By: Graeme Thomson Publisher: Virgin Books Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Virgin Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 272 Publication Date: May 29, 2007 Release Date: May 29, 2007
A dope-smoking, whisky-drinking, latter-day cowboy with Native American blood, four wives and seven children, Nelson’s career spans half a century of American music. Nelson’s life is a journey of incredible highs and crashing lows. Awards, huge record sales, famous friends, the organising of Farm Aid, his annual Fourth of July picnics, Woodstock ’99 and the 9/11 memorial, are tempered by his mother and father’s early desertion, penury, alcoholism, three turbulent marriages, drug busts, bankruptcy, as well as his son’s suicide and an attempt at taking his own life. The Outlaw brilliantly describes this compelling man, whose life and music reveals and reflects something fundamental at the very heart of twentieth-century America, explaining along the way why Willie Nelson is nothing short of a living legend.
conveys a good sense of Willie I enjoyed the book, and felt that it presented a pretty thorough, well-rounded view of an interesting person. I do think that Mr. Thomson knows the music scene very well, although he unnecessarily inserts some of his personal condescending viewpoints of some currently popular country artists. I knocked the rating down a star because it needed better editing - there are several typos that should have been caught.
Great Book I gave the book as a gift, and they thought it was great
Must read for Willie fans 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.
Spot on 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.
At Last: The Real Willie 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.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
