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The legend is born
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After graduating high school in 1950, Nelson went into the U.S. Air Force.
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In 1962, he recorded his first album, And Then I Wrote
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The next year, two of Nelson's songs become hits for other artist Faron Young's version of "Hello Walls" and Patsy Cline's legendary rendition of "Crazy." His first album was released the next year without generating much notice. Singer Ray Price, with whom Nelson had played with previously, made Nelson's song "Night Life" a big hit in 1963
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The rise of the popularity of Hippie music in Austin motivated Nelson to return from retirement, performing frequently at the Armadillo World Headquarters.
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In 1979, Willie Nelson received Country Music's highest honor when he was selected "Entertainer of the Year" by the Country Music Association
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He first appeared in The Electric Horseman (1979) starring Robert Redford.
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"On the Road Again" won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1980.
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That same week Willie Nelson recorded, "Weed with Willie" with Toby Keith.
