Willie Nelson was born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas, turning 90 in 2023. Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday with a two-night tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29 and 30, 2023. The concert featured diverse artists, including Neil Young, Snoop Dogg, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, The Chicks, Ziggy Marley, Norah Jones, and Chris Stapleton. He surprised the audience by singing another song after the finale, Mac Davis’ “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” which he recorded with his sons in 2019. He joked that he wanted to thank all the artists who came out to celebrate “whatever it is we’re celebrating.” Here are the essential facts about the country legend.
1. Honky-tonks and radio shows
He grew up in a musical family and learned to play guitar early. He started writing songs and performing at honky-tonks and radio shows.
2. An outlaw in Nashville
He moved to Nashville in 1960 and became a successful songwriter for other artists. He also developed his distinctive country music style, blending blues, folk, rock, and jazz. He led the outlaw country movement in the 1970s, which challenged the mainstream Nashville sound.
3. Full-time collaborator
He collaborated with artists from different genres and backgrounds, such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Julio Iglesias, Snoop Dogg, and Neil Young.
4. Part-time activist
He is also known for his activism and philanthropy on farm aid, marijuana legalization, animal rights, and environmentalism.
5. Multiple award winner
He has won numerous awards and honors, including multiple Grammys, CMA Awards, AMA Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor.
6. He’s an accomplished actor
He has also appeared in movies and TV shows, such as The Electric Horseman, Honeysuckle Rose, The Dukes of Hazzard, Wag the Dog, and Austin City Limits.
7. Big 90th party
Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday with a two-night tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29 and 30, 2023. He performed duets with Neil Young, George Strait, Snoop Dogg, and others. Nelson was honored by the night’s emcees, including Owen Wilson, Helen Mirren, Ethan Hawke, and Jennifer Garner. He sang some of his classic hits and closed the show with “It’s Hard to Be Humble.” Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash joined him and appeared on stage alongside his sons Lukas and Micah.
Sources
- NPR: Neil Young and Snoop Dogg joined Willie Nelson for a 90th birthday concert
- Rolling Stone: Willie Nelson 90th Birthday Concert Review and Setlist
- USA Today: Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday concert stars Snoop Dogg and Chris Stapleton
