Musician Willie Nelson - Awardee
1999 Kennedy Center Honors

Willie Nelson is not only a country music hero, he is an American icon. Throughout his extraordinary career he has bucked the popular trends and in the process endeared himself to the hearts and ears of music lovers the world wide.

The songwriting that first earned him acclaim as a songwriter in Nashville has mirrored his stormy personal life. Both the worst of times and the best of times are turned into Willie's own unique brand of poetry, tugging at the emotions of all who listen.  

Photo by Jean Pollack