Willie Nelson: From Depression To Quarantine

Willie Nelson, now living through a global pandemic at 87 years old, was born in Texas hill country in 1933. No one could’ve predicted the longevity of Willie’s music career, and the fact that he’d still be releasing new music at his advanced age. Yet this month, he released his 70th album, First Rose Of Spring – another collection of recordings produced by Willie’s longtime co-writer/collaborator Buddy Cannon. For someone who was born during the Depression, it’s amazing to think about also living through something as massive as the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many unforeseen cancellations for Willie this year as a result of the year’s events – Farm Aid, Willie’s  Fourth Of July Picnic, The Luck, Texas Reunion – that had to ultimately become virtual events. For a humble guitar picker that loves life ‘on the road,’ that can’t be an easy adjustment – to shelter in place, to not interact with fans and audiences one on one – that’s just not as fun. It can’t be an easy adjustment for someone that’s spent three quarters of a century performing for live audiences. Luckily, for Willie, he’s able to continue to make music at home and ride out these uncertain times with his close knit family. We can’t wait to see him – and the family – on the road again.

For more information on the upcoming Willie Nelson: A Graphic History from NBM Comics Biographies, go here.

Author: T.J. Kirsch

T.J. Kirsch is a cartoonist and illustrator published by Oni Press, Image, Archie, and NBM. His career began at Archie Comics shortly after graduating from the Kubert School in 2005. Recent works include She Died In Terrebonne: A Sam Kimimura Mystery with writer Kevin Church, and Lost And Found with writers Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis for Oni Press. Pride Of The Decent Man, his first original graphic novel, was released by NBM in 2017. He lives in the capital region of New York state with his wife and daughter. See more of his work at www.tjkirsch.com. View all posts by T.J. Kirsch