Music continues to fuel Willie Nelson

Country music icon plans to release new album with his son

BRIARCLIFF, Texas – When Willie Nelson recently marked his 83rd birthday, he celebrated the occasion by riding around his 700-plus acre ranch near Austin checking on his horses and a stubborn mule named Willamina.

"A lot of coyotes used to come up here and mess with the horses. No more. Willamina will kick the s**t out of them," he said.

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From the horses to sharing a card trick with his friend, KSAT 12 News reporter Paul Venema, this is Nelson's break from the road, which he plans to keep traveling.

"I think that's what keeps me going," he said. "I think if I quit playing music, I'd die in a week, or a month or a year," he said. "It would just be steady downward, and I'm not ready for that. I enjoy playing music. It's what we came here to do."

Nelson is not only playing music on the road. He also spends a lot of time in the studio. He plans to release an album later in the year with his son, Lucas.

"We're doing a straight country album," Nelson said.

The country music icon is never shy about sharing his opinions, including putting his spin on the 2016 presidential election.

"I like a good circus!" he said. "They'll tell you what they need to in order to get elected. Once they get in there, they'll do whatever the big guys say. 'You're here now. Here's what you're going to do. We paid for you to get in there.'"

Nelson said he's not worried about politics.

"I've got other things to worry about. I'm 83. I've got to worry about 84!" he said.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.