WILLIE NELSON: All the Albums, astounding record of US pop culture, 1962 until today

WILLIE NELSON: All the Albums
GEOFFREY HIMES
Motorbooks International (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$40.00 all editions, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Willie Nelson: All the Albums is a sprawling career retrospective of an American treasure, viewed through his 100-plus solo and collaborative albums. Journey through Willie Nelson’s rebellious, prolific, and enduring career with this richly illustrated tour of the beloved singer-songwriter’s 100-plus albums.

Few musicians or celebrities are as widely adored as Willie Nelson. The legendary Texas singer-songwriter is still recording and performing music well into his nineties. In this photo-filled coffee-table gift book, noted country/roots/Americana music writer Geoffrey Himes traces Nelson’s entire career through the lens of his albums, examining:

Nelson’s influences and early career as a songwriter

The circumstances of each album’s writing and recording

Studio musicians and personnel

How each album fit into Nelson’s career arc and the evolution of his craft

In addition, Himes offers a sidebar for each album that includes:

An image of the album sleeve

Recording and release dates

Single releases

Chart positions for singles and albums

Along the way, read about Nelson’s film roles, notable collaborators, famous Fourth of July picnics, iconic Martin guitar “Trigger,” and involvement in causes like Farm Aid, biodiesel fuels, and marijuana legalization.

The text, together with more than 250 images of Nelson on- and offstage, make for a unique and visually entertaining celebration of an American treasure who has transcended America’s increasing polarization to become a national treasure.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: Well, you know who 92-year-old Willie Nelson is, or you're not from the US. Everything in this book is meant to tie in to one of his astounding discography.

Think about this man's life a minute. Born in the worldwide Great Depression of 1929-1939, a midlist country studio musician until moving home to Texas and returning to mostly performing instead of mostly recording, falling into fame by being his loudmouth, abrasive-to-authority self in the next fifteen years...struck down by the IRS mid-fame, but even that turned into huge success. All during his carrer he's penned the hits time and time again.

on the road again

early days

himself today

All that life...all that living. And we have spent our lives during his. Sometimes knowing and hearing about him, other times not so much (unless you've lived in Austin any time after 1972). There are not that many people, let alone entertainers, who can say as much. Dick van Dyke springs to mind, one hundred this year. But...well...anyone else?

There are lots and lots of photos, facts, and details in this book. They're designed to delight the fan, not make converts. The music needs to do that lift. We can revel in them, should we be fans; or we can gift the book with so many of them to one who will. I doubt many of us have to hunt far to find a Willie Nelson fan.

It's prime time for gifting goodies...this one will be a hit, tree book or ebook.