Willie Nelson

Before he was one of the most prolific album makers and recognizable figures in popular music, Willie Nelson was a songwriter who wrote hits for country stars like Patsy Cline and Faron Young. Nelson made his name covering pop and C&W; standards and spearheading "outlaw" country in the 1960s and 1970s. His stature grew exponentially during the 1980s with the release of classic singles like "On the Road Again" and "Always on my Mind,” his participation in the supergroup the Highwaymen and his leadership role in the Farm Aid concerts.

Photo by Danny Clinch