Along with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson is one of the most recognised faces in American country music. Born in Texas during the great depression in 1933, Nelson is as known for his political activism as his music. He wrote his first song aged 7, and formed his first band aged 10. Before he became a full-time musician Willie worked as a cotton picker, disc jockey, and bible salesman. His first professional band was Bohemian Polka, his Grandmother, who raised him, disapproved of all the drinking that attended polka dancehall music but she allowed him to pursue his dreams. His big break came when Faron Young heard his song ‘Hello Walls’ and recorded it. After that legends such as Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline also covered his original songs – with Cline’s version of ‘Crazy’ being a smash hit. His 1978 album ‘Stardust’ spent 2 years on the Billboard 200 and spent over ten years in the country music charts. Willie thought his career was over in 1972 and decided to retire. He was wrong, it hadn’t even started. Willie has had the same guitar ‘Trigger’ (named after Roy Rogers horse) for over 50 years. It is a Martin N20 recognisable by the hole he has worn through the soundboard.