A Musical Passion
Although Nelson’s grandfather worked as a blacksmith, both of his grandparents were musically inclined. They were the ones that brought the magic of music into Willie’s life. When Nelson was only six, his grandfather bought him his first guitar and even taught him some basic chords. Needless to say, he’s been playing ever since.
Source: austinchronicle.com
Willie and his sister grew up singing gospel at their local church, and Willie had a clear talent for music. His life wasn’t easy, though. Every summer, Willie and other residents of their Texan town would all pick cotton together. This was exhausting and backbreaking work, especially for a child. Since Nelson hated cotton picking, at age 13, he started to make money by singing at dance halls and honky-tonks.