Willie Nelson - Mountain Dew - 1981

Willie Nelson, our unicorn of country music.

Willie Nelson, who began his recording career in 1956 in Vancouver, Washington, was born on this day 82 years ago.  Willie's story is well-known to most.: Disc jockey turned songwriter turned outlaw country pioneer turned actor turned pop balladeer turned activist turned president of the stoner nation turned IRS target turned American treasure.

I'll fully admit, Willie Nelson is someone I came to appreciate as an adult.  As I child I mostly knew him from his awkward duet with Julio Iglesias and just for being Willie Nelson.  As a young adult I started to appreciate his music and I find that appreciation growing with each day.

I think because he's always been visible, it feels like he's family.  Willie's like your cool, weird old stoner hippie uncle who talks a lot about booze, weed, hangovers and one-night stands. 

Happy Birthday Uncle Willie!