Willie Nelson: The Outlaw - Hardcover

Thomson, Graeme

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1852273003 ISBN 13: 9781852273002

Publisher: Virgin Books, 2006

Synopsis

Keith Richards calls him a man of the soil. Others have called him Shaman. He has lived a life full enough for ten men and people want him to have big answers. He could be a red-neck cowboy, a Zen master or simply an old, stoned hippie. Of course, he is really all three, and several other things into the bargain...With a face that wouldn't look out of place carved into Mount Rushmore, Willie Nelson has done it and seen it all. A dope smoking , whisky drinking, latter-day cowboy with Native American blood, four wives and seven children, Nelson's career spans half a century of American music. In this revealing, intimate and insightful biography, Graeme Thomson goes beyond the myths, talking with Nelson himself, his band and those who know him best en route to discovering the real Willie Nelson. Nelson't life has been a never-ending journey of incredible highs and crashing lows. The armfuls of awards huge record sales, famous friends, and creation of Farm Aid and his annual Fourth of July picnis have been achieved in the shadow of his mother's early desertion, penury, three turbulent marriages, drug busts, drinking, bankruptcy, as well as his son's suicide. The Outlaw brilliantly describes this complex, compelling man, whose life and music reveal and reflect something fundamental at the very heart of twentieth century America, explaining along the way why Willie Nelson is nothing short of a living legend.

About this title

Review:

"Thomson has conducted copious interviews and considerable research.... and is particularly good on Nelson’s early days. Four stars." -- The Herald

"Thomson is too shrewd a biographer to take [Nelson] at his own estimation.... [an] excellent biography." -- Paul Du Noyer, The Word

"[A] fine biography .... Five stars." -- Time Out

A fabulous biography of one of country music’s most colurful characters. -- Tatler

A great tale, well worth the read" -- Sunday Sport

A timely reminder of the stature and achievements of the 72-year-old Texan. -- Daily Telegraph, March, 2006

First major biography of the pig-tailed cowboy...An astonishing tale. -- Q, April, 2006

Rock god Keith Richards introduces this fabulous biography of one of country music's most colourful characters. Yee-haw! -- Tatler, April, 2006

Sharp writing, astute observation...make for a lively read and a vivid portrait of an often baffling talent. Recommended. -- Observer Music Monthly, March, 2006

Thomson makes the most of the access granted by Nelson, his friends and relatives, Four stars. -- Q magazine

Book Description:

DISCOVER THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH

About this edition

• Publisher: Virgin Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1852273003
• ISBN 13: 9781852273002
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 292