WILLIE NELSON
BACKTRACKS

Willie Nelson, an American country singer-songwriter, played a vital roll in post-rock, country music. Not only did he leave a legacy of classic songs sung by himself, he also wrote music for some of countries other biggest names at the time. These songs include “Pretty Paper”-Roy Orbison, “Nite Life”-Ray Price, and most famously “Crazy” for Patsy Cline. Nelson reached his greatest fame during the so called “outlaw country” movement of the 1970’s. With the release of his album “Red Headed Stranger” (1975) he was made in to a star in both country and pop circles. From this album he achieved his first Number one hit, with “Blues eyes crying in the rain” (written by Fred Rose in 1945). He then also achieved country music’s first platinum album on a collaboration with Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser- An album called “Wanted! The Outlaws” Nelson continued to top the chart in the late 70’s with hits such as “Remember Me” , Good hearted Woman (A duet with Jennings) and “If you’ve got the money I’ve got the time). In 1978 Nelson released a further two albums, (“Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” and “Stardust”) both going platinum, despite many observers claiming that “Stardust” would be the end of his career. It definitely didn’t! Nelson is still going strong and released his most recent album in January 2008- a living legend for all country music fans across the world.