Willie Nelson
Date of birth: 1933-04-30
Place of birth: Abbott, Texas, USA
Known for: Acting
Also known as: The Highwaymen, Willie Hugh 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
Movie Credits
Wag the Dog
1997-12-25
During the final weeks of a presidential race, the President is accused of sexual misconduct. To dis
The Electric Horseman
1979-12-21
A former champion rodeo rider is reduced to using his saddle skills to promote a breakfast cereal in
Thief
1981-03-27
Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specialized in high-profile diamond heists. He plans to
The Dukes of Hazzard
2005-08-05
Cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, with the help of their eye-catching cousin, Daisy and moonshine-running U
Honeysuckle Rose
1980-07-18
Buck Bonham is a country singer on the road caught in a romantic triangle with Dyan Cannon and Amy I
Heartbreakers at the BBC
2023-02-11
A selection of classic heartbreaking BBC performances from some of music’s biggest stars, including
Barbarosa
1982-02-19
Karl Westover, an inexperienced farm boy, runs away after unintentionally killing a neighbor, whose
Gone Fishin'
1997-05-30
Two fishing fanatics get in trouble when their fishing boat gets stolen while on a trip.
Stagecoach
1986-05-18
Story follows a stagecoach ride through Old West Apache territory. On board are a cavalry man's preg
Beerfest
2006-08-25
During a trip to Germany to scatter their grandfather's ashes, German-American brothers Todd and Jan
Surfer, Dude
2008-09-05
A wave twisting tale of a soul searching surfer experiencing an existential crisis.
Farm Aid: 20th Anniversary Concert
2005-11-25
The 2005 concert, marking the 20th anniversary of Farm Aid, took place at the Tweeter Center in Tinl
Be Here to Love Me
2004-09-13
Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of Townes Van Zandt.
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
2008-11-23
Hark! The Herald Pundit Sings! America’s favorite Christmas tradition is now on DVD! Families have g
The Beach Boys: Nashville Sounds
1996-11-23
Brian Wilson and the boys of summer add a pinch of down-home twang to their classic harmonies with t
Hempsters: Plant the Seed
2008-05-25
The film follows the lively exploits of activists for (and against) the movement for the legalizatio
Willie Nelson 90: Long Story Short
2023-06-11
A star-studded concert celebrating Willie Nelson's 90th birthday, recorded live at The Hollywood Bow
Songwriter
1984-10-14
Doc Jenkins may be one of country music's most beloved stars, but his private life is a wreck. He's
Hells Angels Forever
1983-10-09
What starts off as a squadron of American daredevil bombers in World War II, branded by society as r
Outlaw Justice
1999-01-24
In the tradition of THE WILD BUNCH and THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN comes this fast paced, action filled we
The Highwaymen: On the Road Again
2003-07-15
Four of the greatest legends of country music join together. Johnny Cash sings Folsom Prison Blues,
John Mellencamp: It's About You
2012-01-04
It's About You is a 2012 music documentary film directed by father and son duo Ian & Kurt Markus. Th
Once Upon a Texas Train
1988-10-12
Captain Hayes of the mighty law enforcement squad named the Texas Rangers reached the pinnacle of hi
Angels Sing
2013-10-19
As a child, Michael Walker wished every day could be Christmas. That is, until a tragic accident cru
Joke Man
2023-07-17
Jackie Martling just may be America's last great joke teller. His savant-like ability to remember ev
A Tribute to Johnny Cash
1999-06-04
On Sunday, April 18, 1999, the hottest names in rock and roll united with the biggest stars in count
The Highwaymen: Live at Nassau Coliseum
1990-03-28
Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson perform live at Long Island's Nas
Where the Hell's That Gold?!!?
1988-11-13
A pair of thieves are pursued by the U.S. Army, the Mexican federales and Apaches in this made-for-T
Kris Kristofferson: His Life and Work
1993-12-31
Interviews with celebrities such as Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Dennis Hopper and Willie Nelson exami
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis Play the Music of Ray Charles
2009-10-20
Recorded Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center s Frederick P. Rose Hall on February 10, 2009. Once in a wh
Happiness Is
2009-07-30
Happiness Is is a road trip documentary that explores American's "pursuit of happiness".
The Story of Darrell Royal
1999-01-01
Award-winning story of University of Texas coaching legend and three time National Champion, Darrell
Coming Out of the Ice
1982-12-31
A biographical film about Victor Herman, based on the memoir of the same name.
Willie Nelson: Live in Amsterdam
2001-07-03
One of country music's most enduring legends, Willie Nelson has enjoyed international success for de
Kinky Friedman: Proud To Be An Asshole From El Paso
2001-01-02
A biographical documentary of musician/author Kinky Friedman.
9/11 Truth: Hollywood Speaks Up
2011-06-10
A documentary concerning the views of those in the movie industry, pertaining to the subject of 9/11
Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind
1991-04-19
A gambler, a Texas ranger and an FBI agent are investigating a series of vigilante murders.
Willie Nelson & Friends: Live and Kickin'
2003-05-26
Country music legend and American icon Willie Nelson is joined on stage by some of the biggest names
Wild Texas Wind
1991-09-23
Soon after a country singer moves in with her band's new manager, he's found slain and she's a suspe
Red Headed Stranger
1986-10-31
Reverend Julian Shay (Willie Nelson) strode into the saloon, pulled out his six-shooter, and killed
Road to Austin
2016-05-27
Road To Austin chronicles how Austin, Texas became the Live Music Capital of the World, dating from
Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
1993-03-02
On October 16, 1992, an impressive and eclectic group of artists gathered at Madison Square Garden i
The Greatest Ears in Town: The Arif Mardin Story
2010-06-15
The Greatest Ears in Town is an insightful documentary and testimonial to Arif Mardin; the producer,
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
2013-09-07
Supermensch documents the astounding career of Hollywood insider, the loveable Shep Gordon, who fell
Starlight
1996-06-18
Adrianna (Chong) is a beautiful alien woman who has come to Earth in search of a half alien man (Wir
The King of Luck
2011-03-19
Billy Bob Thornton's portrait of country outlaw Willie Nelson melds archival photos, concert footage
Glen Campbell | Good Times Again
2007-01-01
In the late 60s Glen Campbell had the world on a string or better yet strings. It was his smooth voc
All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State
2014-04-28
All About Ann celebrates the achievements of larger-than-life Ann Richards, who became the first ele
Celebrating the Man in Black: The Making of Walk the Line
2006-05-22
A documentary about the life of Johnny Cash and the making of Walk the Line (2005).
Irving Berlin's 100th Birthday Celebration
1988-05-27
The life, career, and music of Irving Berlin are celebrated live on stage with musical performances.
June
2023-11-12
Until Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar-winning portrayal of her in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, mo
Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz
1988-08-16
Fictional character, Heidi Abromowitz, is the butt of everyone's jokes.
Waylon: Renegade. Outlaw. Legend.
1990-01-01
The Authorized Video Biography. The true story of Waylon Jennings. From his days as Buddy Holly's pr
Dolly Parton & Friends: Love Always Live
2009-03-13
Beer for My Horses
2008-08-08
"Beer for My Horses" tells the story of two best friends that work together as deputies in a small t
The Greatest Night in Pop
2024-01-19
On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This docume
Walking After Midnight
1988-01-01
Explores the past-life experiences of various celebrities.
Pair of Aces
1990-01-14
A Texas Ranger has to protect his two daughters as he investigates a serial killer who is attacking
Blonde Ambition
2007-12-21
A young professional woman unwittingly becomes the pawn of two business executives in their bid to o
Heartbeat
1987-05-10
A surrealistic journey into the experiences and reflections of a documentary filmmaker as he evaluat
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge: Where the Music Began
2005-07-26
The show tells the story of a group of songwriters who hung out together at the bar 30 years ago and
Swing Vote
2008-08-01
In a remarkable turn of events, the result of the presidential election comes down to one man's vote
Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas
2022-12-01
Follow Dolly's desire to uplift an exhausted world's spirits by sharing the unique "mountain magic".
2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2022-11-19
The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022
Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story
1995-01-22
Dottie West fought a difficult childhood to rise as one of country music's icons winning the first e
Johnny Cash: American Rebel
2015-09-12
Johnny Cash: American Rebel is built around 12 essential Johnny Cash tracks spanning four decades th
I Ride
2011-05-12
Since “The Wild One” in the 1950s the world has been fascinated with the mythic culture of the Ameri
Fighting With Anger
2007-01-01
Ray (Fleming) is a young, beautiful and deadly assassin looking for answers about her past. Will (Wi
Willie Nelson Live at the US Festival
1983-06-04
Willie Nelson appeared at the US Festival on June 4, 1983. It was billed as Country Day, with Willie
Willie Nelson - Live at Billy Bob's Texas
2004-01-01
Billy Bob's Texas is the world's largest Honky Tonk located in the heart of the historical Ft. Worth
Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of the Broken Spoke
2016-03-13
The Broken Spoke has hosted country greats like George Strait, Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills
Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
2016-03-04
Explore the country legend's hard-fought road to stardom. From her Appalachian roots to the Oscar-wi
Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration
1979-06-01
It's Willie Nelson celebrating the 4th of July
Willie Nelson: Live from Austin TX
2006-05-01
The legendary Willie Nelson is in fantastic form on this 1990 Austin City Limits performance. The DV
The Big Bounce
2004-01-30
A small-time con artist and a Hawaiian real estate developer's mischievous, enterprising mistress te
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
2007-03-04
When mischievous teenaged cousins Bo and Luke Duke are arrested, both boys are paroled to the care o
The King of Texas
2008-03-01
A documentary on the life of Texas filmmaker Eagle Pennell.
Zoolander 2
2016-02-06
Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the bus
Playboy Video Magazine: Volume 4
1983-01-01
Features a tribute to murdered Playmate Dorothy Stratten, an interview with singer Willie Nelson, a
The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James
1986-02-17
This movie looks at the last years (not days, as implied in the title) of famous outlaws, Frank and
A Poem Is a Naked Person
1974-05-09
Les Blank's first feature-length documentary captures music and other events at Leon Russell's Oklah
Willie and Me
2024-02-09
Trapped in a stagnant marriage, German housewife Greta finds solace in Willie Nelson's music. When h
Lost in London
2017-01-19
Within the course of a night, Woody Harrelson finds himself in a misadventure in London that winds h
The Journeyman
2001-03-10
In the Wild West at the turn of the century, two young brothers watch as their Grandpa is gunned dow
The American Epic Sessions
2016-03-16
Jack White and T Bone Burnett invite today’s greatest artists to test their skills against the long-
Opry Video Classics: Hall of Fame
2007-11-21
Back in 1961, the Country Music Association founded the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize the
Outlaw Country: Live from Austin, TX
2006-09-19
Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man Standing, Live
2007-03-06
1. Great Balls of Fire 2. Chantilly Lace 3. Green Grass of Home (Tom Jones) 4. End of the Road (Tom
Willie Nelson at the Teatro
1998-01-01
When Willie Nelson and album producer Daniel Lanois set out to create a cinematic-sounding album, "T
The Highwaymen - Live American Outlaws
2016-05-20
The Highwaymen - Live: American Outlaws is a box set of concert performances from country music's le
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999-06-08
When diabolical genius Dr. Evil travels back in time to steal superspy Austin Powers's ‘mojo,’ Austi
Paradox
2018-03-15
A loud poem. A whimsical western tale of music and love.
American Revolutions: The Highwaymen
2006-09-26
The Country Bears
2002-07-26
For Beary Barrington, The Country Bears' young #1 fan, fitting in with his all-too-human family is p
Merle Haggard: The Real Deal
2008-12-30
A profile of Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard recalls his rocky personal life and his legen
The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End
2016-05-27
An oral history of the Mount Rushmore of Country Music: Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash
This Land Is Your Land - Folk Years
2002-05-22
Filmed live at Carnegie Melon University in 2002, This Land is Your Land features the biggest names
Half Baked
1998-01-16
Three lovable party buds try to bail their friend out of jail. But just when the guys have mastered
OK Buckaroos
2010-11-16
This is the story of a troubadour's journey in the last years of the twentieth century. Jerry Jeff W
Also Starring Austin
2018-05-05
ALSO STARRING AUSTIN uses scenes from locally shot films as a lens to explore a community's rapidly
Willie Nelson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song
2016-01-15
Singer and songwriter Willie Nelson was the 2015 recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
Charley Pride: I'm Just Me
2019-02-22
This film traces the improbable journey of Charley Pride, from his humble beginnings as a sharecropp
We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash
2012-08-20
Johnny Cash influenced a great variety of musicians and it was never more apparent than on Friday, A
Elvis | Viva Las Vegas
2008-09-16
Willie Nelson Live @ SXSW
2014-03-15
Willie Nelson performs at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Austin, Texas in March, 2014. Set List: W
Opry Video Classics : Legends
2007-11-21
The biggest names in country music appear in this compilation of 15 performances from Nashville's fa
Farm Aid 2001 - A Concert For America
2002-11-19
Held just 18 days after the September 11th attacks, Farm Aid 2001, A Concert for America, celebrated
The Willie Nelson Special - With Special Guest Ray Charles
2002-07-09
Recorded in 1984, Willie Nelson, one of the most influential musical figures of the past quarter cen
Willie Nelson & Friends: Outlaws & Angels
2004-09-21
Recorded at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles in 2004, this concert features performances of many o
Quincy
2018-09-09
An intimate look into the life of icon Quincy Jones. A unique force in music and popular culture for
Waiting for the Miracle to Come
2019-04-29
An aspiring trapeze artist discovers a cryptic letter, written once by her recently deceased father,
Last of the Breed: Live in Concert
2007-09-25
Traditional Western swing and good ol' fashioned honky-tonk music just doesn't get any better than t
The Art of McCartney
2014-10-01
An inside look at the making of The Art Of McCartney album on which some of the world's greatest art
Mickey's 50
1978-11-19
"Mickey's 50" is a 90-minute special that aired on The Wonderful World of Disney on November 19, 197
The Midnight Special Legendary Performances 1980
1980-02-10
The Midnight Special is an American late-night musical variety series that aired on NBC during the 1
Willie Nelson at Austin City Limits
2019-01-26
Austin City Limits proudly welcomes back a longtime friend, American music icon Willie Nelson, in a
Willie Nelson & Family: In Concert
1983-01-01
Willie Nelson and Family perform at the Austin Opry House (1983)
Willie Nelson: Greatest Hits Live
1999-11-02
Willie Nelson, America's most beloved country music superstar, presents his biggest and best-known h
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
2020-09-09
This rockumentary-style presidential portrait shows how Jimmy Carter reinvigorated a post-Watergate
Anthem
1997-07-25
When twenty-six-year-olds Shainee Gabel and Kristin Hahn quit their Hollywood jobs, packed up a borr
Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years
2014-10-03
The star-studded special celebrates the trailblazing music series' 40th anniversary. With guest host
The World of Jim Henson
1994-11-23
In this episode of PBS' Great Performances, the history and legacy of puppeteer Jim Henson is explor
America | A Tribute to Heroes
2001-09-21
A benefit concert and telethon organized by George Clooney and broadcast uninterrupted and commercia
My Darling Vivian
2020-04-27
The story of Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife and the mother of his four daughters. Includes
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song
1985-01-28
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song is a documentary which examines how the song was written
Willie Nelson: The Big Six-O
1993-05-22
Willie Nelson and friends celebrate his sixtieth birthday in a star-studded concert event.
I Am Johnny Cash
2015-01-01
I am Johnny Cash is a celebration of the larger-than-life Johnny Cash from the unique perspective of
Broken Bridges
2006-09-08
A fading country music star returns to his hometown, where he reunites with his childhood sweetheart
Kenny, Dolly & Willie: Something Inside So Strong
1989-05-20
This was a concert performed in Houston for employees of NASA and their families to celebrate the US
WWE WrestleMania VII
1991-03-24
Hulk Hogan plays by new rules as he tries to liberate the WWE Championship from the clutches of the
Ray Charles: Genius Loves Company
2004-08-31
DVD that accompanied the CD release. Has behind the scenes and rehearsal footage.
Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
2021-04-07
In a star-studded evening of music and memories, a community of iconic performers honor Dolly Parton
Willie Nelson American Outlaw
2020-04-12
Willie Nelson - American Outlaw captures the most iconic moments from a one-night-only concert event
Emmylou Harris: From a Deeper Well
2003-12-19
Profile of veteran country singer Emmylou Harris, witnessing the heady success of her career while a
Dust to Dust
1994-06-05
Sampson Moses, the corrupt mayor of Brambles, Texas, hires a deadly gunfighter to remove orphaned la
Pure Country: Pure Heart
2017-08-01
For Ada and Piper Spencer, singing is as natural as breathing. Blessed with talent and determination
Country Kings at the BBC
2014-11-21
Classic male country singers from the BBC vaults, journeying from The Everly Brothers and Jerry Lee
Baja Oklahoma
1988-02-20
Juanita Hutchins works at Texas bar, but she aspires to be a country songwriter. When she's not look
The Best Democracy Money Can Buy
2016-09-23
Rolling Stone investigative reporter Greg Palast busted Jeb Bush for stealing the 2000 election by p
The Obama Deception
2009-03-15
Controversial radio host Alex Jones presents his case that Obama was not the beacon of hope he was p
Last Party 2000
2001-11-02
Filmed over the last six months of the 2000 Presidential election, Phillip Seymour Hoffman starts do
Chet Atkins and Friends
1987-09-06
Filmed live in Nashville, these musical talents demonstrate both their love and respect for Atkins a
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
2009-01-01
Dill Scallion
1999-12-31
School bus driver Dill Scallion dreams of becoming a famous country music singer. He sings from his
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies
2025-04-27
A true story about the unreal life of an unsung country music hero. Ben Dorcy, aka Lovey, the first
In the Hank Williams Tradition
1989-01-01
This program traces Hank Williams' incredible life story through rare film clips, and revealing inte
Willie Nelson: Live at Budokan
2022-11-18
Grab a front-row seat to this 1984 Tokyo concert, one of Nelson’s live legendary performances. Filme
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
2007-12-07
Double-DVD Captures Highlights from Festival With Performances and Collaborations by Guitar Wizards
The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team
1984-01-29
Star studded show
Some Enchanted Evening: Celebrating Oscar Hammerstein II
1995-03-06
In commemoration of the 100th birthday of lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, performers present classic
Willie Nelson's 90th Birthday Celebration
2023-12-17
The two-hour special features once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, surprise appearances, music royalty
Revolution: The Legacy of the Sixties
2017-08-20
'Revolution: The Legacy of the Sixties' is an exploration of the 1960s Western cultural revolution a
Willie Nelson & Leon Russel - Partners In Music
2005-01-01
Released in 2005 as a region-free DVD (PAL, 4:3, stereo sound), Partners in Music features Willie Ne
Ringo Rama
2003-11-11
The making of Ringo's 2003 album, featuring recording sessions with Willie Nelson, David Gilmour, Er
It's Happiness: A Polka Documentary
2006-09-10
Colorful characters of the unique polka world are profiled in this documentary.
Willie Nelson: Down Home
1997-08-14
Documentary of the extraordinary Willie Nelson at home.
Chet Atkins: A Life in Music
2000-09-16
A documentary that celebrates the life and career of musician and record executive Chet Atkins with
The Country Bears Concert for America
2002-07-06
Hosted by Downtown Julie Brown, viewers can get an inside look into the famous band, including a "ba
Save the Farm
2011-06-07
The story about the nation's largest urban farm, a 14 acre organic farm in South Central Los Angeles