Country star Willie Nelson goes 'Back on the Road Again'

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Country star Willie Nelson goes 'Back on the Road Again'
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 2003228151433
Story by Steven Kalnasy



HONOLULU, Hawaii(Feb. 21, 2003) -- HONOLULU--As a young man in rural Texas during the 1950s, Willie Nelson learned what it meant to be an American. Growing up in the heartland of the country, life was simple, but hard.

Along with his sister, he was raised under the strict hand and unconditional love of his paternal grandparents.

On his official Web site (www.willienelson.com), he describes the early influence of the African-American and Spanish-American community where he lived.

"I worked in the cotton fields around Abbott ,Texas, there was a lot of singing that went on while we worked, and we listened to all their music," said Nelson when describing his marriage of country music and blues.

That influence was evident during his recent show at the Waikiki Shell on Feb. 8. In the five decades he has been writing and playing music, Nelson shared his most memorable offerings. Opening the show with his hit "Whiskey River Don't Run Dry," he displayed his prowess on the stage as the consummate entertainer.

In a rare appearance, Hawaiian music legend Don Ho sang a duet with Willie during his song "Night Life." The pairing of the two crooners was a natural, which was accepted with overwhelming approval of those present.

To an audience of some 6,500 fans, Nelson gave them their money's worth, playing many of his other favorites that have been part of the country music landscape for years such as "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," "Hey, Good Lookin'," and "Funny, How Time Slips Away." After a restful vacation at his Maui home, Nelson played with a peaceful, comforting spirit that meshed perfectly with the cool, clear sky overhead.

Displaying a huge Texas State flag behind him, Nelson encouraged the throngs of Texans in the audience to show their colors. All around the audience shone the telltale flags of honor, transporting us to Galveston rather than Honolulu.

Willie played on for two hours, but not before warning the crowd about the life of a cowboy singing his hit "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys." His humor was self-effacing considering the cowboys who were on hand to cheer him on.

Backstage after the show, Nelson expressed his support for America's efforts to protect the homeland. Offering words of encouragement and support to the troops who are preparing for battle in America's war on terror, he said, "You know, the whole country wishes them all the best while they go over there and do what they do to protect America. We wish them to come home safe."

Grabbing my hand firmly, he said "God bless the Marines and God bless America."

Sempers,

Roger


Country star Willie Nelson sings some of his greatest hits during a 2003 concert on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Photo by: Steven Kalnasy