Willie Nelson: A Graphic History

Texans see Willie Nelson as one of their own. His profession and his lifestyle are familiar to all. But a new book about him, a graphic history no less, is every bit as welcome as any previous account. In fact, more welcome than many as it is cheerful and well researched with no baloney to fill in the gaps. Well, in fact, there are no gaps. Willie Nelson: A Graphic History, starts with the singer’s childhood, not an easy one, his struggle to get a firm footing exactly where he wanted it, and half a century or more of success, amid only a few setbacks in marriages, marijuana, and disputed taxes. And he’s invariably forgiven by his fans, and here, his readers. A great addition to the Willie Nelson annals reveals an amazing list of his familiar songs, magical haunting songs, with messages to share.

As a young man struggling to find a place as he moved east to Tennessee seeking a niche for his unusual style, to Canada, the West Coast, on the move until eventually, he came to Austin, Texas, our prodigal son. Once he hit the highlights, he was ready to give back and his Farm Aid benefit concert for struggling farmers and the annual Fourth of July picnics delighted vast crowds.

Several artists have banded together to present a coherent portrait, following the story written by T.J. Kirsch, who also took a hand in the illustrating. Even readers unaccustomed to a graphic style will get a kick out of this down to earth and endearing saga of Willie Nelson, an eighty-seven-year-old legend still singing, still drawing the crowds.