The word “legend” gets thrown around pretty carelessly when describing musicians – Reba McEntire a legend, really?
But there’s no dispute about Willie Nelson’s legendary status. He’s legit. For example: Despite having longer hair than many hippies – and their smoking habit, too – the country music icon has managed to retain his credibility with old-school fans who consider George Jones’ traditional vocals the high point of the genre. Chances are a lot of those longtime fans will be at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minn., at 8 p.m. Friday to see Nelson run through a repertoire including country staples like “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain,” “Whiskey River” and the song he wrote for Patsy Cline, “Crazy.” The show is sold out.