Willie Nelson was born 90 years ago in the early days of the Great Depression, and during the first term of Franklin D. Roosevelt. America was segregated then, and would be for another 32 years. The Second World War hadn’t happened yet, and neither had the Korean, Vietnam, or “War on Terror.” The internet didn’t exist and Willie’s house in Abbott, Texas, didn’t have a phone. He was playing guitar by age seven, and leading a band by 10.
His voice is a revelation 80 years on. I couldn’t have been more excited to get to hear it again at his 90th birthday celebration concert. The extraordinary outpouring of musical genius and talent that took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl to honor Nelson was historic. It was a reminder about the power of music to lift people and inspire them. The crowd was joyous and celebratory. Each artist built on the last in a building crescendo of happiness that was as great a tribute to any man as there could ever be. It was a big event that got bigger as the evening went along — and it’s only half-way done.
Across the country another event was taking place. I’ve attended it many times over the years. It has become increasingly seamy, absurd and totemic as a symbol of a media, political and corporate corruption during this era of political crisis. I wondered if the media mandarins and political press understand how bad the look of the White House Correspondents’ dinner is? Do they understand how corrupt, fake and phony they look?
There was nothing funny about the Fox News jokes, or their presence at the dinner — even if President Biden did also attack those media outlets that use “lies told for profit and power.” Nothing is on the level. That is what the American people see.
There was a powerful and rousing moment in the Hollywood Bowl when Neil Young and Stephen Stills took the stage, and played the Buffalo Springfield classic, “For What it’s Worth (There’s Something Happening Here).” Can you hear it?
I thought I heard it last night. I will listen again tonight.
America is better than the mess in Washington, DC. The American people are better than what’s happening there.
The American people are the countrymen and women of Willie Nelson, and that is a good thing. When Snoop Dogg walked out on the stage and sat beside Willie, the world stopped for a moment. Willie said, “Hey, Snoop, come on out here and help me roll one up," They then sang “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” together.
What an incredible night…and now I’m off for night two!
Happy 90th birthday, Willie!