Sandy Knauer wrote this sweet review of seeing Willie in concert at her blog
http://sandyknauer.blogspot.com/2007/01/i-hope-you-choose-golf-willie.html
I Hope You Choose Golf, Willie
When asked about retirement, seventy-three-year old Willie Nelson says, “All I do is play music and golf – which one do you want me to give up?”Â
With over 2500 published songs, 8 Grammy awards, a Presidential Merit Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award for unprecedented and genre-defying contributions to popular music over a fifty-year career under his belt, braids to his waist, wise eyes, and a deceptively youthful bounce in his step, the living legend, singer, songwriter, actor, activist, and author took the stage at Whitney Hall on July 12 and proved he still has what it takes to please a packed house. A few things had changed since the first time I saw him perform. The first time, I paid to park and the show was free. This time tickets ranged from $35.50 to $65.50. The first time I knew jeans and tee shirts were appropriate; this time I didn’t know whether to dress for the Kentucky Center, or Willie. I chose Willie.
The connection between the two men found its way to my nosebleed seat. I felt privileged to witness what looked like a passing of the torch; Willie shared all he had with his son, and Lucas eagerly and skillfully soaked it up and poured it back to the audience.
The two things that had not changed over the years were Willie’s voice and sincerity. If he ever does decides to retire, I hope he gives up golf.