Willie Nelson is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Abbott, Texas in 1933, a leader of the outlaw country movement. Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978) are the cornerstones — that conversational voice and the nylon strings of Trigger are instantly his. Find Willie Nelson vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Willie Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas in 1933. Initially successful as a Nashville songwriter (penning standards like Crazy for Patsy Cline), he later moved back to Texas and became a central figure in the outlaw country movement, winning creative freedom outside the Nashville system. Over a remarkably long and prolific career, he has become one of the most beloved and iconic figures in American music, also known for his activism, including co-founding Farm Aid.
Nelson's style blends country, outlaw country, folk, jazz, and pop, distinguished by his warm, conversational voice, his loose, behind-the-beat phrasing, and the unmistakable nylon-string sound of his guitar Trigger. His willingness to cross genres, from concept albums to the pop standards of Stardust, has defined a singular and enduring artistic identity.
Nelson's enormous catalog spans many labels and eras, with Red Headed Stranger and Stardust among the most collected titles. Original pressings and numerous reissues across his decades-long career provide a vast collecting field for country fans.
Listeners new to Willie Nelson often start with Red Headed Stranger (1975) or Stardust (1978). For related listening, see and .
