Willie Nelson -Hit Medley On The Grand Ole Opry(1965).

[joan12106]

loved it!

[wmstout1]

you have to close your eyes and listen to know its willie

[damnamazing7]

what good singing! he sang better back then than he does today! and i'll bet that was the last time he cut his hair! ;-)

[sharonie11]

Wow, what a treat! Thank you for posting.

[DJShip46]

I love Willie!

[darin90]

I am at about the age Willie was in 1965.

[Pmasseyify]

Wasnt even born yet, wow he looks different!

[gwest3149]

WOW is right! Never saw Willie without long hair and a beard!

[sober1980]

WOW!



[rebel286]

My How things change!!

[Patfabric]

In 1965 I was 18 and loved Willie. In 2012 I am 65 and still love Willie. I have seen him twice in concert - Binghamton, New York - once in 1984 and next in 2004 - wish I had seen Waylon, Willie, John and Kris perform together. Patfabric@yahoo.com

[SharonBRhodes]

This brings back such great memories. ;)

[WellDressedDiva]

Shocker to see him clean shaven ... nice looking too! I have always loved him and his music.

[JerryFranklinLebanon]

Wow what some great memories.....Willie has always been very, very good....great writer and singer....I personally do not like his later performances as the seem to embrace his life style as he aged, however, I love his songs and all of the early stuff he did before he became an out-law....A great American Icon.....keep on singing Willie!!

[calif562]

He has a face!

[Bandonbeach]

So, BuickDoc, how many great songs did your uncle Claude write? Willie's just a writing and performing phenom. I've been fortunate to spend a little time with him - his hygiene is just fine, thanks, and he's a gracious and charming companion.

[TheSouthAustinite]

still singing the same old songs that we all love!  Easier on the eyes back then, but he's still fab and No 1 in my book.

[norbie6]

I love Willie!!! I would love to see him in person!

[MrBobtherapper]

this is the only time i bet i could have rolled a better joint than willie haha not anymore!!!!

[dschenk952]

@MrBobtherapper My thoughts also. Don't bogart that one, Willie.

[1968bobbyolin]

I prefer him with long hair.

RO

[curleekat1234]

Willie and Waylon and all the outlaws....It is in your soul and there is nothing ya can do to change that and who would want to ? Rock on Willie! ANNIE

[Rosicrucian32]

Just say no to drugs

[LindaSueBob]

He sure got hit with an ugly stick later in life

[3000KAIguy]

Ii have always loved Willie Nelson, but OMG I don't remember him being so HANDSOME!!

Beverly June

[BuickDoc]

I had two uncles who played music with Willy. One, Tom Potts, bass player, quite often went drinking with him. My other uncle, Claude, says that Willy had very poor personal hygiene, especially when drinking. While Claude played in some jam sessions with Willie, he refused to go carousing with him. Claude, to this day, dislikes Willie. I asked him why? He said: "I'm better looking, I can sing better, and I can play guitar better. He 'made it' and I didn't."

[simonne234]

I've always loved Willy Nelson.....and always will. Such a wonderful singer.....

[hellocc11]

he has such a sweet innocent smile on this video., it shows us that indeed we all age and we do all have change in our appearance, it proves to us, beauty is only skin deep, we all get old, dang diggly dog, lol i am sure his beauty always remained in his heart

[MrEAPerez1]

I guess once you make it who gives a shit there is nothing left to prove.

Love you Willy even in your square garb.

[Gogatha1]

It's amazing how much better his voice got as he aged! Always one of my favorites.

[janecoln]

I'm so happy I have seen Willie perform live! Willie AND Waylon!!

[WRS517]

My all-time favorite performer. I've seen him in person and he is even better in person. I prefer him with his guitar. What a legend - incomparable.

[kcsawyer]

Who knew Willie nelson was actually attractive?? Amazing what a good hair cut, shower and shave can do! He should try it again!

[jabrooke42]

Wow! I never knew how good looking WN was. what a shock!!lol

[vbsurfa]

I winder how much Brylcream paid him to grease his hair ... LOL ... Willie is one of the great ones.

[turkeyguru1]

Wille would always tell you that he nearly starved to death until he went "outlaw". Sad indictment of the public wouldn't you say.

[babzc]

@turkeyguru1 goodness what difference does it make what we look like?

[11carfy]

Cleaned up nice didn't he?

[MobyDave1583]

WHen did he finally get the cowboy look?

[drinkflinger]

Willie <3 Love Light and ~~* May I meet You before My/Your time is up ~ You inspire and light up my life and those around Me because I reflect yur <3 Love U <3 Crazy about U !

[shortsaleguys]

Gotta see the legends, take a road trip to see Willie! As some of these other videos illustrate he can PLAY the guitar with the best. Live music was going to change in 4 short years when the world saw Woodstock.

[katejulie1]

He is in my top 3 favourite performers. Never had the pleasure of seeing him in concert.A regret. He looked very handsome back in the day, but I like the look through his later time. Must take a lot of time looking after his hair and beard though.....

[marascoj]

WOW~ The years and life style have taken a toll on his looks....

[gr8wg]

wht my momma called a 'cleancut' young man :)

[bettyzeliff1938]

Sorry it's "Always On My Mind". Wonderful but sad to me?

[bettyzeliff1938]

I had the privilage of meeting Willie at Primm, NV after his show. What a great American, singer,songwrter & friend to the downtroden. He was so gracious. My dead hubby's favorite-Forever on My Mind. My God Bless his life, family & friend/fans, of whom I'm blessed to be one

[pattyfromtoledo]

such an awesome video!! added to my favorites : )

[patriciamccord]

Willie you are the best and none will ever compare

Pat

[thunder1road]

A great songwriter - a great singer - one of the few who are worthy of walking in the footsteps of Hank Sr.

[KarleenBellamy]

Love that Willie!!

[dvstex]

Classic Willie... I remember having an album of Willie when he first started and on the cover he was holding a Fender strat... Glad he found old trigger... The rest is history... Good stuff Willie..

[tidar12]

Love it Willie! Right b4 u sang Patsy Clines song I said, " There's Patsy Cline!" Second row.. I think. U were great then and your great now.

[229kara]

I don't know what would have happened to him if he kept this look, because back then they hired artist for their vocal abilities first, so he might have still had a good career. talent is talent back then there were many that made the headlines that were not all that good looking,

[229kara]

@229kara but can act,sing,dance and so on well. But now they want looks first then if they have a tiny glimmer of talent or even if they don't have talent they still promote them, because produces don't care for the longevity of a star as long as they produce moola for them and the company upfront. Technology today they can pick any BOOB off the streets and if their voice sucks all they have to do is tweak it in the computer and as they sing their voice out comes a much toned nicer audio

[229kara]

@229kara So much has changed over the years. Talent is not what it used to be...But if you can have a pretty bod or nice face then they will push you and use you until you loose that edge and they will move onto another pretty boy or gal

[229kara]

WOW! who would have known. He looks so different He does have innate talent as a singer and writer whom he written numerous tunes for many other well known artists..

[eogg25]

ok, i can see now, i you want to be a success exchange ur razor for a bottle of old crow

[belladonna1050]

I also like Willie better the way he looks today. I don't think he would have been as succesful had he not changed.

[Operahawk1]

I like today's Willie. He has character. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain is incredible.

As he and his sister age, you can see his Cherokee heritage in his face.

[paloozie]

... handsome.

[augustwo]

'Crazy' sounds a little like Captain Kirk's version.

[HumanoidThe23rd]

Wow Forest Gump is in the audience! 2:30

[nmspoke]

@HumanoidThe23rd very good!

[2madls]

Good looking and great voice. So sad to think that he'd get into the alcohol and change so drastically. He's done a lot of good things tho. Don't like the long hair and beard. Why do guys do things like that?? Strange.

[easttempleton]

Actually I think his voice was better then. Not so nasal.

[wondernerd2]

when did he become a pot head?

[MrCowboyJesus]

The Micky Mantle of country music you say? Micky drank himself to death!

[TheAlan8r]

but not related to Ricky Nelson.

[hipgrandma2006]

I remember "this Willie". He was/is (basically) a person with a heart "as big as Texas". A great talent!!!

[Karfedix1]

Back then, he was not yet an alcoholic, and had yet to suffer the indignities he has suffered over the years. In addition, he was cleaned up, if he had any problems, so he could go onstage at the G.O.O.

[TheMrsgrumpy]

Thank you for this video - who knew that underneath all that scruff was one very handsome guy! His voice was and is still unique.

[liz122197]

Wow....I did not realize that Willie was a nice looking man when he is cleaned up. Don't like the beard and all the long hair

[virgocurtis]

Willie has led a wonderful life and his voice hasn't changed too much. How great to see him here though. I would not have recognized him. Willie for President!

[HDridr2000]

40 years of drugs and alcohol have taken their toll.. Even tho', I'm still a fan..

[sandhorse1]

You wouldn't know it...but Willie is the First Cousin to Rick Nelson. Willie's Dad was Ozzie Nelson's brother.

[TheFliqht]

only his mother would recognize him but I love to hear him sing I must not have had a TV in 1965 I certainly do not ever remember him looking like this. I know one Movie he made & I loved it Barbarosa he fit the part so well I keep telling my self he just a few yrs older than my son but he looks older than 100, but I love to hear him sing

[denaegardner]

@jameslwi You are thinking of Roy Rogers. He rode Trigger, and was about 30 years before Wiillie.

[whyraymond1234]

I always liked him and even more now, love his voice.

[lindamc1]

We knew him more as a writer than singer way back.. He wrote a few that Patsy Cline recorded, including Crazy



[RDH5860]

I love Willie past to present. He is a American icon and has brought great music to us for many years.... Who cares if Willie likes his little harmless fun things... He had gave us so much for years. Thank you Willie for all you have given us... I love you man....

[clgfeller]

I've been a fan of Willie since before Willie was the Willie we all love now. He has written and recorded some amazing music. He was good then and he's great now..........

[chasbabyboomer1]

You people that respond to these sites are assholes. You have no idea of what is involved in the life of a successful on the road entertainer.

T

[kyclay58]

@chasbabyboomer1

You responded so I guess you are an a##hole.

[onefodderunit]

@chasbabyboomer1

Socially unskillful attention seekers commonly write insulting or provocative comments for lack of ability to communicate like grownups.

[Zeebeeheebee]

I like the way he looks now better than then! He just didn't look like Willie yet.

[jameslwi]

Willie is not Willie without 'Trigger". I love his guitar playing.

[gaylatem]

It's been a while since he had a hit recording. As to his looks, everyone changed how they dressed about that time. Remember that women were still dressing up to to shopping until about then. Now we have The People of Wal Malt. LOL Willie changed but so did America and yes, the drug culture had a lot to do with it for better or worse.

[iamwilda]

I love him then and I love him now!!!

[Intellidog]

Oh, for pete's sake people, give up the judgement! I doubt that any of you still look the same today as you did 47 years ago.  It's called aging!

[joanspears]

That definitely is Willie Nelson. Saw him in 1967. Too bad he stopped showering later on.

[mcmumsey47]

This is a good example of how marijuana can change your looks and way of dressing and presenting yourself. I must say he kept his talent of singing, sort of.

[thruid3]

@mcmumsey47

Thats funny. I expect he always looked the same on the inside. It just took getting old enough to not care what people like yourself thought about him.

[onefodderunit]

@mcmumsey47

Marijuana activates the creative part of your mind. Alcohol pickles it.

[ColleenMcCool]

What am incredible talent! Willie is our hero for his passionate support for marijuana legalization! He says, "It's a great stress reliever." He is McCool's 2010 Rebel With Just Cause.

It is morally bankrupt to punish nonviolent adults for making a safer health choice, cannabis or marijuana, compared to other legal medicinal/social drugs. The people believe in self-government and self-medication.

[rastagirl007]

Creative people...no matter what their art form are dedicated, amazing and driven. Willy is one of those talents that cannot be denied. Musicians in all areas...no matter the genre admire him...let's remember the collaboration of Trent Reznor (9 Inch Nails)and Johnny Cash! I am sure Willy has influenced many generations of artists. Many thanks for the positive feedback. I like reading intelligent observations and I am sure music is a big part of your lives, too.

[MyGirl752]

His voice has never changed unless you call getting better changing. No one else has a voice close to his. I think he is a great singer and person. Yes, he admits he used drugs but I don't think that is why he changed his looks. He changed to keep up with what people wanted and to be himself. After he made it big, he could look as he chose. He proved it, didn't he?

[Sistersidekick]

He started as a song writer and an excellent one. All these songs he's singing here, he wrote. Many many hits for others, as well as himself. He has talent no matter what package he wraps it in. The squeeky clean image or the hard living image.

[jmallee1]

Willie has been a virtual party and travel companion for decades.

[yesyoumay]

@jmallee1 So what. He also created a lot of excellent songs. And he had fun doing it. nothing wrong with that.

[ntxguy]

Willie was odd then and even odder now. I always like him tho.

[mycki1020]

He adapted to make a go-of-it in the the music business. He wasn't popular as the straight-arrow. He was terribly shy and people were looking for something more exciting so he recreated himself... Good or Bad... He is a good entertainer... no matter that he is an "ole hippy'.

[MyGirl752]

@mycki1020 I have always loved his voice and it matters not to me if he looks as he did in his early career or the way he chose to look later. He is a great song writer and singer.

[retroshots]

I swear this is the set Devo used for the "Whip it" video!

[oololao]

Wow, he was a good looking man!

[tapdancegirl88]

@oololao faggot

[thelenati]

It's me withthe post below> I meant pony tail .

[thelenati]

He is good looking however I also like him now with his pont tail.

[ahall1950]

Willie surely changed over the years. He was a handsome young man. Now, he's just an old hippie.

[mwill17669]

LORDY HE WAS SO GOOD LOOKING.

[kimoler1]

Such a straight-arrow. I can't hear that voice without looking for the pony-tail! And that song Crazy...a true classic. it's like it's always been there.

[LogicalCurl]

Pulling a bit from the old Elvis?

[Beasel51]

I saw Willie at the Esquire Ballroom on Hempsted Hwy in Houston in 1966 and he was dressed just as he is in the video. He was "introduced" three times before he came out. He didn't have a bus in those days but he did have a pickup/camper. Apparently, he was out there "smoking". When he did come out he stared at the ceiling as if searching for the words. Lifetime fan. Next time I saw him was at John T. Floors country store in Leon Springs. He had transformed into the Western Hippee.

[afticker]

No one can do Hello Walls like Jim Reeves even if Willy did write it.

I remember Willy looking like this, man that has been a long time ago. Gives new meaning to "Funny How Time Slips Away."

[TheVarchia]

Willie is an ICON...he only gets raspier!!!!

There is no better or worse when it comes to Willie!!!!!

He' MY singing country angel!!!!!

[LMAH882]

Sounds the same - and to be honest, I like today's version of Willie Nelson better :)

[ConniePalmen]

super schön , danke !!!!

[shadeaux1944]

I have loved WILLIE since he looked like this. He and I go WAY BACK to the days when he was appearing in a little club in Dallas, TX. He is totally awesome!

[kdiamond5]

he looks like Joe Pesci lol

[PeriKiros]

Can't believe this clean-cut guy is the same raggedy guy we know today.

[cstanfil]

I remember Willie when he looked like this. In fact, I have the album, And Then I Wrote. This is a priceless video.

[Rusty350]

JeeeeeesssUS....was he EVER that young?

[rsbpbb]

i have heard him sing these but have not seen the video makes his work soooooo much more poignant and heart rendering. WONDERFUL

[jpulle0076]

Wow you have to close your eyes yep its him before drugs.