Willie Nelson, the country music legend, recently made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and it was nothing short of entertaining. With a dozen Grammy wins and an upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nelson has had an extraordinary career in the music industry.
The interview took place on Nelson’s tour bus parked on 53rd Street, which has become somewhat of a tradition whenever he visits The Late Show. Colbert’s enthusiasm for having Nelson on the show was evident as he expressed how having the redheaded stranger himself on the bus was one of the best reasons to have a late-night talk show.
Nelson spends a significant amount of time on his tour bus, especially when he’s on the road. His bus is equipped with everything he needs, from wardrobe changes to showers. Nelson is always touring, rarely taking a break from being on the bus except when he’s performing. For him, touring and playing music go hand in hand, and he particularly enjoys the energy exchange with the audience during his performances.
Colbert, a fellow musician himself, shared his experience as a young comedian on the road and the sense of benign irresponsibility that comes with it. He compared it to Nelson’s life on the road, where bills and responsibilities take a backseat to the love of music and the joy of performing.
Halloween had just passed, and Colbert couldn’t help but notice that Nelson sells a Willie Nelson bandana on his website, complete with his trademark pigtails. As a funny gesture, Colbert put on the bandana and asked Nelson if he made a good Willie Nelson. Nelson responded with a resounding “oh hell yeah,” giving Colbert the stamp of approval.
The conversation then took a more reflective turn as the talk show host congratulated Nelson on his numerous achievements throughout his career, including the Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Nelson humbly expressed that he doesn’t see a significant difference between country and rock and roll, viewing them all as music with a common language.
Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration in April gathered an incredible lineup of musicians, including Chris Stapleton, Cheryl Crowe, Keith Richards, Snoop Dogg, and Chris Christopherson, who came together to honor the country music icon. Nelson described the experience as surreal but loved every minute of it. Fortunately, for those who missed the celebration, a special concert, “Willie Nelson‘s 90th Birthday Celebration,” will be aired on CBS on December 17th.
Nelson has also recently released a book titled “Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs.” In the book, he shares the tales and inspirations behind his well-known songs. Remarkably, Nelson revealed that he wrote his first song at just six years old, although he doesn’t remember the exact topic he wrote about. He even mentioned a songbook he wrote at the age of 10 or 12 that contains some of his earliest compositions.
Colbert couldn’t help but ask Nelson about a chapter in his book titled “50 Bucks a Song,” where Nelson shares a fascinating story. Apparently, when he was starting out, Nelson would charge 50 dollars per song. When asked if he really sold a song called “Crazy” for that price, Nelson laughed and said he hoped he didn’t sell that particular song for such a low price. Nonetheless, the story adds a touch of nostalgia to Nelson’s humble beginnings.
The interview concluded with Colbert expressing his admiration for Nelson’s extensive discography, mentioning some of his personal favorite songs such as “Hello Walls,” “Crazy,” “Good-Hearted Woman,” and “On the Road Again.” Nelson humorously addressed the slower original recording of “Good-Hearted Woman” and how it turned into a faster rendition when he and Faron Young started playing it together.
Overall, it was a delightful interview that showcased the charisma and enduring talent of Willie Nelson. With a new book, a birthday celebration concert, and his extensive music career, Nelson continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a true music legend.
