Book Review: Willie Nelson, It’s a Long Life

With the assistance of music journalist David Ritz, Willie Nelson tells his life story in his new biography, It’s a Long Life.

Nelson and his sister were raised in Abbott, Texas, by their grandparents, Mama and Daddy Nelson, who loved them and loved Jesus. Willie got right with the Lord early on, says Wall Street Journal reviewer Dave Shiflett.

Willie says he’s still a believer and never doubted the genius of Christ’s moral message, “guiding us in the direction of healing love.”

Willie Nelson started early with his song career, which was spiced up by a variety of personal vices. By age eight, he was writing songs about field workers. By 10, he was charming local ladies with his performances. At that same age, he discovered smoking and would sneak off to smoke anything that would burn. Today, Willie claims marijuana, in place of booze, cocaine, and tobacco has contributed to his longevity.

Money was tight early on. He worked as a wood chipper, door-to-door salesman and used part of his wives’ earnings to live.

Nelson, at age 82, has flown far from those humble beginnings. His career boasts a trove of venerable hit songs such as “Crazy”, and “Funny How Time Slips Away.” So beloved is his work, people know him by his first name. He has won 10 Grammys and been honored at the Kennedy Center.

This book has a humble tone filled with witty quotes and sometimes surprising stories of time spent with Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Ray Price and Johnny Cash.

Photo: www.judithrae.com