Willie Nelson

He's “On the Road Again”
Willie Nelson Comes To The Forum

by Lisa Hummel

Since the breakthrough release of his 1975 album Red-Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson has spent the past two decades at the forefront of the industry, releasing more than 60 albums, ranging from country to gospel. Largely credited for implementing the influences of rock and roll on traditional country music, Nelson hit the peak of his success in the late ’70s, with a string of successful albums and chart topping singles, such as his signature tune, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.” In 1978, Nelson released Stardust, a “string-augmented collection of pop standards” that many feared would be a stumbling block in his career. Instead, Stardust proved to be a hit, selling upwards of four million copies and spending almost 10 years on the country charts. In 1979, Nelson took his ‘country outlaw’ image to the silver screen, acting in such films as The Electric Horseman with Robert Redford and 1980’s Honeysuckle Rose, which featured the song “On the Road Again.”

A solid success in the country circles, Nelson recorded his first of many crossover hits in 1982 when he released his version of Elvis Presley’s “Always on My Mind.” Nelson’s duet with Latin superstar Julio Iglesias, “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,” soon followed, reaching number five on the pop charts and number one on the singles chart in 1984. In 1985, Nelson returned to his roots and formed The Highwaymen, a ‘band’ comprised of country superstars Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. That collaboration spawned a number of hits, including an eponymous track that eventually reached number one.

Although Nelson continued to record and release music after his tumultuous battle with the IRS in 1990 and stayed actively involved with Farm Aid, the annual concert held to benefit farmers that he founded in 1985, his works in the ’90s failed to deliver a major hit.

Now, cleared of the $16.7 million he owed in back taxes, Nelson is returning to the charts again. Most recently, Nelson released Milk Cow Blues a 15-track disc that represents the crooner’s foray into the world of the blues.

Featuring appearances by blues legends B.B. King and Dr. John and current stars Johnny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, among others, Blues marks yet another step into unchartered territory for Nelson. In his career, Nelson has consistently include an eclectic offering of musical styles in his works, from swing and jazz to honky tonk and folk.

A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nelson was recently selected to enter the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Set for June 14, the 32nd Annual ceremony will also mark the induction of Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Diane Warren, and Paul Williams. In addition to his own hits, Nelson has penned chart toppers for a list of other artists, including Billy Walker’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Ray Price’s “Nite Life,” and Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.”

Willie Nelson will be at The Forum in Harrisburg April 6 at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, call THE BOX at 214-ARTS.