Willie Nelson: An Outlaw Icon with a Surprising Twist
At 93, Willie Nelson stands as a towering figure in country music, revered not just for his legendary musical prowess but also for his distinct persona as an outlaw country music icon. Known for his love of marijuana and his anti-establishment views, Nelson’s rebellious spirit has been a defining characteristic of his career. However, there exists a lesser-known side to this icon—the time he attempted a “healthy” lifestyle.
A Splash of Health in an Outlaw Life
Believe it or not, Willie once endeavored to adopt a more health-conscious routine. In the early Eighties, he and fellow country star Merle Haggard experimented with a 10-day juice cleanse, which Willie candidly described as “horrible.” In a humorous anecdote, he recounts how their attempt at fitness included jogging, but in true Willie fashion, they opted to run in cowboy boots. “We’d burn one down and run two miles in cowboy boots,” he reminisced in a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone. This blend of rebelliousness and health initiative paints a vivid picture of two friends navigating the rock and roll lifestyle.
A Unique Cleansing Experience
The infamous juice cleanse stemmed from a desire to offset their infamous lifestyle in Texas. “In Texas, we went on a 10-day cayenne-pepper juice cleanse. It was horrible. One day after we’d been up all night, Merle went to the condo to get some rest. Around 4 a.m., we woke him up to sing his part on ‘Pancho and Lefty.’ He sang it half in his sleep, but Hag sings pretty good in his sleep,” Willie recalled. This amusing glimpse into their lives illustrates the nonchalant yet chaotic bond they shared during their musical journey.
Martial Arts: A Different Path to Wellness
While the juice cleanse may have been a dismal failure, Willie found his footing in maintaining health through the martial arts. He holds a fifth-degree black belt in the Korean martial art of Gongkwon Yusul, alongside a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. This unexpected dedication to discipline and physical fitness showcases Williams’s multifaceted personality, balancing the exuberance of country music stardom with the focus required in martial arts.
A Friendship Built on Music and Misery
Willie and Merle’s friendship spanned over five decades, blossoming in the early 1960s when they met in Nashville during a poker game. Their camaraderie wasn’t just about shared experiences; it was also about their joint love for music, with the two releasing several projects over the years. Notable collaborations include the iconic Pancho and Lefty, Seashores of Old Mexico, and Last of the Breed, solidifying their place in country music history.
Honoring a Legacy: The Upcoming Tribute Album
Now, a decade after Haggard’s passing, Willie is set to release his 78th solo album, a tribute to his late friend. Titled Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, the album features 11 classics penned by Merle. Scheduled to drop on November 7, it serves as both an homage to their shared legacy and a testament to Willie’s unwavering commitment to honor his friend’s contributions to the genre they both cherished.
A Career That Keeps on Giving
With a career spanning over six decades, Willie continues to show no signs of slowing down. After a brief retirement declaration in 1972 due to a string of commercial failures, he rediscovered his passion in Austin, Texas. This led to the release of Shotgun Willie, a groundbreaking album that laid the groundwork for the outlaw country movement. His 1975 LP, Red Headed Stranger, became a turning point, propelling him into the mainstream and standing as a masterpiece of the genre.
The Legacy of Trigger
Even at his age, Willie remains as committed to performing as ever. He once quipped that the only way he’d retire is if he lost Trigger, his beloved Martin N-20 guitar, purchased in 1969. Trigger is not just an instrument; it’s a significant part of Willie’s identity and sound. In his book, The Tao of Willie: A Guide to Happiness in Your Heart, he reveals, “One of the secrets to my sound is almost beyond explanation. My battered old Martin guitar, Trigger, has the greatest tone I’ve ever heard.” This emotional connection to his craft reveals the depth of his artistry.
Willie Nelson’s life is a tapestry interwoven with experiences of rebellion, friendship, and relentless passion for music. His journey encapsulates a musical landscape rich with stories, commitments to health, and an unwavering dedication to honoring friends through art—all while maintaining the joyful spirit that has endeared him to fans worldwide.