Fifty-two years ago today (Nov. 28, 1964) was a big day for Willie Nelson as he made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

By the time Nelson first took the Grand Ole Opry stage, he had already released two albums...'And Then I Wrote' in 1962, followed by 'Here’s Willie Nelson' in 1963, both on Liberty Records.

Nelson’s appearance on the renowned Opry stage came less than two weeks after he had his first recording session at RCA Studio B in Nashville, with Chet Atkins producing.

Nelson became a regular at the Opry following his first performance, playing up to 26 shows a year.

“He was stylish,” Loretta Lynn recalls to Rolling Stone of the Texan’s appearance. “He was working in suits. His hair was cut every little bit, he had brass eyes, and his hair was the same color. He was really handsome!”
Nelson ultimately moved back to the Lone Star State, resulting in the unfortunate end of his performance era at the Grand Ole Opry. But that move transformed Willie into the National Treasure we know and love him as today.

 

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