Willie Nelson, the country singer, songwriter and guitarist, has had a long and illustrious career. He started out in local bands as a teenager and went on to join Ray Price's band as a bassist in 1960. In the early days of his career, Nelson toured with a band called The Record Men, which featured Johnny Bush, Jimmy Day, Paul English and David Zettner. He also toured with Ray Price and the Cherokee Cowboys. Nelson is known for his distinctive voice and has released over two dozen number-one hit singles.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name of the bus | Honeysuckle Rose |
Number of buses with the same name | 5 |
Name of the bus company | Florida Coach |
Year of the first Honeysuckle Rose bus | 1983 |
Current owner of the first Honeysuckle Rose bus | Private collectors |
Name of the current tour bus | Honeysuckle Rose V |
Year of the current tour bus | 2013 |
What You'll Learn
Willie Nelson's 1983 Eagle tour bus, nicknamed 'Me & Paul'
Willie Nelson's 1983 Eagle tour bus, nicknamed "Me & Paul", was originally called "Scout". The bus was designed for Nelson's long-time drummer and manager, Paul English, and included a plaque commemorating him. It was purchased and customised with a Detroit Diesel engine, three separate rooms, a picture of Jimmie Rodgers, custom stained glass, and airbrushed designs on the sides and back. The bus had a saloon-style interior with custom wood panelling and crushed red velvet upholstery. It was one of four buses on the tour, alongside "Honeysuckle Rose", "Warrior", and "Red-Headed Stranger".
The bus was listed on Craigslist in 2014 by a seller in Whitehouse, Texas, for $29,000, describing it as a "former Willie Nelson Tour Bus". The ad sparked a bidding war, with the final selling price reaching $80,000. The buyers, Taylor Perkins and Michael Tashnick, were Austin-based entrepreneurs who owned Vintage Innovations, a company that restores and rents vintage vehicles. They planned to restore the bus and use a portion of the proceeds to benefit Farm Aid, an organisation that Nelson has supported.
The "Me & Paul" bus was featured on the first episode of Great American Country's new show, "Celebrity Motor Homes", giving country music enthusiasts an intimate glimpse into this piece of country music lore.
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Nelson's bus driver since 1983, Tony Sizemore
Tony Sizemore, a Marine Corps veteran, has been Willie Nelson's bus driver since 1983. Sizemore was hired as a temporary driver who knew how to work a manual shift bus. However, after a couple of weeks, Nelson decided to keep him on permanently. Before working for Nelson, Sizemore drove for many other famous musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Queen, and Tom Petty.
In his 40 years on the road with Nelson, Sizemore has had countless unique experiences, such as meeting U.S. presidents and being locked up with Nelson for drug possession. Sizemore recalls Nelson's rule to "treat everyone equal." He recounts a story in which Nelson welcomed a homeless man named Louie onto the bus for coffee, and later bought donuts for Louie and his friends.
Sizemore also emphasizes Nelson's kindness to his fans, stating that "you can get drunk and miss a show, and that's no problem, but if you're rude to one of the fans, you're in big trouble." Sizemore recalls how Nelson would sign autographs for three or four hours after every show and take pictures with his fans.
Sizemore, now 75, was supposed to retire in 2019 but ended up staying on after Nelson asked him to drive for one more big show. He says that Nelson won't let him quit: "I guess I just keep working."
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Nelson's drummer since 1956, Paul English
Willie Nelson's drummer, Paul English, was a key member of his band and a close friend. English first met Nelson in 1956 in Fort Worth, Texas, and joined his band in 1966, playing drums until his death in 2020 at the age of 87.
English came from a musical family and had his own leather shop. His older brother, Oliver, was a guitarist and a mentor to Nelson, and it was he who initially connected the two. English's first encounter with Nelson was when the latter asked him to drum on a cardboard box behind him during his noon show on the local radio station, KCNC. English's unique style, playing with a brush and a stick, and his ability to interpret a song, made him the perfect drummer for Nelson's music.
English was not only a drummer but also Nelson's bookkeeper, enforcer, and de facto bodyguard. He was known for his tough, flamboyant style, often dressing in all black with a cape and sporting menacing facial hair. This earned him the nickname "The Devil", which Nelson embraced and incorporated into his image of English, even writing a song called "Devil in a Sleepin' Bag" about him.
English's role extended beyond the stage; he was responsible for collecting payments from promoters and handling sound, lighting, hotel bills, and payroll for Nelson and his crew. He was also known for his forceful tactics in ensuring promoters paid up, occasionally using a pistol to make his point.
English's life before joining Nelson's band was colourful and included stints as a pimp and a gang leader. Despite the potential financial setback, he readily agreed to join Nelson's band, going from making thousands of dollars a week to $30 a night.
English's relationship with Nelson was one of deep loyalty and friendship. English credited Nelson with saving his life, saying, "Had it not been for Willie, I would be dead or in the penitentiary." Similarly, Nelson acknowledged English's impact on his life and career, writing the song "Me and Paul" about their adventures together and calling English his favourite.
English's drumming defined Nelson's later concerts, with his subtle brushed style adding a unique touch to the freewheeling, medley-filled performances. Even after suffering a stroke in 2010, English continued to tour, resuming his role as the band's "money man" until he was able to return to playing the drums.
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Nelson's commitment to treating fans well
Willie Nelson is an American country singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is also an actor, author, and activist. Nelson's commitment to treating his fans well is evident in several aspects of his career and life.
Firstly, Nelson has always prioritised his fans' enjoyment and satisfaction. He has been known to perform free concerts and benefit shows for his fans, even offering a free concert in support of a political candidate he endorsed. Nelson also frequently interacts with his fans on social media, responding to their well-wishes and concerns. This accessibility and engagement foster a sense of connection and community among his fanbase.
Secondly, Nelson's choice of music style and genre has often been influenced by his fans' preferences and the evolving music scene. In the late 1960s, he was a key figure in the development of outlaw country, a subgenre that emerged as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. This shift in style not only kept his music relevant and engaging for fans but also helped shape the country music landscape.
Additionally, Nelson has shown his commitment to treating fans well through his involvement in various charitable initiatives. Notably, he co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 to support American farmers and has been an active participant in the annual concerts. Nelson has also supported other charitable causes, such as the Tsunami Relief Austin to Asia concert for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and the We Are the World initiative.
Moreover, Nelson has made his music widely accessible to fans through extensive touring and recording. He has released numerous albums over the years and continues to tour, ensuring that his music reaches fans across the globe. Nelson's touring bus, the Honeysuckle Rose, has become synonymous with his commitment to performing and connecting with his fans.
Finally, Nelson has shown a willingness to adapt and innovate to meet his fans' changing needs and expectations. For example, he has explored various music genres beyond country, including reggae, blues, jazz, and folk. This versatility not only showcases his artistic range but also appeals to diverse fan interests and preferences.
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Nelson's social activism
Willie Nelson is a major liberal activist and has been involved in various social causes throughout his career. Here is an overview of his social activism:
Support for Family Farms:
Nelson co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 with Neil Young and John Mellencamp to assist and raise awareness about the importance of family farms. The organization holds an annual music festival, raising funds and providing support for family farmers. Nelson has been an integral part of Farm Aid, participating in every concert and serving as the president of the board.
Biofuel and Environmental Advocacy:
Nelson has been an advocate for the use of biofuels and alternative energy sources. He co-owns the biodiesel brand Willie Nelson Biodiesel, which produces fuel made from vegetable oil. Additionally, he has been involved in the building of sustainable biodiesel plants and has supported initiatives to reduce gas emissions.
Marijuana Legalization:
Nelson is a prominent voice in the movement for the legalization of marijuana. He is the co-chair of the advisory board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and has worked closely with them to promote policy change. He has also created his own marijuana brand, Willie's Reserve.
LGBTQ+ Rights:
Nelson is an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and has voiced his opposition to laws such as the Defense of Marriage Act. He has designed and shared logos on social media, showing his support for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Opposition to Trump's Family Separation Policy:
Nelson publicly criticized the Trump administration's family separation policy during his 2018 Fourth of July Picnic. He also endorsed Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic candidate for the Senate election in Texas, and performed at a free concert in support of O'Rourke's campaign.
Support for Various Causes:
Throughout his career, Nelson has lent his support to numerous other social causes. He has contributed to relief efforts for natural disasters, such as the Indian Ocean tsunami and wildfires in Central Texas. He has also been an advocate for better treatment of horses, supporting the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Nelson has participated in benefits and fundraisers for various organizations, including the Special Olympics and the Last Prisoner Project, which works for the release of inmates with minor drug charges.
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Frequently asked questions
Willie Nelson began his musical career in high school, touring locally with the Bohemian Polka as their lead singer and guitarist. After graduating high school in 1950, he joined the U.S. Air Force but was later discharged due to back problems. He then worked as a DJ at radio stations in Texas and the Pacific Northwest, while also working as a singer and songwriter. In 1960, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and signed a publishing contract with Pamper Music. This allowed him to join Ray Price's band as a bassist. In 1962, he recorded his first album, ...And Then I Wrote.
Willie Nelson's first tour bus was called Honeysuckle Rose. There have been five buses with this name, according to Florida Coach, where Nelson has gotten his transportation since 1979. The first Honeysuckle Rose was a 1983 bus built by Florida Coach but was totaled in a 1990 crash in Nova Scotia, Canada. The interior was salvaged and placed into a 1990 model.
The first Honeysuckle Rose was involved in a crash in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1990. The bus was totaled, but the interior was salvaged and placed into a 1990 model.