Willie Nelson Stories: -Out Of His Mind And Starving In Nashville

I've been reading Willie Nelson's autobiography and decided to share a few Willie stories. I'm focusing on his early days in Nashville and the generosity of the people around him.
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Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson Story,
Willie Nelson Nashville
Willie Nelson Stories
Willie Nelson Book
Hello Walls
Night Life

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite Willie song from those early years? I love Night Life, Ain't it Funny How Time Slips Away, The Party's Over and quite a few others. What's your favorite?

[@ulfsvensson9710]

Ain´t it funny is a real good song, both listen to and play.

[@travissmith9451]

Nightlife and Hello Walls are hard to beat - as is Willie himself!

[@otisgibbs]

@@travissmith9451 I'm with ya, Travis!

[@travissmith9451]

@@otisgibbs do you have any stories from JJ Cale's days in Nashville? There doesn't seem to be much information about his time there, all of the stories are from the Okie migration that Leon Russell led to LA. As an aside, JJ Cale, Levon Helm, Jesse Ed Davis, and John Ware tried putting a band together with John Ware playing bass. Ware said it was quickly apparent he wasn't a bassist and it ended after one club date. You're probably know Ware went on to play with Linda Ronstadt and later with Emmy Lou Harris and The Hot Band - an appropriate name for those guys!

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

I can't isolate one song that is my favorite,but i want to say how much i love his delicate guitar lines,for my ears,that's his forte

[@johnchristensen6272]

First time I met Willie I was waiting at the Dallas airport going to Maui for a medical seminar. This cowboy (jeans, boots, hat and guitar) sat down next to me. Initially I was too busy to talk to him as I was studying a medical book. I really did not know anything about country music or Willie Nelson but we had a great conversation. He invited me to his place on Maui. Our flight started boarding and we both stood up. I am 6'5" and Willie even with boots was short. I said the most stupid thing I ever said. "I thought you would be taller." Willie politely just smiled and said, "I was taller before the IRS had their way with me." We both laughed but I thought I am such an idiot. What a gentleman Willie was and will always be!

[@otisgibbs]

That's tremendous, John! : )

[@3765racer]

a friend of mine met him on a flight back to the states from Maui....my friend asked a dumb question, he said is your name willie ..willie said no its john, his wife elbowed him and said willie

[@michaellawrencesound]

I saw Willie perform a few years ago in the California desert and he was so sick he could only sing two or three songs. You see that he was frustrated, that the last thing he wanted to do was give up on the concert. But he just couldn’t keep going. The rest of the band kept playing, though, and it was an amazing, unforgettable show. The following night we got a notice that the money for the concert had been refunded. It was one of the best concerts I’d ever seen and Willie still gave the money back. So classy.

[@CC-te5zf]

A good friend of mine retired as a 3 star General in the Air Force. He’d risen from the bottom of the enlisted ranks. At his retirement he said he was not a “self-made” man; he was the product of allot of great people in his path that helped him. Willie is a treasure to the world. I’m grateful for every person that was in his path. God bless them all!

[@jimrichards1798]

I went to a Willie concert with some friends several years ago. Great seats. Second row-center. When I took my seat, I was within a few feet of Trigger, resting comfortably in its stand. Willie came out and the band kicked into “Whiskey River.” After a few songs, I noticed that Willie would immediately wave to anyone in the crowd who waved at him. The guy right in front of me waited until Willie was really picking Trigger and waved to him. Willie never missed a beat he smiled, raised three fingers off his pick and waved back. Everything I know of Willie tells me he’s one of the nicest guys imaginable. I love “Ain’t it funny how time slips away.”

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Jim! : )

[@jamigaither]

That's a great story! :D Good song pick. Thanks for turning me onto it.

[@claumeister1]

I don’t even follow country music, but I love your stories and your kind and gentle spirit, Otis. I’m ready to hear many more.

[@peterbetts858]

the best thing that a person in your position could do is buy Wille n family , live lp and the lp Shot Gun Willie .

[@claumeister1]

@peterbetts858 Good to know !

[@kinserdude]

I saw Willie in 94 at a country bar in mid Missouri. I went with my buddy Ramsey. After the show (which was great) Willie made his way across the stage shaking hands. Everyone there was dressed like Garth, not to knock Garth Caus that dude can sing but it was the look. Anyway, Ramsey and i were in different alt country bands so I'm sure we were dressed like mechanics at a used car lot. Lol, when Willie got to us his eyes lit up, he shook our hands and shot the sh!t with us for like 15 minutes, it was very cool.

[@garycogswell5499]

Willie has reciprocated that kindness. A compassionate man.

[@bernardausterberry9795]

It appears you're quickly, well maybe not quickly, becoming an American music historian. I regret being on a very limited income. Your research and recall as well as storytelling is outstanding. You are one of a shrinking group of people still worth listening to. Thank You.

[@dianethornhill3651]

I’ve loved Willie since the late 60s. My favorite of his is Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain. I’ll never forget hearing it on the school bus’s radio one early morning. My Dad was the driver and the bus was parked at the bottom of our driveway up in the hills where we lived. I had just taken my seat, just the two of us on the bus, when the opening cords of that song started. I looked at Dad, he looked at me in the mirror and both of our jaws dropped. We had just been singing that song the night before in our living room. A song he’d sung for a long time, as lead singer of his band. They were the first live band to play at Knott’s Berry farm. Thanx for a walk down memory lane Otis. ✌🏽🧡😊

[@INDYOSKARS]

Here is an enjoyable surprise: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHnPmpZ_l86XqtE

[@normangilbert1236]

Love your stories , Sir . Any stories on Ralph Emery ? I really like to listen to him. Thanks Otis, from Tara, Ontario

[@moncorp1]

Willie. I've seen him more times than I can count. Never a disappointing show. I once saw him about 25 years ago in Odessa, Texas at a show that for some reason didn't get a lot of people. Maybe 2 to 300 people. I was about 5 rows from the stage. He performed like there were 20,000 people. Its sad to think that even if he were to live 10 -15 more years, he ain't gonna be with us too much longer. Get to one of his shows if you have the chance. The guy is one of the last originals and definitely one of a kind. Its hard to think of a world without him in it, and he ain't at the finish line yet, but you can see it from here.

[@robertparsons5295]

Otis… those are some really great Willie songs for sure. Someone needs to make a movie. My Willie song isn’t really a Willie song. It’s a how Willie introduced my to Merle story. Around 1992, my family and I took a trip to Branson, Missouri from Northern Ontario. When we got there, one of the first things I did was book 6 tickets to see Willie at his theatre there. Was it called Willie Nelson’s Ozark Theatre… it’s been a while. When we showed up, excited to see the legend, I was disappointed to be told that Willie wasn’t playing and it was Merle Haggard on the bill instead. I saw Merle that night for the first time, in about row 10. First time I heard Kern River. It was one of those magical moments that changes your musical trajectory. I had managed to see Merle a total of 7 times before he died. Not bad for someone from Northern Ontario. I never witnessed a show that didn’t blow me away. Thanks Willie.

[@72spawndn]

My wife’s uncle hung out in the bars in Nashville in the 60’s. He brought Willie home one night after a long night of drinking. They woke up my wife’s grandmother and she promptly kick Willie out of her house.

[@markmeyer3448]

I just love these stories! Just listening to how everyone treated each other back then compared to today, the morale is so much different, I grew up with that help and love your neighbor mentallity that is just so much more needed in this world today.. Thank you otis once again!

[@deepgreatfalls9640]

I’ll bet there are some Willie tales that we’ll never hear...probably best that way. Thanks Otis

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Steve!

[@matildaharden1064]

If Trigger could talk. Willie is a good man, I know from first hand experience with him. All his contradictions make him unique

[@Ron-py7rt]

When I was a young guy living in Dallas, I would travel between Dallas & Austin on Hwy. I-35. There was a great place to eat on I-35 called "The Turkey Shop". I was ordering food there one day & there were all these photos of Willie hanging on the walls. I asked the lady, sloping up my food on a plate, cafeteteria style - "Hey, what's with all the pics of Willie in here?" She replied: Oh - he grew up right down the road in Abbot (Texas). I asked her to tell me her best Willie Nelson story. She replied: when he was a little kid, he'd just got a guitar & was learning to play & sing. One day, he went down to the city square, walking from business to business, asking if he could play his guitar & sing at their business. He got to the barber shop & the owner told little Willie that if he'd come back on Saturday, he'd let him play & sing. Willie came back Saturday, played & sang 1 song & at the end of the song, the owner gave little Willie a quarter & told him: " here's a quarter for you for singing & playing. Thank you, but here's another quarter if you'll stop now & leave." Lady at the Turkey shop told me that was a true story. I'm 69 years old now & never forgot it. Cheers.....

[@NaturalRagman]

"Acts of Kindness" Beautiful. I would show up at Tootsies every Saturday night in the early '70s and wait for my opportunity to play with the band. I hung it up after about 4 months. LOL

[@ardenevox]

This is so fantastic and you are a great storyteller. Also, Funny How Time Slips Away by Lyle Lovett and Al Green floors me, that groove that you know is Al's. I love many of Willie's songs but somehow Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain is so distilled and sublime. Nightlife. How can you be that jazzy and honky tonk at the same time? Maybe that one is more like one Hoagy Carmichael might have penned. It has that perfect cross pollination of country soul and jazz.

[@g.k.dickenson9259]

Hey Otis, YOU are one of those "Acts Of Kindness" described in this video. Many Thanks!

[@katherinebosse5706]

Bless every one of those people!! I can’t imagine a world without Willie and his music. He is my own personal troubadour and to quote another great song writer, Willie, I will always love you. ❤️

[@daneallan1320]

Don't be silly, bro. I love listening to you tell stories about country artists. As well as a singer and songwriter and guitar player of traditional country music, I'm also hooked on trivia about the industry from the 50s on. I'm originally from Newfoundland Canada living in Ontario. Please keep up the great work and great stories. Thanks.....d.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Mr Gibbs , you are a great racconteur, a proper story teller . More please.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Giulio!

[@TexanUSMC8089]

I grew up in a small town outside San Antonio. Bandera, Texas. I remember when Willie and his family lived there in the 70s. Nashville has thousands of people with a song. Most never make a dime. Some of them should have. People like Willie Nelson or Kris Kristofferson don't come along often though. Me and my brother wrote a lot of songs together back in the 90's. We sat in Tootsie's one night, and my brother sang on that little stage. I talked to Scotty Turner a lot at his publishing company. Great stories and videos Otis. I downloaded several of your records from Itunes. Thanks.

[@Jamestele1]

Holy Crap Batmann! God Bless the late Hank Cochran. That guy was a troubadour with a lot of heart! Great story about "Hello Walls" also. Thanks for posting this video

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@rexmaus6699]

Great Story Otis !! It reminded me of some of my favorite Willie memories. In Austin in the 70's, Willie was finding his new hometown welcomed him everywhere he went. I recall seeing him regularly in a couple of Mexican restaurants I frequented. He would either have family with him or members of his band. Naturally, people flocked to him to say hello or to ask for an autograph. He was never too busy to accomodate his fans. Truly a most humble kind man. I also recall the many times I would see him driving his Mercedes FAST!! One time on the upper deck of I35, I saw his car in my rear view mirror, coming fast. He pulled aside me and I waved and said Hey Willie !! He kicked that Benz into hyper drive, waving to me out the moon roof as he sped away. Fun times.

[@terrycanales23]

Awesome!

[@terrycanales23]

I saw Willie in Austin, on Congress Ave. He was on a horse filming a video, and when I took a few steps into the street and waved to him he said "hello darlin" and I melted!

[@frankiebutler2894]

I knew it. I knew it‼️ “Hello, Walls”. Some Nashville people must have been good, others not so much.

[@dannaab8459]

It must have been April 1991and I had just finished running the Trolley 4-mile fun run at the Plaza in KCMO. Heading back to my car in the parking garage there was Willie Nelson all by himself playing and singing. I stood there soaked with sweat from the run, just me and him, and listened for a while but felt a little shy and took off after saying thanks. I really didn't think much about it later but it Foreshadowed how important Willie Nelson's music would become to my life and I would later have a car named Paul, and a postman delivered a past due to bill notice, and that it'd be weird to grow me a beard, but I didn't stay, cause life does what it wants. My favorite part in that book is the part about Bob Wills is still the king.. That cracks me up.

[@stevemoore8235]

Willie said 'when he was young, his farts could kill Johnson grass six foot tall"

[@TheZeekgeek1]

A lot of good people helped Willie on his journey. A lot of good people helped us all on our journeys. I just hope I can help somebody on theirs.

[@billrhea73]

Aint it funny how time slips away is at the top for me. Thanks for the stories

[@dennball]

Willie is a national treasure. Great stories about him. First show I saw in Houston in the late 70's, was Willie with Jerry Jeff Walker, David Allen Coe, Kinky Friedman. Turned me on to this beautiful Texas music. My favorite song is Blue Eyes Cryin in the Rain.

[@doughill8475]

The stories here and the lesson that it takes not just talent but a lot of luck reminds me of one of my favorite John Anderson songs, "Nashville Tears."

[@TropicalLatitude]

Great stories! I grew up in a tiny farm town in South Texas. Local people told about Willie as a young man with short hair and in a business suit playing for Saturday night dances in the 1950s. That may have been during the time Willie was a radio DJ south of San Antonio.

[@brandenbauer8942]

You’re the fuckin man Otis!!! Thanks for spreading the kindness and the back stories

[@patrickhackett3878]

We need more heart warming stories like these.

[@magprob]

I just Love Willie so every song is my favorite. My wife and I saw Willie in Reno a few years back. We hurried around to the back door where his bus was. When he came out, I shook his hand then he stopped and hugged my wife. He took a couple steps then stopped again and hugged her a second time. My wife had a beautiful smile but she was Spiritually Enlightened, as Willie is also. He felt that energy and let us know it. All the way back to Idaho, my wife was on cloud 9!

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

God Bless Larry Butler. That’s a man living right.

[@otisgibbs]

Ain't that the truth!

[@coycoberly4162]

#TRUTH

[@FunkBastid]

Ya, it’s nice to hear the inverse version of those hundreds of stories of desperate artists getting screwed by established industry folks.

[@otisgibbs]

@@FunkBastid Ain't that the truth, Simone!

[@duncankennedy5900]

Your stories are (as they say here in glasgow,p.d.b.)pure dead brilliant, I will continue watching your willie Nellson story until the day comes when it fails to make me cry,that could take some time,that is a gem of a story,you are a gem of a story teller,I just love what what you do .keep them coming.i sing (very badly and play the guitar even worse,i am in the process of (trying) to learn the "great American road side,that is one hellofagreatsong sir xx

[@crazywisdom2]

I could listen to you tell a story for days. Thanks friend ...

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@paulfromcleveland5871]

According to Faron Young in a interview, he stated that he did not like the song "Hello Walls" and that his record company had to convince him to cut it.

[@JDNicoll]

It takes unfathomable courage to be an artist.

[@thedug]

Hey Otis, that was a great story today. Made me smile. Just wish my girlfriend knew to stop talking when Otis is telling me a story lol. Thanks friend.

[@otisgibbs]

We have the same problem at my house. I had to start a KZbin channel so someone would listen to me tell these damn stories. ; )

[@jamigaither]

@@otisgibbs This Chica is LISTENING!! :D We both sit enthralled when Otis tells us a story, @thedug.

[@Caperhere]

Earphones 😊

[@thedug]

@@Caperhere lol. Yup. You from Cape Breton?

[@jamesdavid7099]

LOL

[@mimiisme2728]

I so enjoy listening to your stories. They aren't candy coated but told truthfully. Thank You for sharing.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Cleta!

[@JoshWatsonandtheOolaMallaBand]

"...Nashville was the roughest, but I know I've said the same about them all..."

[@MrGavinspoppop]

Larry Butler ,,,, a real stand up guy ....good to hear .... Bill Walker ,,, another stand up guy .... Hank Cochran ,,, another mench !!!!! AND Farron Young too ??? This is , in my opinion , God's Grace workin in Willie's life ... saved again and again and again ... great stories

[@SaulTDawg]

My Grandfather was a Steel Guitar Player in a few bands in the OKC area from the 60s thru the late 80s. He knew quite a few of the big names in those days since OKC was a big deal in the Country music scene with the Jude and Jody TV show. He told me stories about Willie Nelson and all those struggling writers eating ketchup soup to survive. I think about that story and how broke you would have be to live off of that every time I am in the condiment isle of the grocery store. I am glad that he passed down to me a love for true Country music and the love of guitar playing before he died.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Fredrick! Willie talks about eating ketchup soup in his book. That's a rough way to go. : )

[@earlcox6293]

i just found you, and you immediately became a favorite. now i have to try to find your music. you are a source of joy in a dark and scary world. thank you.

[@thomasmagee9576]

You good people,Otis.We like your stories.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@myzyagssc]

Always on my mind

[@rodneygilbertson2231]

You tell some of the best stories! I bet they are endless! One of Willys songs that take me back to the farm days is Stay all night! Always seemed like someone would stop by for coffee, which led to chores and beers! Love those times!

[@Uppertown]

So glad I discovered you Otis. I really enjoy these episodes and stories very much! Thank you for doing it-it’s very important. Cheers!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@drybayoudan5429]

Had to watch this again. No one starts at the top, but, the cream always rises to the top.

[@richardross119]

Brother, you have many great episodes but, this is an absolute gem. Thank You

[@mojo6778]

Otis, loved the content on Willie. I seem to remember that Willie was a regular over at Guy Clarks late at night and one evening I think after being at Guy's, may after a performance, Willie went home only to find his house on fire, he rescued his guitar and his pot, headed to Texas and never looked back and once again his whole life changed and a new chapter began.

[@Cincinnatus1869]

One morning in the late 90s I was walking my dog in the park in Rising Sun , Indiana when a man who was out jogging stopped and smiled scratched my hound's head . I remember thinking 'this fella looks just like Willie Nelson ' . As he jogged away I saw his braids sticking out the back of his cap and realized it WAS Willie. I didn't even get a chance to say a word . I found out later he was playing the casino in town.

[@ludwigfan3013]

My grandpa had a run in with Willie Nelson back in the early 1980's at a restaurant called The Country Boy in Hazel Park Michigan, he passed him some ketchup.

[@josephbaca6372]

Excellent- especially the Hello Walls tale

[@markmcclain2732]

Thank you soo much The stores you share Brings me soo much hope When life brings me Down. Please keep sharing thank you again . Mark McClain

[@jnholland006]

This ain’t no bullshit!! I saw Willie in ‘16 with Ben Haggard and Kris Kristofferson (shortly after the Hag had passed, RIP MRH!) anywho… in Atlanta Ga at Chastain Park and President Jimmy Carter was down at the front drinking Miller Lite out of the can 😂😂 I swear! My brother and I were high and drunk, which resulted in a great argument and our departure during KK’s set. Thanks again Otis!!

[@PopUpRecordShop]

Us humble people don’t lose, We Give Thanks for your blessings of song Big Willie

[@davidterry919]

I love listening to all these stories on your channel. These things happen to everyone every day. We just don't know how to tell them like these story tellers do . Thank you for your time and all the entertainment.

[@artflow7805]

Willie!!

[@larrypayne5862]

Mr. Record Man. Thanks again Otis!! Thanks Willie!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Larry!

[@juliannaking4473]

I COULD LISTEN TO YOU FOR HOURS

[@shanequenzer871]

My new favorite show. You the man Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Shane!

[@shanequenzer871]

Could I get your opinion on a few original songs of mine ? Would truly mean so much to me

[@thebutton7932]

really great , thanks Otis

[@HagIsMyHero]

Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@amyf4985]

And always appreciate your perspectives! So thankful for all the recordings you made and shared.

[@rickvanswieten2571]

Thanx Otis, great story again.

[@timshelley8635]

Awesome!

[@frankjamesenglishartist]

AWESOME POST THANKS yes 4 sure the "pollen path" as described reiterated from native american culture by Joseph Campbell.. When you stay true to your heart, keeping on the heroes journey you are surrounded by pollen.. All those early songs he has re-recorded over the years and sound amazing every decade.. His version of Always On My Mind kicks me in the gut every time..

[@gradyshawver7643]

These are so great, Otis. Thanks so much for sharing them.

[@gedmason6387]

These videos are great. Thank you Otis.

[@lindaspratt1152]

GREAT stories, thanks!

[@bruceplumisto]

Awesome Willie stories

[@jrm2fla]

That Hank Cochran story was GREAT!

[@danflenderson742]

These stories are great.

[@MarkHailey12]

great message for us all

[@michaelarthur4764]

Great stories Otis …thank you!

[@bobgoldesberry7740]

All I can say is Wow! Thank you

[@JValek]

Just great stories! Thank you.

[@davidyandell4362]

Love this. Love the little champ ? behind you.

[@richardsisk1770]

Thanks Otis! Love your stories and your style. 😊

[@GRBAquatics]

This is so Cool, and such amazing story, thankyou. Willie is a Champion. Cheers from Australia.

[@alleyoop9099]

Great stories! I'm from out Willie's way it's great hearing the old stories

[@reddriver2925]

Great Stuff Otis,And From What I Hear Willie Has Helped A Lot More Than Helped Him ,True American

[@123Goldhunter11]

Good stuff. Thanks. It can be a razors edge between success and failure.

[@randyheath8566]

I could sit and listen to you for hours.. I Played in my Band for Jack Greene's Wedding Reception in Goodlettsville in about 78 79. One of my Great Friends played Guitar for Billy Walker, His name is Danny Patton and Billy His Wife and Danny died in a Crash. Danny came by a Bar my Band was playing at and said he was leaving in the morning headed towards Nashville to Play Guitar for Billy Walker. Rest in Peace

[@redplanetdrifter3352]

I met Willie several years ago, he kinda introduced himself to me, which was funny to begin with, I mean, he's Willie Nelson! Anyway, he was such a sincere guy, and within a few seconds, it seemed like he was an old friend. I've never met anyone that just left me so awestruck. The entire time I spent with him I just kept thinking about all the people he's known, pretty much everybody that has ever been famous, this guy knew, and he was taking the time to stand around and shoot the shit with me! How cool is that???

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Awesome... thank you :)

[@theguitartundra]

just amazing .. thank you

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@williamaustin1]

I've always been a fan of Willie's. These were fun stories. Favorite Willie song from the early days, Pretty Paper.

[@sheepdog1102]

Great story!

[@yepyepuhhuh]

Excellent story Otis. Thank you again for sharing your stories. I really am not as well with words. I do appreciate your art.

[@robertlaporte2998]

I Love this,it tells me Gods Grace and good people will always have a way!

[@silviopimentel7247]

You have a great voice & southern drawl & calm to awesome story telling! Love your repotoar!! 🙌👏👏✌

[@pauldockery1747]

Thank you

[@jeffisaac8000]

Thanks for sharing !

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@williamknell864]

This was great.

[@margaret3355]

Thanks Otis. You filled up my heart tonight with those stories

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Rita!

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

GREAT STORIES, THANK YOU.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Brock!