Willie Hugh Nelson (born April 30, 1933) is an American entertainer and songwriter. He is widely viewed as one of the most beloved and notorious country music singers in the world. He reached his greatest fame during the so-called "outlaw country" movement of the 1970s, but remains iconic, especially in American popular culture. In recent years he has continued to tour, record, and perform, and this, combined with activities in advocacy of cannabis (otherwise known as marijuana) as well as a well-publicized 2006 arrest for cannabis possession, have made him the subject of renewed media attention. Biography Early life and career Nelson was born and raised in Abbott, Texas, the son of Myrle and Ira D. Nelson, who was a mechanic and pool hall owner.http://www.filmreference.com/film/38/Willie-Nelson.html His grandparents William Alfred Nelson and Nancy Elizabeth Smothers gave him mail-order music lessons starting at