[217] The legislation was dropped after two Republican senators, Florence Shapiro and Wentworth, objected, citing Nelson's lack of connection to the highway, his fund raisers for Democrats, his drinking, and his marijuana advocacy. Nelson was born in Texas in 1933, making him 88 as of this writing however, getting older hasn't seemed to slow the musician's career down. [35] Nelson's tenure at Liberty yielded his first album entitled And Then I Wrote, released in September 1962. I can say that because, 34 years after we first met, we're still together and going strong. Thepair openly discuss how playing onstage with their father ultimatelyinspired them to pursue their own careers, to hopefully become something as great as their father one day. Nelson made his first movie appearance in the 1979 film The Electric Horseman, followed by other appearances in movies and on television. Micah speaks out about how his father inspired him, using his 1975 album Red HeadedStrangeras an example where he tells Rolling Stone, He was breaking down barriers and fearlessly doing his thing For me, to fearlessly do my thing and be myself, I cant think of any other way to respect and honor my dads legacy.. Along with a music career of her own, Realyn also has three children, twin boys and a daughter. [194] Nelson was released a few hours later. The use of the logos became popular quickly in social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. "It's about the smartest thing I ever did. [158] In January 2008, Nelson filed a suit against the Texas Democratic Party, alleging that the party violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution by refusing to allow co-plaintiff Kucinich to appear on the primary ballot because he had scratched out part of the loyalty oath on his application. After a short time in Waco, he settled in Fort Worth, and quit the music business for a year. The album was Bobbie's final before her death in 2022. A father multiple times over, some of his kids have gone on to start families of their own; Nelson is a grandfather as well (via Taste of Country). His publicist Elaine Schock confirmed soon after that Nelson's health was good and that he was heading to his next scheduled concert in Dallas, Texas. [105] Also in 2018, Nelson was one of several artists on Restoration, a cover album containing various country renditions of songs originally by Elton John, on which he performed "Border Song". Cochran heard Nelson during a jam session with Buddy Emmons and Jimmy Day. Willie Nelson and Martha Matthews ended up parting ways in 1962. Nelson's second wife was Shirley Collie in 1963, although the pair had no children. [126], In 2002, Nelson became the official spokesman of the Texas Roadhouse, a chain of steakhouses. [148] The first concert included Dylan, Billy Joel, B.B. [49], Shotgun Willie, released in May 1973, earned excellent reviews but did not sell well. [27] Nelson rented the apartment near Houston in Pasadena, Texas, where he also worked at the radio station as the sign-on disc jockey. [163] During an interview with Texas Monthly in 2013, regarding the Defense of Marriage Act and Same-sex marriage in the United States, Nelson responded to a comparison the interviewer made with the Civil Rights Movement, stating: "We'll look back and say it was crazy that we ever even argued about this". The pilot was aired first on those stations, later being released nationwide. [198] Prosecutor Kit Bramblett supported not sentencing Nelson to jail due to the small amount of marijuana involved, but suggested instead a $100 fine and told Nelson that he would have him sing "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" for the court. By Sheri Linden. Nelson then married Paulas mother Connie Koepke, who later gave birth to Amy Lee. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court allowed Nelson to invest in it. The couple had three children: Lana, Susie, and Willie "Billy" Hugh Jr. When a hurricane prevented Nelson from recording the song, the production team sent the track to Josh Homme in the hopes that he could record it in time for the game's release. Nelson and his partners defaulted the $4,75 million loan they took for the construction of Willie's Place. He recorded the tracks on used tapes, and sent the demos to the local label SARG Records, which rejected them. 10) and "Touch Me" (his second Top Ten, stalling at No. In 2005 Nelson and his family hosted the first annual "Willie Nelson & NORML Benefit Golf Tournament", leading to a cover appearance and inside interview in the January 2008 issue of High Times magazine. [130] By 2008, he reopened Willie's Place, a truck stop in Carl's Corner, Texas. Other family members are circumspect in discussing the. "One in a Row" (#19, 1966), "The Party's Over" (#24 during a 16-week chart run in 1967), and his cover of Morecambe & Wise's "Bring Me Sunshine" (#13, March 1969) were Nelson's best-selling records during his time with RCA. Then there's daughter Amy Lee from his marriage to Connie Koepke who gave birth to Nelson's grandkids Lukas Autry and Jacob Micah. Nelson also appeared on Ringo Starr's 2003 album, Ringo Rama, as a guest vocal on "Write One for Me". After those two divorced, he went on to marry Connie Kopeke and the two share two daughters, Lana and Amy Lee. [23], By 1970, most of Nelson's songwriting royalties were invested in tours that did not produce significant profits. [24] Haggard has a look of complete joy on his face throughout the session in the old-timey recording setup once used by his musical heroes. [26], After his son Billy was born in 1958, the family moved to Houston, Texas. Nelson explained that he could not believe that the buildings could collapse due to the planes, attributing instead the result to an implosion. [187] A 2014 Tae Kwon Do Times magazine interview revealed that Nelson had developed an unorthodox manner of training during the lengthy periods of time he was on tour. Even if you . After suffering from pneumonia several times, he decided to quit either marijuana or tobacco. Nelson endorsed O'Rourke, and received negative reactions from the conservative part of his followers. Along with an extensive music career, Willie Nelson has also grown quite the family. Willie Nelson has eight children from four different women. [12] His musical influences were Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Ray Price, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Django Reinhardt, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong.[13][14]. So, with eight children spanning several decades, many are left wondering how many grandchildren Willie Nelson truly has we reveal that number below. Laura Bradshaw Published: March 3, 2023. Nelson attended Abbott High School, where he was a halfback on the football team, guard on the basketball team, and shortstop in baseball. The chain installed Willie's Corner, a section dedicated to him and decked out with Willie memorabilia, at several locations. Susie penned a memoir about her experiences as Nelsons daughter. While his web of marriages and children may get confusing, Nelson has five recorded grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in total. [109] The third, which was held on April 20, 2020, was a variety show titled Come and Toke It. Willie and Martha Nelson's son Billy had a child of his own before passing away, a daughter named Raelyn (per Eat, Play, Rock). Nelson resumed his tour in September 2022. [150], Nelson is a co-chair of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) advisory board. Nelson started to formally practice kung fu after he moved to Nashville, in the 1960s. On hearing Nelson sing "Hello Walls" at Tootsie's, Faron Young decided to record it. On May 26, 2010, the Associated Press reported that Nelson had cut his hair,[231] and Nashville music journalist Jimmy Carter published a photograph of the pigtail-free Nelson on his website. but thats just the way it is. Come meet Willie Nelson's two talented sons, Micah and Lukas, who prove that music truly is in their blood as they carry on their dad's legacy His first marriage Martha Matthews (1952 to 1962) yielded three children including: Lana, Susie and Willie Billy Hugh, Jr. Billy died by suicide in 1991, Willies second marriage was to Shirley Collie (1963 to 1971) with no children from this marriage. Rolling Stone commented that "in the final performance of Sessions, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard perform the duet 'The Only Man Wilder Than Me.' [20], Nelson was hired by KVAN in Vancouver, Washington, and appeared frequently on a television show. He explored genres such as reggae, blues, jazz, and folk. My newly discovered family sure took some time to surface.". Going with it is the essential vibe of Willie Nelson & Family, which has its Sundance Film Festival premiere today in Salt Lake City. A badass American outlaw cowboy who transcended his humble beginnings in small-town Abbott, Texas, he remains beloved in blue states, red states, and let's . Not just a grandfather (to five grandchildren, as of this writing), but a great-grandfather as well, Willie Nelson seems to be close with all of his family. Born on April 29th, 1933, Nelson recorded his first album, No Place For Me, in 1956. Willie was then married to his second wife, Shirley, from 1963 to 1971. [229], For many years, Nelson's image was marked by his red hair, often divided into two long braids partially concealed under a bandanna. [185] During the 1990s, Nelson started to practice the Korean martial art GongKwon Yusul. [26] Fred Foster of Monument Records signed Nelson in early 1964, but only one single was released: "I Never Cared For You". [46], Nelson decided to return to the recording business, he signed Neil Reshen as his manager to negotiate with RCA, who got the label to agree to end his contract upon repayment of $14,000. Written by Willie Nelson, "Hello Walls", was a hit for Faron Young in 1961, and the song that gave Nelson national recognition as a songwriter. Bowman called the brand "a culmination of (Nelson's) vision, and his whole life". [4] His mother left soon after he was born,[5] and his father remarried and also moved away, leaving Nelson and his sister Bobbie to be raised by their grandparents, who taught singing back in Arkansas and started their grandchildren in music. [3] His parents moved to Texas from Arkansas in 1929 to look for work. [199] Nelson's lawyer Joe Turner reached an agreement with the prosecutor. He . [110] Some of the content was cannabis-themed, and some of the proceeds will be used to support The Last Prisoner Project, a restorative justice program relating to persons convicted of cannabis related crimes. [142], In 1969, the Baldwin company gave Nelson an amplifier and guitar with their "Prismatone" pickup. [142] His "unique sound", which uses a "relaxed, behind-the-beat singing style and gut-string guitar"[143] and his "nasal voice and jazzy, off-center phrasing",[142] has been responsible for his wide appeal, and has made him a "vital icon in country music", influencing the "new country, new traditionalist, and alternative country movements of the 1980s and 1990s". <style type="text/css"> .event, .event-header__more-button, .event-header__menu-button, .menu, .page__wrapper, #edp-ticket-loader, #modal-dialog { display:none . Nelson is also the honorary chairman of the advisory board of the Texas Music Project, the official music charity of the state of Texas. As the competition grew, the tax credit was discontinued while the prices of fossil fuels continued to drop. [15] When nobody picked him up, he ended up sleeping in a ditch[19] before hopping a freight train bound for Eugene. [225] The date selected by the city of Austin unintentionally coincided with the number 4/20, associated with cannabis culture. He shares three children with his first wife, daughters Lana and Suzie, and son, Willie Hugh Nelson Jr. aka Billy. [102], In 2018, Nelson sang a song written by Daniel Lanois called "Cruel World" for the soundtrack of Rockstar Games's action-adventure video game Red Dead Redemption 2. [124] In 2015, the publication of a second Nelson autobiography entitled It's a Long Story: My Life co-authored with David Ritz, the book was published on May 5, 2015. [29] Nelson then was hired by guitar instructor Paul Buskirk to work as an instructor in his school. He chose to quit tobacco. [38] Country Willie His Own Songs became Nelson's first RCA Victor album, recorded in April 1965. [236] Nelson's tour buses were customized by Florida Coach since 1979. [15] After leaving school in 1950, he joined the U.S. Air Force; he served for nine months before being medically discharged because of issues with his back. 3/7 @ 10am EST*. [140] It was the last filmed performance of the pair. The single was certified platinum; while the album was certified quadruple-platinum, and later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. [202], In 1990, the IRS seized most of Nelson's assets, claiming that he owed $32million. Due to this success, Nelson signed in 1964 with RCA Victor and joined the Grand Ole Opry the following year. The release reached number five on the Billboard 200, Nelson's highest position on the chart since 1982's Always on My Mind. [192] In 1977, after a tour with Hank Cochran, Nelson traveled to The Bahamas. Nelson would conduct his martial arts training on his tour bus "The Honeysuckle Rose" and send videos to his supervising Master for review and critique. They divorced. Paula has released five of her own albums with the Paula Nelson Band includingUnder the Influencein 2014, according to Wide Open Country. Raelyn went on to have three children, adding to Nelson's great-grandchildren. [155], Nelson supported Dennis Kucinich's campaign in the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries. Nelson learned to play guitar from his grandfather and at the age of 10 was performing at local dances. Nelson frequently talks about Lana on social media and often tags her in photos. Getty Images. As Nelson and Cochran claimed their luggage in the Bahamas, a customs officer questioned Nelson after marijuana was found in a pair of his jeans. King, Roy Orbison, and Neil Young among many others, and raised over $9million for America's family farmers. He was one of the main figures of outlaw country, a subgenre of country music that developed in the late 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. Willie Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas, on April 29, 1933. As forNelson's personal life, he has been married four times and has been with his current wife, Annie D'Angelo, since 1991. After failing to land a spot on the Ozark Jubilee, he started to work as a dishwasher. It also turns out Renee has a daughter, Noelle, who has a daughter, Jordan, who I am happy to now call my great-granddaughter., He called Mary a sweet lady and said he and his wife are happy to have Renee, Noelle and Jordan in their lives. [130], In 2010, Nelson founded with the collaboration of producers and filmmakers Luck Films, a company dedicated to produce feature films, documentaries and concerts. He asked his daughter, Lana, to take the guitar from the studio before any IRS agent arrived there, and then deliver it to him in Maui. [154] In 2010, during an interview with Larry King, Nelson expressed his doubts with regards to the attacks and the official story. Thom Zimny and Oren Moverman, the directors of the first authorized documentary project about Willie, were tasked with telling his story in a way that's never been told before. FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) Bad news for people waiting for the general public on sale tickets to Willie Nelson when he comes to Moorhead: the show is already sold out! Willie Nelson Just Announced Some Epic 90th Birthday Shows. The same year, he recorded another outlaw country album, Wanted! [50] His next release, Phases and Stages, released in 1974, was a concept album about a couple's divorce, inspired by his own experience. But it wasn't until 1986 that Nelson met his true love, Annie D'Angelo. [40] In 1967, he formed his backing band "The Record Men", featuring Johnny Bush, Jimmy Day, Paul English and David Zettner. [227] In 2013, he received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music. The sons give credit to their father for helping them become the creative men that they each are today. Billy was planning on releasing the album himself before his death. [186] In 2014, after 20 years in the discipline, his Grand Master Sam Um presented him with a fifth-degree black belt in a ceremony held in Austin, Texas. In spite of the coincidence and Nelson's advocacy for the legalization of marijuana, the ceremony was scheduled also for 4:20pm. [85], Nelson was featured on the album True Love by Toots and the Maytals, which won the Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Reggae Album, and showcased many notable musicians including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Trey Anastasio, Gwen Stefani, and Keith Richards. [4] His next book, A Tale Out of Luck, published in 2008 and co-authored by Mike Blakely, was Nelson's first fictional book. [196] Nelson received six months probation. [41] During his first few years on RCA Victor, Nelson had no significant hits, but from November 1966 through March 1969, his singles reached the Top 25 in a consistent manner. [146][147], Constant strumming with a guitar pick over the decades has worn a large sweeping hole into the guitar's body near the sound holethe N-20 has no pick-guard since classical guitars are meant to be played fingerstyle instead of with picks. [52] The same year, he produced and starred in the pilot episode of PBS' Austin City Limits. Produced by Moman, the single of the song was released, as well as the album of the same name. [214][215], In 2003, Texas Governor Perry signed bill No. He raised money, appeared at events, and composed the song "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth? [179] While traveling to Ann W. Richards' funeral in 2006, Nelson, along with his manager and his sister, Bobbie, were arrested in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, and charged with possession of marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms. [169] Nelson married Koepke the same year, and they had another daughter, Amy Lee Nelson. Cannon's association to Nelson also extended to songwriting, with singer and producer composing the lyrics by exchanging text messages. Nelson purchased the guitar unseen for $750 and named it after Roy Rogers' horse "Trigger". One, Waylon & Willie, was a collaboration with Jennings that included "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys", a hit single written and performed by Ed Bruce. During that time, he wrote songs that would become country standards, including "Funny How Time Slips Away", "Hello Walls", "Pretty Paper", and "Crazy". Nelson has two children with current wife Annie D'Angelo and five from his previous. Wyatt Beard - background vocals; Melonie Cannon - background vocals; Jim "Moose" Brown - piano, synthesizer, B-3 organ, Wurlitzer; Mike Johnson - steel guitar "I have an old, dear friend, Mary Haney, who I'd lost touch with but recently met again after decades," Nelson said. The talented star has five daughters, Lana,. Willie and Martha's other child, Lana, is also a parent; she has a daughter named Rachel. The collection contains lyrics, screenplays, letters, concert programs, tour itineraries, posters, articles, clippings, personal effects, promotional items, souvenirs, and documents. Everyone's favorite weed advocate is coming to Minnesota this coming May. [94] In 2011 Nelson participated in the concert Kokua For Japan, a fund raising event for the victims of the 2011 Thoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan which raised $1.6million. Paula and Amy are both musicians, like their father. His children include: Lana, Susie, and Willie Billy Hugh Jr. from his first marriage, Paula and Amy from his third, and Lukas and Jacob Micah from his fourth and current marriage to DAngelo. The 89-year-old is. The single topped Billboard's Hot Country Singles, while it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The Outlaws in 1976 with Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser cemented the pair's outlaw image and became country music's first platinum album. [62] In 1978, Nelson released two more platinum albums. Willie Nelson has made quite a name for himself as a true music icon. Nelson also revealed in his autobiography Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die that he had fathered another daughter, Renee, with his close friend Mary Haney several decades ago. [156] He recorded a radio advertisement asking for support to put musician/author Kinky Friedman on the ballot as an independent candidate for the 2006 Texas gubernatorial election. In new mini-documentary, Willie Nelson talks about being a father on the road, and sits down for a remarkable performance with sons Lukas and Micah.Get the f. The album led Nelson to a new style, later stating that Shotgun Willie had "cleared his throat". [127] In 2004, Nelson and his wife Annie became partners with Bob and Kelly King in the building of two Pacific Bio-diesel plants, one in Salem, Oregon, and the other at Carl's Corner, Texas (the Texas plant was founded by Carl Cornelius, a longtime Nelson friend and the eponym for Carl's Corner). [98] The album entered Billboard's Top Country Albums at number two, marking his highest position on the chart since the release of his 1989 A Horse Called Music, and extending his record to a total of forty-six top ten albums on the country charts. [144] His requirement to appear in court prevented his attending the Grammy awards that year. [218], An important collection of Willie Nelson materials (19751994) became part of the Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas. Since their debut EP,Brandos Paradise Sessions,theyve seen some serious success and Lukas even played Bradley Coopers lead guitarist in the 2018 film A Star Is Born. The establishment had about 80 employees,[131] and was used as a concert hall with a bar and a 1,000 square feet (93m2) dance floor. [115] In 2023, Nelson was nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [165], Nelson has been married four times and has seven children. Related article: Learn more about Willie Nelsons wife Annie DAngelo. [106] His 2019 release Ride Me Back Home charted at number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He moved to a ranch near Bandera, Texas, and married Connie Koepke. [168] The marriage was marked by violence, with Matthews assaulting Nelson several times,[169] including one incident when she sewed him up in bedsheets and beat him with a broomstick. Lukas launched his musical career by starting a country-rock band Promise of the Real while Micah creates psychedelic-folk projects such as Insects Vs. Robots and Particle Kid. [195], In 1994, highway patrolmen found marijuana in his car near Waco, Texas. He was released after paying bail of $2,500. [170] Nelson's next marriage was to Shirley Collie in 1963. [61], In the summer of 1977, Nelson discovered that Reshen had been filing tax extensions and not paying the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since he took over as his manager. "Turns out Mary and I had a child together called Renee. Nelson has two children with current wife Annie DAngelo and five from his previous marriages, as well as a daughter with a close friend he had relations with many years ago. In 1960 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and later signed a publishing contract with Pamper Music which allowed him to join Ray Price's band as a bassist. Meanwhile, Micah heads the band Particle Kid and has toured with his father and his brother on and off for several years. He sent it to be repaired in Nashville by Shot Jackson, who told Nelson that the damage was too great. Butler refused to purchase the song "Mr. Record Man" for $10, instead giving Nelson a $50 loan to rent an apartment and a six-night job singing in the club. Willies sons prove that musicwill run in the Willie Nelson family for many years to come! [181] In 2012, he canceled a fund-raising appearance in the Denver area. He sued Price Waterhouse, contending that they put his money in illegal tax shelters. [188], In March 2021, "Ill Be Seeing You", a new original by Nelson, was used on a public service announcement by the Ad Council to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in the United States. [53], Nelson then moved to Columbia Records, where he signed a contract that gave him complete creative control, made possible by the critical and commercial success of his previous albums. [90] In 2009 Nelson and Marsalis joined with Norah Jones in a tribute concert to Ray Charles, which resulted in the Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles album, released in 2011. Reviews ranged from positive to mixed. The first occasion was in 1974 in Dallas, Texas. Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson 's sister and a member of his Willie Nelson and Family band for more than 50 years, died Thursday morning at age 91. The BioWillie plant was then put on the market for sale. [75] In 1980, Nelson performed on the south lawn of the White House. [203] Nelson released The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories? Lana, Nelsons eldest daughter from his first marriage, played a small part in Nelsons 1986 filmRed Headed Stranger;she also worked in the costume department. He told the Daily Express that by the time he met his daughter, she already had a family of her own. [42] After he recorded his final RCA single, "Mountain Dew" (backed with "Phases, Stages, Circles, Cycles and Scenes"), in late April 1972, RCA requested that Nelson renew his contract ahead of schedule, with the implication that RCA would not release his latest recordings if he did not. [234] The current lineup includes all the members but Jody Payne, who retired, Bee Spears, who died in 2011, and Willie's sister Bobbie Nelson, who died in 2022. He then worked on the west coast offices of Pamper Records, in Pico Rivera, California. Make sure to share this with other Willie Nelson fans! Nelson frequently visited the White House, where according to the biography by Joe Nick Patoski, Willie Nelson: An Epic Life, he smoked marijuana on the White House roof. Willie Nelson revealed more about his extensive family tree in his 2012 autobiography "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road," specifically about discovering his great-grandchildren with Mary Haney. [76], In 1996, Nelson re-recorded the tracks "Hello Walls" with the band The Reverend Horton Heat, and "Bloody Mary Morning" with the Supersuckers for Terms of Use and "Willie Nelson & Family" features both archival footage and new interviews with Nelson, his late sister Bobbie, and many other fellow musicians and friends. And the star loves his family dearly, telling The Daily Texan in March, "I'm proud of my (kids). The city also unveiled a life-size statue to honor him, placed at the entrance of Austin City Limits' new studio. [191], Nelson has been arrested several times for marijuana possession. [58] Later that year Nelson released The Sound in Your Mind (certified gold in 1978 and platinum in 2001)[59] and his first gospel album Troublemaker[60] (certified gold in 1986). The album reached number four on Billboard's Top Country Albums. According to Country Fancast, Micah said his father was his inspiration to start his own band. With eight children, the musician's family tree has some serious branches. By Joseph Hudak. When the IRS seized his possessions to sell at auction to try and collect money to pay his tax debt, many of Willie's fans bought his stuff and then gave it back to him. He is nominated for four Grammys at the 2023 ceremony. During the 1990s and 2000s, Nelson continued touring extensively, and released albums every year. Nelson, for instance, doesn't talk in the documentary at all about his son William "Billy" Nelson Jr.'s suicide at age 33. [103] Lanois wrote the song especially for Nelson. Nelson has eight children altogether, one of whom is Paula Nelson (via the Daily Express ). Here's what we know about his children, many of whom are musicians today. He served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a disc jockey in Texas, Oregon, and California during the 1950s. Willie Nelson is a classic country singer known for his hits "On the Road Again" and "Hello Walls," along with countless others. However,. Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas, on April 29, 1933,[1] the son of Myrle Marie (ne Greenhaw) and Ira Doyle Nelson. In 1985, he helped organize the first Farm Aid concert to benefit American farmers; the concerts have been held annually ever since and Nelson has been a fixture, appearing at every one. [10] During the summer, the family picked cotton alongside other Abbott residents. Willie Nelson has eight children, including a daughter whom he only recently found out about in 2012. We Love Willie! In 2005, Nelson and several other business partners formed Willie Nelson Biodiesel ("Bio-Willie"), a company that was marketing bio-diesel bio-fuel to truck stops. In 2005 he co-authored Farm Aid: A Song for America, a commemorative book about the twentieth anniversary of the foundation of Farm Aid. [18] He then had stints working for KDNT in Denton, KCUL, and KCNC in Fort Worth, where he hosted The Western Express, taught Sunday school, and played in nightclubs. Along with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, he set up Farm Aid in 1985 to assist and increase awareness of the importance of family farms, after Bob Dylan's comments during the Live Aid concert that he hoped some of the money would help American farmers in danger of losing their farms through mortgage debt. Cannon acquainted Nelson earlier, during the production of his collaboration with Kenny Chesney on the duet "That Lucky Old Sun", for Chesney's album of the same name.