What's After the Movie
Willie Nelson
Willie Hugh Nelson, born on April 29, 1933 in Abbott, Texas, is an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and activist whose career spans more than six decades. He first penned a song at age seven and by ten was performing with the Bohemian Polka, setting the stage for a lifelong devotion to music. After a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force and two years at Baylor University, Nelson worked as a disc jockey in Texas and the Pacific Northwest while polishing his songwriting craft, creating future standards such as "Funny How Time Slips Away," "Hello Walls," "Pretty Paper," and the iconic "Crazy." Moving to Nashville in 1960, he signed with Pamper Music, joined Ray Price’s band as a bassist, and eventually earned a publishing contract that propelled his compositions into the country canon. Frustrated by the restrictive Nashville establishment, he relocated to Austin in 1972, where the vibrant hippie‑country scene revived his artistic spirit and led to the outlaw‑country breakthrough with Shotgun Willie (1973) and the masterpiece Red Headed Stranger (1975). Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he amassed a string of hits—"On the Road Again," "To All the Girls I've Loved Before," and "Pancho and Lefty"—while co‑founding the supergroup The Highwaymen and helping launch the annual Farm Aid concerts. Beyond music, Nelson has appeared in over thirty films, authored several books, and become a prominent champion for biodiesel, marijuana legalization, and farmers' rights, serving as co‑chair of NORML and honorary chairman of the Texas Music Project. His resilience was tested by a $32 million IRS debt in the early 1990s, which he resolved through the double album The IRS Tapes and the sale of assets, and by ongoing health challenges, yet he continues to record, tour, and influence new generations of artists.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Willie Nelson, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Willie Nelson rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Willie Hugh Nelson
Born: Abbott, Texas, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: April 29, 1933
Occupations: singer, musician, songwriter, actor, activist
Years Active: 1956-present
Children: 8
Spouses: Martha Matthews, Shirley Collie, Connie Koepke, Annie D'Angelo
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Willie Nelson
Paradox
The Electric Horseman
Surfer, Dude
Jim Allison: Breakthrough
Barbarosa
Songwriter
June
Willie and Me
The Greatest Ears in Town: The Arif Mardin Story
9/11 Truth: Hollywood Speaks Up
We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash
John Mellencamp: It’s About You
All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State
Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years
Johnny Cash: American Rebel
Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of the Broken Spoke
The American Epic Sessions
Pure Country: Pure Heart
Also Starring Austin
Waiting for the Miracle to Come
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me
Emmylou Harris: From a Deeper Well
Be Here to Love Me
The Journeyman
Celebrating the Man in Black: The Making of Walk the Line
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
Blonde Ambition
The Highwaymen: Live at Nassau Coliseum
Pair of Aces
Honeysuckle Rose
Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind
Wild Texas Wind
Hells Angels Forever
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song
Heartbeat
Once Upon a Texas Train
Where the Hell’s That Gold?!!?
Coming Out of the Ice
The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James
Red Headed Stranger
Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz
Stagecoach
Baja Oklahoma
Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas
Willie Nelson 90: Long Story Short
Joke Man
Willie Nelson & Family
Coming Out of the Ice
A Poem Is a Naked Person
The World of Jim Henson
Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Celebration
Mickey’s 50
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
Hempsters: Plant the Seed
Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Gone Fishin’
The King of Texas
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Willie Nelson, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2019
Jim Allison: Breakthrough
Self
Waiting for the Miracle to Come
Jimmy Riggs
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me
Self
2016
Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
Self
Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of the Broken Spoke
Self
The American Epic Sessions
Self
2014
All About Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State
Self
Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years
Self - Performer
2012
We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash
Self
John Mellencamp: It’s About You
Self
2008
Surfer, Dude
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
Self
Hempsters: Plant the Seed
Himself
The King of Texas
Self
2007
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
Jesse Duke
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
Self
Blonde Ambition
Pap Paw
1988
Once Upon a Texas Train
John Henry Lee
Where the Hell’s That Gold?!!?
Cross
Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz
Willie Nelson
Baja Oklahoma
Self
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