A legendary name in U.S. country music, and promoter of the more eclectic "Texas sound" that draws liberally on rock, blues, and folk motifs, Nelson in the early 1970s helped lead the revolt against Nashville's domination of orthodox country music. In a career that began in the 1950s, Nelson has recorded more than 100 albums and many hit singles in a wide variety of genres and styles, making him a significant crossover artist. He has also starred in several motion pictures and is known as the founder of Farm Aid, an annual outdoor music festival to benefit struggling farm owners.

Nelson has been surrounded by music his entire life. He was born in 1933 in Abbott, Texas, a small farming community near Waco, to poor parents who had recently migrated from Arkansas in search of work. The Nelsons were migrant farmers, and Willie spent much...