’s releasing music and touring with Crazy Horse. In 1972 tragedy struck when Whitten passed away from an overdose, taking time out to grieve the band resumed several months later with Young as a fleeting member. The death of Whitten and his roadie Bruce Berry the following year, had a huge impact on Young as he found himself in a very dark place aptly reflected in the 1975 album “Tonight’s the Night”.

The 80’s led to an experimental side of Young as personal battles consumed his mind as he deviated through stylistic variants apparent in the albums “Old Ways” (1985), “Landing on Water” (1986) and “Life” (1987). Back to business in 1989 Young produced the hit single “Rockin’ in the Free World” which peaked at number two, the album which preceded “Freedom” saw Young back in the mainstream on top form.

Young kicked off the 90’s as he returned to the heavy distortion sounds with the album “Ragged Glory” released in 1990 and swiftly followed by a nationwide tour with punk band Social Distortion and Sonic Youth which saw the return of many old school fans. As the subsequent years passed by Young became more actively involved in political issues surrounding war and injustice as he began using his music as an avenue for social commentary. With the US’s involvement with the Iraq war, Young produced songs such as “Let’s Impeach the President” and the 2006 album “Living With War” demonstrating his defiance and opposition to the country’s involvement.

Through his prolific career, Young has created a legacy which will last a lifetime and an impressive back catalogue spanning over six decades more than justifying his well-deserved position in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.