Both are beers that everyone drank in the '70s, and both have strong ties to Nelson's native Texas. But the first beer fans link synonymously with the country crooner, Lone Star, is known as the "National Beer of Texas." The company even made Nelson their unofficial spokesman, back in the early '70s, before brand deals were a music industry norm. The offer came through Nelson's friend, Jerry Retzloff, Lone Star's former marketing and promotions manager.
As they played, Gordon came up with the idea of a branded whiskey. Nelson's song offered the perfect branding idea. So the two worked together and partnered with Heaven Hill Distillery. Willie was sent samples while on tour so he could give feedback. He also helped come up with the design for the bottle and label. When they finally settled on a bourbon Nelson wanted to put his name on, Old Whiskey River was released.
Though his dietary advice is far from conventional wisdom for a long life, admittedly, it does sound pretty great. In a 2017 video interview with "Southern Living," Nelson spoke about his music career, lifelong philosophy, and even food, revealing which same three foods he eats every single day, as well as his favorites. When asked about his favorite Southern food, the dual-feted Country Music and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer answered confidently - chicken-fried steak.
When Willie Nelson performs in and around New York, he parks his bus in Weehawken, New Jersey. While the band sleeps at a hotel in midtown Manhattan, he stays on board, playing dominoes, napping. Nelson keeps musician's hours. For exercise, he does sit-ups, arm rolls, and leg lifts. He jogs in place. "I'm in pretty good shape, physically, for ninety-two," he told me recently. "Woke up again this morning, so that's good."
Willie Nelson has announced a new album titled Workin' Man: Willie Sings Merle. As the title suggests, the LP finds the 92-year-old Nelson paying tribute to his good friend Merle Haggard. A press release notes that the album is Nelson's 78th solo album, and whopping 155th overall. In advance of its November 7th release via Legacy Recordings, Nelson has unveiled the single "Workin' Man Blues," a cover of Haggard's 1969 classic.
