It's a Long Story: My Life

Musician Nelson collaborates with prolific author Ritz (Divided Soul; Respect) to present his memoir in a conversational style. He succeeds in giving us a true picture of himself, warts and all, by relating the wild side of his nature and his tendency to womanize. A natural songwriter and poet from Abbott, TX, born in 1933, he was heavily influenced by Western swing music and the music of Ernest Tubb, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Django Reinhardt. His favorite singer was Frank Sinatra. Stories range from skipping town by jumping aboard freight trains, selling encyclopedias to make ends meet, and getting stoned on the roof of the White House during the Jimmy Carter years. He made great efforts to organize Farm Aid in the mid-1980s. Nelson also performed with numerous musicians including Kris Kristofferson, Leon Russell, Waylon Jennings, and Bob Dylan. He is best known for crafting the songs "Crazy," made famous by Patsy Cline, and "On the Road Again."