Before I get to today’s featured artist, allow me to wish a very happy 80th birthday to my father! It’s quite a milestone for a man who has lived an extraordinary life while making the lives of those around him richer as well.
Fate has conspired to serve up an appropriate subject for today’s song in Mr. Willie Nelson, who turned 90 this past April. Willie has a decade on my dad, and I can’t say they are very much alike, but I’m happy to celebrate one legendary figure while writing about another one.
Nelson was chosen for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year after being eligible since the Hall’s very first class. This was his first nomination.
Prior to this year, only nine country artists had been included in the Rock Hall, including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and — just last year — Dolly Parton. Honoring country stalwarts is rare but it’s not a recent development, with Cash and Williams both receiving the honor more than 30 years ago.
I’m not sure why it took so long to get around to Nelson, but I’m glad they did. With 99 studio albums under his belt, as well as dozens of compilations and live recordings, he has certainly made his mark on multiple genres. He is also a prolific actor, author and political activist.
In short, he has had one of the most remarkable careers in the music business, one that makes him worthy of both Rock Hall inclusion and the statue of him that’s perched in Downtown Austin, Texas.
I don’t think my dad will make into the Hall of Fame, but maybe I should get started on that statue…
On the road again
Just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
[Verse 2]
On the road again
Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
[Chorus]
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We’re the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
[Verse 3]
Is on the road again
I just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin’ music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
[Chorus]
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We’re the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
[Verse 4]
Is on the road again
Just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin’ music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
Meet Me In Montauk 
First and foremost, a very happy 80th birthday to my father-in-law, Doug. He may never make the Rock Hall, but he certainly makes our family’s Hall of Fame. We may have to officially induct him tonight!
Now, as to Willie Nelson, his inclusion in the Rock Hall continues the debate as to whether musicians from other genres, here country, should be included in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The case for Cash and Williams is far easier to make as both were early foundational influences on rock music. I don’t think Willie influenced rock in the same way. On the other hand, Willie certainly had crossover commercial success and has undoubtedly been a legend in music for decades. So, I’m fine with him being a part of the Rock Hall, but still think the name of the place may need to change someday to Rock and Pop (as in popular contemporary) Hall.
“On the Road Again” is a particularly apt song for Dad’s birthday as it brings back many memories of family vacations.
I agree that Willie Nelson more than earned his nomination and I’m all for a statue honoring Doug, but can we nominate another family member to make it? 🙂
Dad and I are also remembering our family vacations and Dad singing On the Road Again so this is a perfect choice for today’s song of the day ❤️ about that statue ….
Happy Birthday Doug xoxo