Mr. Willie Nelson is an iconic figure in Texas music and culture and one of the most popular country music singers of the late 20th century. Willie is a prolific songwriter with 25 songs reaching #1 on the music charts, 17 grammies charting back to his first win in 1975 for Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. In 1993 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His vast musical contributions to Texas country and the musical influences he gained span across country, folk, and jazz.
Where Texas Music Project Began
In 2002, when the idea for the Texas Music Project began, Michael Clay and Bruce Orr had a desire to create a compilation album as an opportunity to support music education in Texas schools. Who better to bring in than the Texas country music legend himself, Willie Nelson? Michael reached out to Mr. Nelson to be the Honorary Chairman of our organization. Mr. Nelson accepted and contributed 3 songs gratis to help us raise money. That was a catalyst for gaining artist support to create a four CD series compilation with all proceeds going to the cause. The list of songs featured included over 80 artists of all genre of music. Most participating artists were Texans with the exception of a few guest artists such Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton.
As students mature and study Texas music, not only will they will discover the vast musical contribution Mr. Nelson gave to the world through music, but they will also discover all the time, money and love he generously gave to life changing organizations such as ours.
Thank you Willie!
