Profile of the Day: Willie Nelson

Happy birthday to Willie Nelson! Today the music icon turns 87.

Image: Willie Nelson / Library of Congress

Nelson was born on April 29, 1933 in Abbott, Texas to Ira Doyle Nelson and Myrle Marie Greenhaw. Raised by his grandparents in Arkansas, music was an important part of his upbringing. At the age of 6, his grandfather gifted him his first guitar and by 7, he had written his first song.

During the 1960s, Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in music. He worked as a successful songwriter and wrote major hits for other artists, including Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.” However, he did not find his own success as a singer until the early 1970s as one of the main figures of “outlaw country” music. His unique sound revolutionized country music and made him one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. Some of his biggest hits include “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind,” and “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.”

What’s your favorite song?

Explore Willie Nelson’s family tree and share how you’re connected to the music legend!