First Published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

One of the most beloved popular musicians of our time tells the story of his extraordinary life. This is Willie Nelson's complete, unvarnished story, told in his voice and leaving no significant moment or experience untold, from Texas, Nashville, Hawaii, and beyond. Having recently turned 80, Nelson is ready to shine a light on all aspects of his life, including his drive to write music, the women in his life, his collaborations, and his biggest lows and highs--from his bankruptcy to the founding of Farm Aid. An American icon who still tours constantly and headlines music festivals, Willie Nelson and his music have found their way into the hearts and minds of fans the world over, winning ten Grammys and receiving Kennedy Center Honors. Now it's time to hear the last word about his life -- from the man himself. "Every page radiates authenticity." --Washington Post

Willie Nelson. The Little Black Book is a collection of quotes from the legendary artist, singer, songwriter. They've been carefully selected for their wisdom, inspiration and humor. You'll also find quotes that serve only to tell a little about the living legend that is Willie Nelson. Keep it out in the open so you can pick it up for a quick dose of inspiration whenever you need it. They say we should learn from the best. Willie Nelson's Little Black Book is one great way to do that.

From his first performance at age four, Willie Nelson was driven to make music and live life on his own terms. But though he is a songwriter of exceptional depth - "Crazy" was one of his early classics - Willie only found success after abandoning Nashville and moving to Austin, Texas. Red Headed Stranger made country cool to a new generation of fans. Wanted: The Outlaws became the first country album to sell a million copies. And "On the Road Again" became the anthem for Americans on the move. A craggy-faced, pot-smoking philosopher, Willie Nelson is one of America's great iconoclasts and idols. Now Joe Nick Patoski draws on over 100 interviews with Willie and his family, band, and friends to tell Nelson's story, from humble Depression-era roots, to his musical education in Texas honky-tonks and his flirtations with whiskey, women, and weed; from his triumph with #1 hit "Always On My Mind" to his nearly career-ending battles with debt and the IRS; and his ultimate redemption and ascension to American hero

All of Me * Always on My Mind * Black Rose * Comin' Back to Texas * Crazy * Good Times * Heartaches of a Fool * I Am the Forest * I'm a Memory * It's My Lazy Day * Me and Paul * Mona Lisa * Moon River * On the Road Again * Take It to the Limit * To Each His Own * Uncloudy Day * What a Wonderful World * Will You Remember Mine * Yesterday's Wine and more.

A complete biography of the country music icon, including his early beginnings in Texas, his marriages, his breakthrough hits, his IRS problems, Farm Aid, and more. Photos.

In this intimate and engaging biography, Graeme Thomson interviews Nelson himself, his band and those who knew him best en route to discovering the real Willie Nelson. The Outlaw brilliantly describes a complex and compelling man whose life and music reflect something fundamental at the heart of twentieth-century America. Thomson's revealing portrait is a timely reminder of the stature and achievements of a true living legend. Covering everything from dirt poor beginnings in Texas, global fame in the 70s, four marriages, the death of a son and affairs with Amy Irving and Candice Bergen up to his current position as a 73-year-old pot smoking man of the road, Thomson's account emerges as the first detailed, clear-eyed account of Nelson's fascinating life.