Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees
Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow and the late George Michael are nominees for 2023 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a list that includes a mix of country, soul, hip-hop, metal, pop, rap-rock and grunge.
The Texas State Musical Instrument: Guitar
Guitars and other artifacts of Texasโ country musicians are preserved in Carthage at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame/Tex Ritter Museum. A statue of Lightninโ Hopkins graces a park in Crockett, Buddy Holly and his guitar are featured on Lubbockโs West Texas Walk of Fame, and the likeness of Willie Nelson and his guitar Trigger oversee the intersection of Willie Nelson Boulevard and Lavaca Street in Austin, as does Stevie Ray Vaughanโs statue on Austinโs Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
texashighways.comNew this week: 'Clickbait,' Sturgill Simpson and Addison Rae
This weekโs new entertainment releases include a Sturgill Simpson's concept album called โThe Ballad of Dood & Juanitaโ and TikTok star Addison Rae making her acting debut in a gender-flipped remake of the 1999 Freddie Prinze Jr and Rachael Leigh Cook teen comedy โSheโs All That.โ.
โVote them outโ: Willie Nelson headlines Texas protest rally
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) โ Country music legend Willie Nelson led more than a thousand spectators in singing "vote them out" Saturday from the steps of the Texas Capitol during a rally wrapping up a four-day march in support of Democratic state legislators who bolted for Washington two weeks ago to block GOP-backed voting restrictions.
myrgv.com'Vote them out': Willie Nelson headlines Texas protest rally
Country music legend Willie Nelson led more than a thousand spectators in singing โvote them outโ Saturday from the steps of the Texas Capitol during a rally wrapping up a four-day march in support of Democratic state legislators who bolted for Washington two weeks ago to block GOP-backed voting restrictions. Families with lawn chairs spread out across the sprawling Capitol greens in Austin. Clergy, politicians, constituents and musicians all spoke out about the proposals to impose voter ID requirements, limit ballot drop boxes and mail voting, and strip local officials of their election authority.
news.yahoo.comTexas Dems receive financial help from Beto OโRourke, Willie Nelson
WASHINGTON โ With financial help from the likes of Willie Nelson and Beto O'Rourke, and moral support from the White House, Democrats from the Texas Legislature spent their second full day on the lam pleading for congressional help on voting rights.
myrgv.comThe Latest: Astros to allow 50% capacity for games in April
Houston hosts 14 games in April -- Oakland and Detroit visit for three each, the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle play four times. ___The Charlotte Hornets will allow approximately 5,000 fans to attend NBA home games beginning March 26 against Miami, or about 25% percent of the Spectrum Centerโs seating capacity. Thatโs a 10% increase from the 3,000 fans that were allowed to attend home games beginning March 13. ___The Preakness will be run in front of a limited capacity of 10,000 fans at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 15. AdSince the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the Ad Council has mobilized the industry to launch a multi-pronged communications effort to combat COVID-19.
New this week: Billie Eilish, Billie Holiday and Superman
This combination photo shows promotional art for Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, a documentary debuting Friday on Apple TV+, from left, The United States vs. Billie Holiday," premiering Friday on Hulu and Superman & Lois," a new series premiering Tuesday on The CW. (AppleTV+/Hulu/The CW via AP)Hereโs a collection curated by The Associated Pressโ entertainment journalists of whatโs arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Adโ Based on Johann Hariโs 2015 book, โChasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs,โ Lee Daniels' โThe United States vs. Billie Holidayโ chronicles the legendary jazz singer's addiction and activism. Andra Day, who's nominated for a Golden Globe, plays Holiday in the biopic, which premieres Friday on Hulu. ET at the Amazon Music Twitch channel and will feature music from the groupโs new album, โLife Rolls On,โ released on Feb. 12.
After 47 years KSAT legend Paul Venema announces retirement in 2021
SAN ANTONIO โ From the courtroom to Willie Nelsonโs tour bus, for almost five decades Paul Venema has been capturing KSAT viewers with his stories. โI fell in love with the legal system and thatโs what I enjoy most,โ Venema said. Willie Nelson and KSAT Reporter Paul VenemaWhile viewers will miss seeing him on-air, his KSAT colleagues will miss him, too. KSAT viewers have witnessed his professionalism and journalistic excellence, but I also appreciate his friendship. Paul Venema, Isis Romero and Steve Spriester (KSAT)โIn a world where itโs all about relationships, Paul has been able to develop great relationships inside the station and across the community.
Charley Pride overcame racial barriers as country music star
And he did it by winning over millions of country music fans. Until the early 1990s, when Cleve Francis came along, Pride was the only Black country singer signed to a major label. โThen it was โfirst Negro country singer;โ then โfirst Black country singer.โ Now Iโm the `first African-American country singer.โฒ Thatโs about the only thing thatโs changed. Throughout his career, he sang positive songs instead of sad ones often associated with country music. Even a country singer,โ said country singer Rissi Palmer on Twitter.
Outlaw country artist Billy Joe Shaver dead at 81
FILE - Artist Billy Joe Shaver poses backstage following his concert "Billy Joe Shaver presented by WMOT/Roots Radio" at City Winery Nashville in Nashville, Tenn. on April 1, 2017. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Outlaw country singer songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, who wrote songs like โHonky Tonk Heroes,โ โI Been to Georgia on a Fast Trainโ and โOld Five and Dimers Like Me,โ has died He was 81. His big break came when Jennings recorded several of Shaver's songs for his 1973 album โHonky Tonk Heroes," which helped popularize the outlaw country genre and turn the maverick country artists into legends. "There werenโt another other way to be/For lovable losers, no account boozers/And honky tonk heroes like me," Shaver wrote in the title track. Shaver wrote songs that were covered by Elvis Presley, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Tex Ritter, Tennessee Ernie Ford and John Anderson.
Trailblazer Charley Pride to get lifetime achievement award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Trailblazing country music star Charley Pride will get a lifetime achievement award at the CMA Awards in November. 1 hits between the 1960s and 1980s, with songs like โKiss An Angel Good Mornin'โ and โIs Anybody Goin' to San Antone.โPride, 82, will accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on the CMA Awards on Nov. 11 on ABC. Pride was named CMA Entertainer of the year in 1971 and won male artist of the year in 1971 and 1972. He has three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Other recipients of the award include Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson.
Austin City Limits is taking place virtually in 2020 and itโs free. Hereโs the lineup
SAN ANTONIO โ This year, you donโt have to haul it from stage to stage to avoid missing a performer at Austin City Limits. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, ACL will be virtual and free this weekend, with performances from years past. The star-studded lineup includes Khalid, Willie Nelson, Twenty One Pilots, Billie Eilish, St. Vincent, Paul McCartney and The XX throughout three days. Performances will start at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the last performer set to begin between 11:15 p.m. and 12:10 a.m.ACL Fest 2020 starts tomorrow! In September, organizers promised a virtual weekend festival in lieu of in-person performances.
WATCH: Willie Nelson hosts 35th annual Farm Aid Concert
SAN ANTONIO โ This year, Willie Nelson fans in San Antonio will have to go no further than their living room to attend the country music legendโs 35th annual Farm Aid Concert. The show will be entirely virtual and available on Farm Aidโs YouTube channel and multiple other platforms. You can watch the live event in the video below:The goal is to raise money for American farmers and to raise awareness of their plight. In addition to the performers, the show will showcase stories from farmers from across the country. Farm Aid has raised over $60 million to support programs that help farmers thrive.
Toots Hibbert, beloved reggae star, dead at 77
FILE - In this May 3, 2018 file photo, Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Hibbert, frontman of Toots & the Maytals, had been in a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Kingston since earlier this month. Grammy nominations for Hibbert included best reggae album of 2012 for โReggae Got Soulโ and best reggae album of 2007 for โLight Your Light.โ Hibbert was ranked No. Married to his wife, Doreen, for nearly 40 years, Hibbert had eight children, including the reggae performers Junior Hibbert and Leba Hibbert. Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert ("Toots" was a childhood nickname) was born in May Pen, Parish of Clarendon.
Willie Nelsons July Fourth picnic is virtual in virus era
SPICEWOOD, Texas Willie Nelsons annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Other performers expected to play include Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley, Steve Earle and Nelsons fellow Texas-based singers Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and Kinky Friedman. Some of the artists will perform at Nelsons Luck Ranch in Spicewood, northwest of Austin. Nelsons event started in 1972 and has been held most years since, moving around Texas and occasionally outside the Lone Star State. First Rose of Spring features two new tunes plus Nelsons take on songs by Toby Keith and Chris Stapleton.
New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'
This cover image released by Legacy Recordings shows "First Rose of Spring," the latest album by WIllie Nelson, available on July 3. The PG-13 film was shot in summer 2016 over two Hamilton performances with the original cast, and it comes complete with an intermission. The legend Willie Nelson will release his 70th studio album, First Rose of Spring, on Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONAlicia Keys hosts Kids, Race and Unity, a Nick News special aimed at helping children understand the crisis facing America. The special debuts 7 p.m. EDT Monday on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons and online on sites including Nickelodeon YouTube.
Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen set to perform during virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden on Monday
SAN ANTONIO Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen are taking part in former Vice President Joe Bidens virtual fundraiser event on Monday. Other special guests include Julin Castro, Beto ORourke, and Cecile Richards, the daughter of former Texas Governor Anne Richards. Texas artists will be in Rangers lot for drive-in concertsThe event with Biden will begin at 4:15 p.m. and tickets range from $250 to $100,000. Recently, Nelson has moved some of his upcoming shows to virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming Willie Nelsons 4th of July Picnic will move online.
Willie Nelson Releases Video Urging Texans to Help Food Banks During Coronavirus Pandemic
click to enlarge Facebook / Willie NelsonJust call him Saint Willie.In addition to staging a free online festival last month to watch in quarantine followed by a 4/20 "Come and Take It" livestreamed variety show yesterday Texas music legend Willie Nelson has released an online video urging fans to help out the state's food banks during the pandemic. "First of all, I hope all of you are staying safe," the 86-year-old singer says to the camera while flanked by sons Micah and Lukas Nelson. "As photos of vehicles lined up at the San Antonio Food Bank flash onscreen, the singer's two sons explain the growing crisis of food insecurity. "If you're in a position to help your community and Texas, food banks need you now more than ever," Micah says. "Demand for food has skyrocketed, and there are no longer enough volunteers to get the food to people who need it.
sacurrent.comWillie Nelson makes food bank plea
SAN ANTONIO โ The San Antonio Food Bank got a welcome assist from country music icon Willie Nelson and his sons recently. A Public Service Announcement from Nelson began with him addressing his fans. โI hope all of you are safe and if youโre in a high-risk group, please donโt take any chances,โ Nelson said. โYour community and Texas food banks need you now more than ever beforeโ Nelsonโs son Micah said. โDemand for food has skyrocketed and there are no longer enough volunteers.โSan Antonio Food Bank holds mega distribution at AlamodomeLukas Nelson and his band, The Promise of the Real, have also temporally stopped touring.
Willie Nelson to take part in โCome and Toke Itโ variety show on 4/20
Willie Nelson is doing what he does best on 4/20 by taking part in the โCome and Toke Itโ variety show Monday. The show, which will be livestreamed, will celebrate cannabis in an entertaining and educational environment, according to the Luck Reunion website. WATCH: Willie Nelson cries on stage during Houston Rodeo performanceThe show will start at 4:20 p.m. and last for 4 hours and 20 minutes. Along with the show, Willie Nelson has started the โCome and Toke It Pass Left Challenge.โThe challenge encourages others to create videos passing โwhatever toking material of your choiceโ to the left. Back in November, Nelson told KSATโs Paul Venema that he was no longer smoking marijuana due to breathing issues, but hasnโt stopped using cannabis.
Texas Music Legend Willie Nelson and Others Playing a Free Online Concert Tonight
Trust Willie Nelson to help us make it through tough times.The legendary Lone Star State musician was planning to hold his annual Luck Reunion "anti-festival" this week at his ranch in Luck, Texas. It's streamable via the Luck Reunion website and Facebook page , along with Twitch.TVWere keeping you informed...and its what we love to do. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current.
sacurrent.comWATCH: Willie Nelson cries on stage during Houston Rodeo performance
HOUSTON โ Closing out night two of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Willie Nelson delivered an outstanding performance in front of more than 70,000 fans on Armed Forces Appreciation Day. I canโt believe I just saw Dr. James Allison play on stage with Willie Nelson!! Total surprise pic.twitter.com/ZBJ4aIJgBe โ Luis Valencia (@Luis_E_Valencia) March 5, 2020The singer was also joined on stage by his son Lukas Nelson. 1) Tonight, I watched Willie Nelson perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Willie Nelson the GOAT!๐ pic.twitter.com/briI2c498Q โ Noah Outlaw (@OutlawNoah) March 5, 2020Willie Nelson shed a tear after singing โAlways On My Mindโ at the Houston Rodeo.
That time when Willie Nelson made album just to pay IRS debt
Two years earlier, the Internal Revenue Service seized Nelsonโs assets after claiming he owed $16 million, a result of Nelson and his accountants going years without paying taxes. So the IRS struck a deal with Nelson and allowed him to record an album with the specific purpose of paying off his debt. Nelson then recorded the album, โThe IRS Tapes: Whoโll Buy My Memories,โ a compilation of his past hits. The original arrangement by the IRS was for Nelson to sell four million copies of the album to pay off his debt, but only $3.6 million total was raised from the album. Ultimately, Nelson paid off the remaining $9 million he owed and his debt was satisfied.
'On the Farm Again' Woman makes hay replica of Willie Nelson
In this Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 photo, a hay bale sculpture called Will-Hay Nelson stands in a field on Tolers Ferry Road in Huddleston, Va. (Emily Elconin/The News & Advance via AP)HUDDLESTON, VA โ Country singer Willie Nelson frequently sings about traveling and seeing things he may never see again. Chances are he had never before encountered a 15-foot-tall hay sculpture of himself โ guitar and iconic pigtail braids included โ like the one a Virginia woman recently created. Huddleston native Beth Bays has been making giant hay bale sculptures for the last eight years. But her latest work, โWill-Hay Nelson," really struck a chord in the community upon its debut in November, Bays told news outlets. Seems like the hay sculpture may always be on his mind.
Willie Nelson says he's not smoking, but is still using pot
SAN ANTONIO, TX โ Willie Nelson may have given up smoking, but he hasn't stopped using marijuana. While in San Antonio last week for two performances, the 86-year-old country music legend told KSAT TV that in an effort to take better care of himself, he no longer smokes. โThat said," she said โWillie does what he wants, when he wants, when it comes to smoking." One thing though Nelson won't be giving up is touring. โThis is my home."
Willie Nelson says heโs no longer smoking marijuana due to breathing issues
SAN ANTONIO โ Midway through a sold out two night stand at the Majestic Theater here, country music icon Willie Nelson said that in spite of recent breathing related health issues, he has no plans to give up touring. โI love the bus,โ he told KSAT TVโs Paul Venema during a recent interview. โI donโt smoke anymore - take better care of myself,โ Nelson said. His health issues have generated rumors suggesting that he is near death. โI donโt give a (expletive deleted) Iโm here, Iโm glad to be here,โ and with a smile added โIโm lucky to be here.โ
Willie Nelson Fast Facts
Here's a look at the life of Grammy Award-winning musician Willie Nelson. 1975 - Wins a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, for "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." 1978 - Wins a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, for "Georgia On My Mind." 1991 - Nelson releases the album, "The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?" February 12, 2017 - Wins a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, for "Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin."
Texas Legend Willie Nelson to Play Two Nights at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre
Willie Nelson really doesnt need much of an introduction.As a pioneer of outlaw country, 86-year-old Nelson is a living legend and one of the Lone Star States most revered singer-songwriters. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current. Every reader contribution is valuable and so appreciated, and goes directly to support our coverage of critical issues and neighborhood culture.
sacurrent.comFive San Antonio Concerts to Get You Through the Rest of the 2010s
Were a month and a half away from finishing the shitstorm that was the 2010s. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current. Every reader contribution is valuable and so appreciated, and goes directly to support our coverage of critical issues and neighborhood culture.
sacurrent.comWillie Nelson is on the road again, coming to San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO - Texas country music icon Willie Nelson is returning to San Antonio and will be playing at the Majestic Theatre on Nov. 25 and 26. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-982-2787. Willie Nelson releases new music video dedicated to his rescue horsesNelson's impressive career spans six decades with more than 200 albums, according to a press release. He is an author, actor and activist in addition to being a well-known country music star. Thats what keeps me goin," Nelson told KSAT 12's Paul Venema in August.
Willie Nelson and Family Return to San Antonio Next Month
click to enlarge Faceook / Willie NelsonWhat more can be said about Willie Nelson that we dont already know?The guy's a legend not just for his iconic outlaw country sound but for being one of the nation's most outspoken cannabis supporters for decades. And he also just seems like a nice dude, ya know?The Highwayman singer and Family will be returning to the Alamo City on November 25 and 26 for back-to-back shows at the Majestic Theatre.Releasing 200 albums across six decades and winning almost any award a musician can win, Nelson is the kind of living legend that you have to see at least once if not every time he swings through.
sacurrent.comKen Burns on the love and loss of 'Country Music'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Ken Burns, the renowned documentarian known for bringing American history to vivid life, debuts his latest effort on Sunday, "Country Music." "We say about country music, 'Oh, it's about pickup trucks and good ole boys and hound dogs and six packs of beer.' "We tend to think of country music as one thing, but it's always been many things," says Burns. In Burns' view, the genre has also minted some of the finest songwriters in popular music, country or otherwise. That's country music."
Thoroughbred racehorse prospects for sale in September at world's largest horse sale
LEXINGTON, KY - The world's largest sale of thoroughbred racing prospects is expected to kick off again Monday at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale. This year marks the 76th year the sale will take place with 4,644 yearlings expected to be sold through Sept. 22 when the sale ends. A yearling is a young horse, between 1 and 2 years old. Willie Nelson releases new music video dedicated to his rescue horsesThe 2018 sale saw a record-breaking $375 million in yearlings sold in 12 days. pic.twitter.com/sQ57I3F5Mu Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 5, 2019"Half-siblings to stakes winners Ms Bad Behavior, Cambria and Five Star General consigned to Keeneland September Sale," according to the press release.
Willie Nelson ready to get back on tour
BRIARCLIFF, Texas โ Country music legend Willie Nelson will be back on tour in September following the cancellation of several shows in August. "A lot of shows in a row and Iโd been stuck on that bus,โ Nelson told KSATโs Paul Venema. Asked if he had seen a doctor, Nelson chuckled and said, "Went to one yesterday and he said, โDonโt make any long-range plans.'' Seriously, he said, the checkup went well and, except for chronic breathing problems that heโs had for decades, he is in good shape. Nelson turned 86 in April.
Willie Nelson ready to get back on tour
BRIARCLIFF, Texas - Country music legend Willie Nelson will be back on tour in September following the cancellation of several shows in August. "A lot of shows in a row and Id been stuck on that bus, Nelson told KSATs Paul Venema. Asked if he had seen a doctor, Nelson chuckled and said, "Went to one yesterday and he said, Dont make any long-range plans.'' Seriously, he said, the checkup went well and, except for chronic breathing problems that hes had for decades, he is in good shape. Nelson turned 86 in April.
Willie Nelson will resume tour in September after canceling shows due to breathing problem
Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Blackbird(CNN) - After canceling upcoming concerts over a health issue, Willie Nelson now plans to resume his tour. The country star had announced on Wednesday that he needed to cancel his tour, citing a breathing problem. "I'm sorry to cancel my tour, but I have a breathing problem that I need to have my doctor check out. I'll be back," Nelson wrote in a tweet. In 2018, Nelson canceled a performance at the Outlaw Music Festival, then pulled some shows from his tour.
Willie Nelson Cancels Tour Due to 'Breathing Problems'
Willie Nelson is putting his health first. Love, Willie, he wrote. Its unclear whether all of Nelsons remaining 30 tour dates are officially canceled or just those in the foreseeable future. This isnt the first time Nelson has struggled with breathing problems. RELATED CONTENT:Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson and More Country Stars to Honor Dolly PartonJessica Simpson Gives First Performance in Nine Years to Duet With Willie NelsonWillie Nelson Abruptly Ends Show Due to Breathing Problems
Willie Nelson brings Farm Aid 2019 to Wisconsin's dairy land
EAST TROY, Wis. - Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews will headline Farm Aid 2019 when the music and food festival visits Wisconsins struggling dairy country in September. Farm Aid said in Tuesdays announcement that the U.S. farming economy this year resembles how things were when Nelson founded Farm Aid in 1985. Farm Aid spokeswoman Jennifer Fahey told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the choice of Wisconsin was partly a response to the states dairy crisis. The state lost almost 700 dairy farms last year and more than 300 so far this year. Farm Aid has raised $57 million to support family farms since 1985.
Country music legend Willie Nelson still making music, touring at 85
SAN ANTONIO โ As his 85th birthday approached, Willie Nelson was asked whether he had big plans for the day. The consummate entertainer, Nelson scoffed at the idea of slowing down. RELATED: Willie Nelson talks about music, pot, politicsRELATED: 'Still Not Dead': Willie Nelson battling flu; illness forces cancellation of several concertsHis latest, titled โLast Man Standingโ, is an indirect reference to his age, and it acknowledges the passing of his friends, music legends Merle Haggard and Ray Price. Nelson says Sinatra is his favorite male singer. When he is not in the studio or on the road, Nelson spends time at his home in Maui.