Willie Nelson: The Outlaw (Paperback)

~ Graeme Thomson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'A LIVELY READ AND VIVID PORTRAIT' OBSERVER 'A timely reminder of the stature and achievements of the 72-year-old Texan' Daily Telegraph 'A tale of drink, drugs, women and excess that would make [Keith] Richards reach for the Panadol. It's a great tale, well worth the read' Sunday Sport"

Product Description

With a face that wouldn't look out of place carved into Mount Rushmore, Willie Nelson has done and seen it all. A dope smoking, whisky drinking, latter-day cowboy with Native American blood, four wives, and seven children, Nelson has a career that spans half a century of American music. In this revealing, intimate, and insightful biography, Graeme Thomson goes beyond the myths, talking with Nelson himself, his band, and those who know him best to discover the real Willie Nelson. Nelson's life has been a journey of incredible highs and crashing lows. The armfuls of awards huge record sales, famous friends, and creation of Farm Aid and his annual Fourth of July picnics have been achieved in the shadow of his mother's early desertion, penury, three turbulent marriages, drug busts, drinking, bankruptcy, and his son's suicide. This biography brilliantly describes a complex, compelling man, whose life and music reveal and reflect something fundamental at the very heart of 20th century America, explaining along the way why Willie Nelson is nothing short of a living legend.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Virgin Books (May 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753511843
• ISBN-13: 978-0753511848
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #434,587 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At Last: The Real Willie, July 18, 2006

By	James Roberts - See all my reviews

This review is from: Willie Nelson: The Outlaw (Hardcover)

I had to write this review after reading the previous reviewer's comments, which make little sense. THE OUTLAW is a fantastic read, and, more importantly, the first book that really grapples with the strange, magic reality of Willie Nelson. It is virtually un-put-downable, full of character and verve, honesty and insight.

Even as I tore through it I suspected there might be a split between those who read it: for so-called 'loyal' Willie fans who treat him like some kind of God, it may not appeal. Those who are looking for an uncomplicated, unthinking homage to Willie will not find it here - there are plenty of those kinds of books on the shelves, but this is the first Willie book to really grapple with the complexities of the man; it is a warts 'n' all study, although affectionate, knowledgable and fair, and presents him and his amazing world in a thorough and truly new way.

It is clearly and cleverly written, with little up-close vignettes of Willie in between each chapter, and with cameos from all the major players in Willie's life. I bet Willie read it with a wry chuckle and thought, 'Yep, they finally got me!'

A wonderful book, highly recommended to all Willie fans who don't wear blinkers, and all other music fans.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spot on, July 18, 2006

By	Chavez - See all my reviews

This review is from: Willie Nelson: The Outlaw (Hardcover)

Awesome book! Fills in a whole load of gaps in Will's life that I often wondered about. I've been a fan for 25 years and hoped this kind of 3-D book would come along - it's not only very astute on his life and character but also absolutely BRILLIANT on his music.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for Willie fans, November 3, 2006

By	D. Brooks (North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Willie Nelson: The Outlaw (Hardcover)

Great insight to one of America's greatest song writers and musicians. I've followed Willie for over 30 years and I'm not a country music fan. Willie reaches everyone who loves a good song.