Slim's Corner: Willie's Holy Trilogy

One would be hard-pressed to find a string of albums (a trilogy, per se) that equals the work put out by Willie Nelson from 1973-1975. An artist free from corporate persuasion, all the while creating a new subgenre right smack dab in the middle of  the 1970's "Place To Be". The late 60's was California...the mid 70's was all Austin, Texas. 

Most history books say Willie was "defeated" by Nashville when he moved back to Texas in 1972, his tail between his legs. In hindsight, it's more like Willie disposed of Nashville himself. He didn't want another "suit" telling him what songs to record, what to wear, and how to comb his hair. So, he lived on a small farm outside of Austin and began playing small clubs, and then the Armadillo World Headquarters. This is where the Hippies and Rednecks got together. That, my friends, is a whole other story. 

Willie hired Neil Reshen as manager, who got him out of his contract with RCA Records. Willie had already met Jerry Wexler with Atlantic Records who was interested in signing his first Country act, and who was also a big Willie Nelson fan. That is how PART 1 of this trilogy begins. An album that even Willie called "like clearing my throat". The cover art complete with the signature long hair and beard. "Shotgun Willie" is called by many the first "real" outlaw country record. This selection of songs was a direct pivot away from any of his previous works (although, "Yesterday's Wine had some similar sounds). The title track was the announcement " Hey, this is me now". Followed by his first recording of "Whiskey River", which would go on to open up every live show of his for decades. (2) excellent Bob Wills covers strewn about Willie originals complete the album. Sales were minimal, but critics praised it. In actuality, the album sold more in Austin alone, than any other Willie record did nationwide. The tides were shifting....

July 1973 saw the first official Wille Nelson 4th of July Picnic concert, right after the release of "Shotgun Willie" in June. Still high from the freedom of the "Shotgun Willie" sessions and the July 4th Picnic, Willie headed to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to record the follow-up. PART 2 of this trilogy begins with the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section playing behind Willie on the sessions (and NOT the Family Band). However, he did not take a liking to the final product. Willie was able to convince an A&R rep at Atlantic to re-record the sessions with his band in Nashville. Jerry Wexler vehemently hated the idea (or the notion he was being overridden), and declared the sessions to be re-mixed. The final product was "Phases and Stages", a somewhat concept album of divorce, from both viewpoints. The album was released in March 1974. Sales were slow and just as bad as with "Shotgun Willie", and Atlantic shuttered their Country Music division in September of '74, mainly due to Willie. Personally, I am more favorable to Side 2 of this record.. the haunting "I Still Can't Believe You're Gone" (written for Paul English about the death of his wife), the single "Bloody Mary Morning" ,"Heaven and Hell" etc. Although maybe not a commercial success, Willie just so happened to create one of the first concept albums in Country Music history. 

Willie was not deterred by losing another record deal. In fact, he double-downed. Reshen negotiated a deal with Columbia Records for Willie, guaranteeing him total creative control over his music. So, Willie headed to a small studio in Garland, Texas and recorded yet another themed album. This time, with minimal instrumentation other than his trusty Trigger, a piano and some drums. PART 3 was Willie's magnum opus, "Red Headed Stranger". Released in May 1975, the work would further cement the gap between the Hippies, Rednecks and Cowboys. The accolades the album received are well-known. Numerous "best of" list of 20th century records; Grammy achievements; and also the inclusion of Willie's first #1 single on Country Radio , "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain". All of that, and every music executive hated the final product. Hell, even Nashville's own Billy Sherill said it sounded "like shit". But, Willie won. The rest is history

These (3) albums released (2) calendar years apart, sequentially, is a feat that may never be repeated again. Each release had it's own story, it's own path, and it's own place in Country Music history. "Shotgun Willie" and "Phases and Stages" are LP's I have prominently displayed on the wall in my Honky Tonk Laboratory. 

Happy Birthday Willie!