It's Willie Nelson's 87th bday. Born in 1933. Living legend. You ready for a thread? #WillieNelson 
“Ninety-nine percent of the world’s lovers are not with their first choice. That’s what makes the jukebox play.” – Willie Nelson.
A couple years ago (on Hank Williams' birthday, no less) I attended Outlaw Fest, w/Sheryl Crow, Eric Church etc. on the bill - all leading up to Willie taking the stage at the end. His entire family was with him. If you've seen him live, you know the magic .
Eric Church went right before Willie. EC is one of the biggest stars in cw right now. I was psyched to see him too- he didn't disappoint. But he felt the vibe in the crowd ... as he hit the last note of his last song, he added, in tune, "You're all waitin' on Willie ..." RESPECT
Seeing him live (my 1st time) gave me a deeper understanding. It was his guitar-playing that was the revelation - I knew he was great, but hearing it live drove it home. His guitar TALKS. and NOT the melody. A whole other world is going on down there.
His guitar is in conversation with what he's doing with his voice - his guiltar comments on the main thru-line, it goes off on its own, it interjects little asides, sometimes it even contradicts, like "are you sure you mean that?" ... he is otherworldy.
I love to go back to his early stuff too. Here he is, performing on TV in 1962. His voice ... unmistakable.
I love his collaboration with Waylon. You can't get any better. Rebels. Their dynamic together was so great. Like here, just one example. Mischievous, warm, and so ... themselves? I think that's what's so great. Authenticity. Yet collaborative.
I mean ... come on. Outlaws. Let's shake this industry UP.
Willie's duet with Dolly Parton on her 2014 album is absolute perfection. The harmonies. The purity of expression. Heartcrack.
I will never ever forget this moment. Watching it unfold live on television. Smoke still rising out my window. Thank you, Willie. That GUITAR.
Who can forget one of the most legendary moments on Twitter? When Willie Nelson thanked Snoop Dogg publicly for sending him a Christmas present. Snoop Dogg bought Willie Nelson a Christmas sweater. The image of this gets me through many a long dark night. #WillieNelson
And finally: I interviewed @lianlunson about her beautiful dreamlike film WAITING FOR THE MIRACLE TO COME, starring Willie Nelson and Charlotte Rampling: filmed on Nelson's ranch in Texas. sheilaomalley.com/?p=146217
My favorite anecdote from the interview: during filming, Lian and Charlotte Rampling went to hear Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard perform together ... this was right before Merle passed. It's such a beautiful and almost healing image. Artists. Respect. Coming together.
Very grateful for his career. I don't feel that way about too many artists. Gratitude. Happy birthday, Willie.
and see WAITING FOR THE MIRACLE TO COME. Don't you want to see Willie Nelson and Charlotte Rampling play a couple who have been married for 40 years? she lost in a fantasy that she is Marilyn Monroe, and he kindly accepting her fantasy because he loves her? Come on now.
