It would be impossible to think of country music without mentioning the legendary Willie Nelson. Born in Abbott, Texas, on April 30, 1933, he began writing songs and performing at the age of nine. His accomplishments include songwriting, recording, composing, and founding major celebrity fundraising events. By the early 60's, Nelson was composing hit songs for Faron Young (Four Walls) and Patsy Cline (Crazy). In the early 1970's, Nelson changed his image to the long-haired cowboy/hippie look he has become famous for.

In 1975, his hard work paid off with the hit "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain", as well as "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground", "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys", and "On the Road Again". Nelson received much notoriety as part of the "Outlaws", a group consisting of himself, long-time friend Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.

A member of the "Highwaymen", he toured and recorded with Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Jennings in 1985. His achievements are numerous, highlighted by induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and include several Grammy's and Entertainer of the Year awards.

his successes, Nelson was faced with financial difficulties in 1990 when the Internal Revenue Service seized his property for nonpayment of $16 million in taxes. A strong supporter of American farmers, Willie Nelson co-founded the fundraising musical event Farm Aid in 1985.