Check out this sampling of Willie Nelson’s milestones and achievements over the decades.
1960
Nelson moves to Nashville, Tennessee.
1964
Nelson signs with RCA Victor Records, allowing his singles to reach Top 25 consistently. His music career begins.
1973
Shotgun Willie is released. Didn’t sell much, but received critical attention.
1974
Nelson’s first arrest for possession in Dallas.
1975
Red Headed Stranger is released. A remake of Fred Rose’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” becomes a hit. Nelson wins “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” at the Grammys, his first ever.
1978
Waylon & Willie goes platinum. Stardust also goes platinum.
1979
Nelson appears in the film, The Electric Horsemen. His acting career is born.
1980
Honeysuckle Rose is released. “On the Road Again” wins Nelson “Best Country Song” Grammy, and he performs on south lawn of the White House.
1985
Forms The Highwaymen along with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Their hit song “Highwayman” reaches No. 1 on the country charts.
1985
Nelson establishes Farm Aid with Neil Young and John Mellencamp.
1988
He becomes an author after his first book, Willie: An Autobiography, is released.
1990
IRS pursued Nelson for tax evasion. Ultimately a $6 million settlement is reached.
1993
He is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2002
He becomes a member of NORML’s advisory board.
2005
Nelson headlines the Tsunami Relief Austin to Asia, a benefit concert for victims of the 2004 Indian Earthquake.
2005
He establishes Willie Nelson Biodiesel, a company that sells biodiesel fuel to truck stops.
2010
He forms the Tea Pot Party, a pro-marijuana group.
2011
Nelson participates in Kokua for Japan, a benefit concert for Japan’s earthquake relief.
(Compiled by Andy Cheng)