Ninetieth birthday celebrations are often quiet affairs. Willie Nelson’s celebration, not so much. His 2-day birthday bash (April 29 and 30) will be at the Hollywood Bowl, and he’s invited “a few” friends.
The event, put on by Blackbird Presents, is called Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90. And you can help him celebrate in person!
Just “A Few Friends” Have Been Invited To Perform
Nelson has invited dozens of music stars to perform. They represent a broad range of music styles. Music icons include Neil Young, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett, Miranda Lambert, Rosanne Cash, The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, Norah Jones, Tom Jones, Ziggy Marley, Sturgill Simpson, Beck, Billy Strings, Bobby Weir, Charley Crockett, Edie Brickell, Leon Bridges, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Orville Peck, Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, and The Lumineers.
Career Spanning 7 Decades
Nelson, born on April 29, 1933, learned the guitar from his grandfather. At age 10, he started performing at local dances. By 1960, he had his first hit, “Family Bible.”
Since then, Nelson has released nearly 150 albums encompassing styles ranging from honky tonk tunes to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Twenty-five of his songs have reached Billboard’s No. 1 spot. He’s earned 53 Grammy nominations and has won 10.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Nelson has appeared in more than 40 movies and headlined thousands of sold-out concerts. He’s well-known as a co-founder of Farm Aid, an annual concert to benefit American farmers.
The Outlaw And The Highwayman
In the 1970s, with Waylon Jennings, Nelson spearheaded the outlaw music movement of American country music. Often called progressive country, outlaw music attempted to escape the constraints of Nashville Sound, the dominant style of country music in the 1960s.
Between 1985 and 1995, Nelson was a founder and performer in The Highwaymen, a group of four country music friends who traveled around the country to perform. These buddies, each of them a Grammy winner, were Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson.
Still Going Strong
Seven decades into his career, Nelson is still performing and releasing albums. I Don’t Know a Thing About Love, featuring the songs of Harlan Howard, will be released on March 3. In addition, he’s the subject of a five-part documentary that recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. And, Nelson has been nominated for four Grammys this year.
Nelson continues his music legacy through his sons, Lukas and Micah Nelson. They will both appear with him at the birthday shows.
Buy Tickets
Members of the general public can buy a 2-day package beginning on January 28 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (PST). Eligible Capital One Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cardholders can purchase tickets at the presale beginning Wednesday, January 25 at 10 a.m. PST.
For show details and information on travel packages, go here. Packages include hotel stays for two or four people at a highly-rated hotel close to the Hollywood Bowl, merchandise gifts, and a pair of tickets for both nights.
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