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Willie Nelson Singing "Pretty Paper": A Timeless Classic Revisited
Introduction:
The melancholic twang of Willie Nelson's guitar, the wistful timbre of his voice weaving a tale of Christmas longing and hard-knock life – this is the magic of Willie Nelson singing "Pretty Paper." This isn't just another Christmas song; it's a slice of Americana, a testament to Nelson's enduring artistry, and a fascinating glimpse into the song's captivating history. This post will delve deep into the story behind this beloved classic, exploring its origins, Nelson's unique interpretation, its cultural impact, and its enduring relevance in today's musical landscape. We'll uncover the reasons why "Pretty Paper" remains a cherished holiday staple and a testament to Willie Nelson's unparalleled talent.
1. The Origins of "Pretty Paper": From Royce Porter to Willie Nelson
Before Willie Nelson made "Pretty Paper" a household name, it was written by Royce Porter, a talented but relatively unknown songwriter. Porter penned the song in 1953, inspired by his own experiences working as a clerk during the Christmas season. The lyrics poignantly depict the bittersweet realities of life and the quiet dignity of those working tirelessly during the festive period. The original recording, while heartfelt, didn't achieve widespread recognition. It remained relatively obscure until Willie Nelson discovered the song and saw its potential for a wider audience. This section will examine Porter's life and career, highlighting the unique circumstances that led to the creation of "Pretty Paper" and the significance of his contribution to the American songbook. We’ll analyze the original lyrics and their emotional impact, comparing them to later interpretations.
2. Willie Nelson's Interpretation: A Masterclass in Vocal Delivery and Emotional Resonance
Willie Nelson's 1963 recording of "Pretty Paper" is the version most people associate with the song. His distinctive vocal style, characterized by its gravelly texture and understated emotionality, perfectly captured the song's underlying sadness and yearning. He didn't over-embellish the lyrics; instead, he let the simplicity and raw emotion of the song shine through. This section will analyze Nelson's vocal performance, focusing on his phrasing, tone, and the subtle nuances that elevate the song beyond a simple Christmas carol. We will explore how his interpretation of the lyrics contributes to the song's enduring appeal and resonates with audiences across generations. We’ll also examine the instrumentation – the understated yet powerful use of his guitar – that perfectly complements his vocal delivery.
3. The Cultural Impact and Legacy of "Pretty Paper"
"Pretty Paper" transcends its simple musical structure. It has become a significant part of the American Christmas tradition, a song played on radio stations and enjoyed in homes across the country. This section examines its cultural significance, discussing its impact on subsequent Christmas music and its enduring popularity. We'll analyze its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials. This includes examining how its themes of hard work, quiet dignity, and the bittersweet nature of life during the holiday season continue to resonate with audiences. We'll look at its place in broader discussions about American Christmas traditions and how it differs from other, more commercially driven holiday songs.
4. The Song's Enduring Relevance in the 21st Century
Despite being written decades ago, "Pretty Paper" remains incredibly relevant today. Its themes of working-class struggles and quiet resilience are timeless. In an increasingly commercialized holiday season, the song's focus on human connection and empathy provides a refreshing counterpoint. This section will explore why "Pretty Paper" continues to connect with modern audiences, analyzing its enduring appeal in a world characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal norms. We will explore its ongoing popularity on streaming platforms and its continued use in contemporary media.
5. Conclusion: A Timeless Treasure in the Willie Nelson Canon
"Pretty Paper" stands as a testament to both Royce Porter's songwriting talent and Willie Nelson's exceptional artistry. It’s a song that transcends generations, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of life, even amidst the festive cheer of the Christmas season. This final section will summarize the key takeaways of the article and reinforce the lasting legacy of this remarkable song. It will reiterate the importance of understanding the origins and evolution of "Pretty Paper," emphasizing the collaborative effort between songwriter and artist that brought this classic to life.
Article Outline:
Title: Willie Nelson Singing "Pretty Paper": A Timeless Classic Revisited
Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview.
Chapter 1: The Origins of "Pretty Paper": Royce Porter's authorship and the song's early life.
Chapter 2: Willie Nelson's Interpretation: Analysis of his vocal delivery and musical choices.
Chapter 3: The Cultural Impact and Legacy: Examining the song's influence on Christmas music and popular culture.
Chapter 4: Enduring Relevance in the 21st Century: Discussing its continued appeal to modern audiences.
Conclusion: Summarizing key points and the song's enduring legacy.
(The detailed content for each chapter is provided above in the main body of the article.)
FAQs:
1. Who wrote "Pretty Paper"? Royce Porter wrote the song in 1953.
2. When did Willie Nelson record "Pretty Paper"? Willie Nelson recorded it in 1963.
3. What makes Willie Nelson's version so popular? His distinctive vocal style and understated emotional delivery perfectly capture the song's melancholic beauty.
4. What is the song's main theme? The song explores themes of hard work, quiet dignity, and the bittersweet realities of life, especially during Christmas.
5. Is "Pretty Paper" a traditional Christmas carol? No, it's a contemporary Christmas song with a unique narrative.
6. Has "Pretty Paper" been featured in any movies or TV shows? Yes, it has appeared in various media over the years.
7. Why is "Pretty Paper" still popular today? Its timeless themes of human connection and resilience continue to resonate with audiences.
8. What instruments are prominently featured in Willie Nelson's recording? His guitar is central to the song's sound.
9. Where can I listen to Willie Nelson's version of "Pretty Paper"? It's available on most major streaming platforms and digital music stores.
Related Articles:
1. Willie Nelson's Top 10 Christmas Songs: A ranking of his best holiday recordings.
2. The History of Christmas Music: An overview of the evolution of Christmas songs.
3. Royce Porter's Songwriting Legacy: Exploring the other songs he wrote and their impact.
4. Willie Nelson's Greatest Hits: A comprehensive look at his most popular songs.
5. The Evolution of Country Music: Tracing the development of the genre from its roots to modern times.
6. The Best Christmas Albums of All Time: A curated list of essential holiday albums.
7. Willie Nelson's Influence on Modern Music: Examining his impact on various genres.
8. How Christmas Songs Reflect Society: An analysis of how holiday music reflects societal values and trends.
9. The Business of Christmas Music: A look at the commercial aspects of the holiday music industry.
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Pretty Paper Willie Nelson, David Ritz, 2016-10-25 A perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, Pretty Paper is Willie Nelson’s inspiring Christmas fable, based on his holiday classic “Pretty Paper.” More than fifty years ago, Willie Nelson’s beloved Christmas song “Pretty Paper” first hit the airwaves. And for all these years, Willie has wondered about the real-life Texas street vendor, selling wrappings and ribbons, who inspired his song. Who was this poor soul? What did his painful trials say about our loves, our hopes, our dreams in this holiday season—and in the rest of our lives? It’s the early sixties and Willie Nelson is down and out, barely eking out a living as a singer-songwriter. The week before Christmas, he spots a legless man on a cart, selling wares in front of Leonard’s Department Store in Fort Worth, Texas. The humble figure, by the name of Vernon Clay, piques Willie’s curiosity, but Vernon is stubbornly private and—despite Willie’s charming queries—has no interest in telling his story. Willie is tenacious, though, and he eventually learns that Vernon is a fellow musician, a fine guitarist and singer. When Vernon disappears, he leaves behind only a diary, which tells an epic tale of life-altering tragedies, broken hearts, and crooked record men, not to mention backroad honky-tonks, down-home cooking, and country songwriting genius. Deeply moved and spurred on by Vernon’s pages, Willie aims to give the man one last shot at redemption and a chance to embody the holiday spirit. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Lydia Brian Willson, 2013-03-24 Type designer Ed Austin is on a losing streak. Divorced, and with his daughter studying abroad, he has only an old dog for a companion. His world has contracted into something simple, solitary—and safe. But after acquiring a dozen handwritten letters forgotten in the barn of an old Maine farmhouse, Ed finds himself haunted by thoughts of a nineteenth-century woman named Lydia Starbird. At first he's enchanted by her penmanship, and then the life she describes in her letters—each addressed to a cruel husband who cannot read. When finally he encounters Lydia herself, he starts to question everything. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Spruce & Pine Farm A.J. Nighthawke, Spruce & Pine Farm: Letters to a Soldier is the third book in the Coming Home for Christmas Series. Any of these books can be read as a standalone. Anderson Rutherford never imagined having an old fashioned penpal when he joined the Marines. Anderson actually has two rays of sunshine that write to him. After five years in service, the unthinkable happens. Anderson is severely wounded and fighting to leave the hospital. Since the day of his tragedy, he can't bring himself to write the ten-year-old, Claire, or the most beautiful soul he's ever imagined, Genesis. The thought of those two seeing him as anything but whole is unbearable. Anderson might be improving physically but every day without their letters, his heart is withering. If he can just see Genesis Lee one time and know that she is alright, he can leave her. He pushes himself to travel, knowing that she will be in the annual Mars Hill Christmas Parade. Nothing prepared him for the kindness and purity of Genesis Lee. Can Anderson find his purpose again? Can he turn around and leave North Carolina after finally setting eyes on the woman that he has grown to love over the last five years? Enjoy this sweet Christian Christmas Romance! |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas Ace Collins, 2009-08-30 Ace Collins has dug deep to uncover the true stories behind your favorite Christmas songs. Explore how these songs came into being, and discover a deeper appreciation for these melodic messages of peace, hope, and joy that celebrate the birth of Jesus. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Willie Nelson Joe Nick Patoski, 2008-04-21 From his first performance at age four, Willie Nelson was driven to make music and live life on his own terms. But though he is a songwriter of exceptional depth - Crazy was one of his early classics - Willie only found success after abandoning Nashville and moving to Austin, Texas. Red Headed Stranger made country cool to a new generation of fans. Wanted: The Outlaws became the first country album to sell a million copies. And On the Road Again became the anthem for Americans on the move. A craggy-faced, pot-smoking philosopher, Willie Nelson is one of America's great iconoclasts and idols. Now Joe Nick Patoski draws on over 100 interviews with Willie and his family, band, and friends to tell Nelson's story, from humble Depression-era roots, to his musical education in Texas honky-tonks and his flirtations with whiskey, women, and weed; from his triumph with #1 hit Always On My Mind to his nearly career-ending battles with debt and the IRS; and his ultimate redemption and ascension to American hero |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Willie Nelson's Letters to America Willie Nelson, 2021-06-29 Following his bestselling memoir, It’s a Long Story, Willie Nelson now delivers his most intimate thoughts and stories in Willie Nelson's Letters to America. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller! From his opening letter “Dear America” to his “Dear Willie” epilogue, Willie digs deep into his heart and soul--and his music catalog--to lift us up in difficult times, and to remind us of the endless promise and continuous obligations of all Americans--to themselves, to one another, and to their nation. In a series of letters straight from the heart, Willie sends his thanks and his thoughts to: Americans past, present, and future, his closest family members, andhis parents, sister, and children, his other family members his guitar “Trigger”, his hero Gene Autry, the US founding fathers, his personal heroes, from our founding fathers to the leaders of future generations and to young songwriters as well as leaders of our future generations. Willie’s letters are rounded out with the moving lyrics to some of his most famous and insightful songs, including “Let Me Be a Man,” “Family Bible,” “Summer of Roses,” “Me and Paul,” “A Horse called Music,” “Healing Hands of Time,” and “Yesterday's Wine.” |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Rhapsody in Black John Kruth, 2013-05-01 Two eight-page B&W and color photo inserts |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights Ronald D. Lankford, 2013-10-01 When Bing Crosby’s White Christmas debuted in 1942, no one imagined that a holiday song would top the charts year after year. One of the best-selling singles ever released, it remains on rotation at tree lighting ceremonies across the country, in crowded shopping malls on Black Friday, and at warm diners on lonely Christmas Eve nights. Over the years, other favorites have been added to America’s annual playlist, including Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas, the King Cole Trio’s The Christmas Song, Gene Autry’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper, and, of course, Elmo & Patsy’s Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer. Viewing American holiday values through the filter of familiar Christmas songs, Ronald Lankford examines popular culture, consumerism, and the dynamics of the traditional American family. He surveys more than seventy-five years of songs and reveals that the “modern American Christmas” has carried a complex and sometimes contradictory set of meanings. Interpreting tunes against the backdrop of the eras in which they were first released, he identifies the repeated themes of nostalgia, commerce, holiday blues, carnival, and travesty that underscore so much beloved music. This first full-length analysis of the lyrics, images, and commercial forces inextricably linked to Yuletide music hits the heart of what many Americans think Christmas is--or should be. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Mickey Newbury Crystal & Stone Joe Ziemer, 2015-07-10 What do Tom Jones, Nick Cave, Joan Baez, John Denver, Ray Charles, Del Shannon, Keith Richards, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Carol Channing, Manowar and Linda Ronstadt... have in common? Mickey Newbury. They recorded his songs. Matter of fact, Newbury's material has been covered by over 1,230 artists. That is just about everybody. His inspirational ballad An American Trilogy has been recorded by more than 550 artists. It was Elvis' showstopper. His Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) is the rocker that launched Kenny Rogers' career into the stratosphere. Newbury, who grew up on Houston's tough North side, is the only songwriter to place four top hits on four different charts... simultaneously. The train hopper was also instrumental in mentoring Kris Kristofferson, who says, God, I learned more about songwriting from Mickey than I did any other single human being. He was my hero and still is. Shotgun Willie Nelson adds, He was one of the best writers we've ever had and one of the best friends I've ever had. And that is not all. Newbury's albums enjoy an extensive cult following. Peers consider him among the best of the best, and many artists refer to his albums as perfect. Some call him a modern day Stephen Foster. Why then is Newbury known mainly to insiders? A well-kept secret? Too good for the masses? Two truths can be stated: The man cannot be pigeonholed, and he refused to sell out. Like crystal and stone, Newbury's fascinating story is clearly and solidly laid out. It may even change a few truths. As he wrote, Time has a way of changing everything Truth has a way of changing all the time. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Dropping Out: The Trespasser Killer Ned Johnson, 2015-08-10 Escaping society, Conrad Nevitt leaves everything behind and moves to Hank's Heaven -- in the middle of nowhere. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Me and Sister Bobbie Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson, David Ritz, 2020 Abandoned by their parents as toddlers, Willie and Bobbie Nelson found their love of music almost immediately through their grandparents, who raised them in a dusty small town in east Texas. Their close relationship ... is the longest-lasting bond in either of their lives. In alternating chapters, this ... dual memoir weaves together their lives as they experienced them both side-by-side and apart with powerful, emotional stories from growing up, playing music in public for the first time, and the trials they each faced in adulthood as Willie pursued a songwriting career and Bobbie faced a series of challenging relationships and a musical career that only took off when attitudes about women began to change in Texas-- |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: A Lot Like Christmas Connie Willis, 2017-10-10 This new, expanded edition of Miracle and Other Christmas Stories features twelve brilliantly reimagined holiday tales, five of which are collected here for the first time. Christmas comes but once a year, yet the stories in this dazzling collection are fun to read anytime. They put a speculative spin on the holiday, giving fans of acclaimed author Connie Willis a welcome gift and a dozen reasons to be of good cheer. Brimming with Willis’s trademark insights and imagination, these heartwarming tales are full of humor, absurdity, human foibles, tragedy, joy, and hope. They both embrace and send up many of the best Christmas traditions, including the holiday newsletter, Secret Santas, office parties, holiday pageants, and Christmas dinners (both elaborate and spare). There are Rockettes, the best and worst Christmas movies, modern-day Magi, Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come—and the triumph of generosity over greed. Like all the timeless classics we return to year after year, these stories affirm our faith in love, magic, and the wonder of the season. Praise for A Lot Like Christmas “A perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas—celebrating fans of [Connie] Willis’s humorous SF.”—Publishers Weekly “A collection of Christmas stories with just the right blend of sugar and spice . . . sweet and sharp, whimsical and heartfelt, funny and warm . . . Fans of Willis’s gently comic speculative fiction will love this collection, and it will also appeal to readers looking to get into the holiday spirit.”—Kirkus Reviews |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Christmas's Most Wanted™ Kevin Cuddihy, Phillip Metcalfe, 2005-10-31 It’s the rare bird that doesn’t like Christmas. Sure there are Scrooges and, here and there, cries of Bah, humbug, but Christmas is a time for celebrating, for giving, and for trying to be just a little nicer to your fellow man. As the song goes, If every day could be just like Christmas what a wonderful world it would be. Christmas's Most Wanted™ is a celebration of the fun side of Christmas - the songs, the movies, the television shows, the history, the people, the laughs, even the commercialism . . . all that and more. So you’ll see such top-ten lists as different versions of both The Twelve Days of Christmas and A Christmas Carol. You’ll read about traditions and the standard gift givers around the world. You’ll find out about how different song genres celebrate Christmas in music. You’ll relive the great-and not-so-great-cartoons of Christmas past. You’ll discover which television celebrities graced the world with their very own album of holiday tunes. And you’ll learn about births, deaths, and historical events that occurred on Christmas Day. With more than forty top-ten lists on all things merry, you’ll laugh, you’ll smile, and you’ll learn a lot of interesting stuff about Christmas that you didn’t know before. So curl up before the Yule log, pour yourself some eggnog, bite into a gingerbread cookie, and enjoy the book. Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, and Erry-may Istmas-chray. However you say it, Christmas's Most Wanted™ will certainly bring a dose of merriment to your holidays. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Poetry Train America John E WordSlinger, 2013-06-09 A colorful combination of storytelling, poets, poetry, and railways presented using America's fifty states as a backdrop. 3 men who travel the U.S.A. in the year of 2012... To write a written documentary on Poets and the Railroad in our times... When they sleep they get taken back in time to the 19th Century, when the roads were built, and they have such great experiences, and meet key Poets, and figures... Upon waking they have conversations about Poets from the 20th Century, and RxR events... Then it goes into their written documentary on Poetry and Poets now... Main Characters that Andy and Red and Train Marshal Charlie journey within their Dreams, and they are Alphonso G. Newcomer, Mad Bear, Jung Hem Sing, Mr. Welchberry, Patrick O'Hara, Jimmy New Orleans, and many more |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Catalog of Copyright Entries Library of Congress. Copyright Office, 1963 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Pop Music Legends Hank Moore, 2022-09-06 “Music affects every person. It is the soundtrack of our happiness, zest for achievement and relationships to others. Music brings great ideas and feelings. It soothes the soul. It creates and sustains memories.” – Hank Moore Pop Music Legends covers change and growth of the music recording industry. It is based on the Hank Moore’s involvement in music over the years, interviews with hundreds of music stars and his knowledge of pop culture. It is the only book that encompasses a full-scope music perspective and is designed to have high appeal mass appeal, historical, entertainment and is applicable to a broad audience. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music: Lincoln, Abe-Primettes Colin Larkin, 1995 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Marty Robbins Barbara J. Pruett, 2007 From his first performance in the late 1940s until his early death in 1982, Marty Robbins established himself as one of the most popular and successful singer/songwriters in the latter half of the 20th century. On the country charts, he racked up 15 #1 hits, including the crossover smashes El Paso and A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation). A beloved entertainer, Robbins received honors from every major music association. El Paso became the first Grammy ever awarded to a Country song, while My Woman My Woman My Wife received the 1970 Grammy for Best Country Song. In 1969 Robbins was named artist of the decade by the Academy of Country Music. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. In addition to his success as a singer/songwriter, Robbins loved car racing. In the early 1970s he joined the NASCAR circuit and raced the rest of his life. In Marty Robbins: Fast Cars and Country Music, author Barbara J. Pruett provides an exhaustive overview of Robbins' life and career. Nearly half of the book is a chronological listing (starting in 1948) of more than 2,000 magazine and newspaper articles and other sources of information about Robbins. Another section provides a basic discography of his hundreds of recordings, including both albums and singles released in his lifetime and after. The book also features a list of all of the songs he copyrighted, stories about his stock car racing activities, several previously unpublished photographs, and interviews with those who knew and worked with him--and even an extensive interview with Robbins himself. As a tribute to a great entertainer, this volume will be of interest not only to entertainment writers and researchers, but also to Marty Robbins fans worldwide. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Me and Paul Willie Nelson, 2022-09-20 Discover the untold stories and unbreakable bond between country music icon Willie Nelson and his longtime drummer, Paul English. Immortalized in Willie Nelson’s road song Me and Paul, Paul English was the towering figure who for 70 years acted as Willie’s drummer, bodyguard, accountant, partner in crime, and right-hand man. Together, the two men roamed the country by: putting on shows, getting into a few scrapes, raising money for good causes, and bringing the joy of their music to fans worldwide. Stories of Willie and Paul’s misadventures became legendary, but many have gone untold--until now. Set against the backdrop of the exploding Americana music scene and told in Willie’s inimitable, colorful style, Me and Paul follows the two performers through their decades-long careers. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: So You Want to Sing Country Kelly K. Garner, 2016-10-27 Country music, an original American artform, has been around since before the recording industry began and long before a singer even had the opportunity to sing into a microphone. From the early beginnings in the hills of Appalachia, to the rise of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and the more recent megastars, including Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood, country music has proven to have staying power. It is one of the most popular styles of music in the world today, garnering more sales and downloads currently than any other genre. Many talented individuals are aspiring to sing country music and are determined to turn it into a successful career. Because of this growing popularity, there is a need to educate interested singers with information and methods that will give them the best possible chance at either having a career as a artist, working in the industry as a background vocalist or session singer, or simply realizing their potential in country music. Kelly K. Garner's So You Want To Sing Country is a book devoted to briefly reviewing the rich heritage of country singing and thoroughly examining the techniques and methods of singing in a country style. Additional topics of discussion will include country song types and structure, instrumentation, performing on stage and in the studio, and career options in country music. Additional chapters by Scott McCoy and Wendy LeBorgne, and Matthew Edwards address universal questions of voice science and pedagogy, vocal health, and audio enhancement technology. The So You Want to Sing seriesis produced in partnership with the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Like all books in the series, So You Want to Sing Country features online supplemental material on the NATS website. Please visit www.nats.org to access style-specific exercises, audio and video files, and additional resources. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music Colin Larkin, 1992 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Easy Christmas Songbook Hal Leonard Corp., 2013-08-01 (Easy Piano Songbook). 70 easy-to-play arrangements of your favorite Christmas songs! Each song includes a beautifully simplified keyboard part, guitar chords, and lyrics. Also included is a guitar chord chart for handy reference. Enjoy playing your holiday favorites today! Songs include: All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth * Auld Lang Syne * Baby, It's Cold Outside * Blue Christmas * The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) * Deck the Hall * Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World) * Feliz Navidad * Good King Wenceslas * Here Comes Santa Claus (Right down Santa Claus Lane) * (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays * I'll Be Home for Christmas * It Came upon the Midnight Clear * Jingle Bell Rock * Jingle Bells * Joy to the World * Last Christmas * Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! * A Marshmallow World * The Most Wonderful Time of the Year * O Christmas Tree * O Holy Night * Santa Baby * Silent Night * Silver Bells * The Twelve Days of Christmas * Up on the Housetop * What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? * What Child Is This? * and many more. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music: Mercer, Johnny to Tillman, Floyd Colin Larkin, 1992 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll Editors Rolling Stone, 2001-11-08 Completely updated with new entries and extensive revisions of the previous 1,800, The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia Of Rock & Roll is the authoritative volume on the world's music makers—from the one-hit wonders to the megastars. In 1983, Rolling Stone Press introduced its first Rock & Roll Encyclopedia. Almost two decades later, it has become the premier guide to the history of rock & roll, and has been selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum as its official source of information. Giving full coverage to all aspects of the rock scene, it tells the story of rock & roll in a clear and easy reference format, including complete discographies, personnel changes for every band, and backstage information like date and place of birth, from Elvis Presley to Eminem. Since the last edition, the music scene has exploded in every area, from boy-bands to hip-hop, electronica to indie rock. Here, the Encyclopedia explores them all—'NSync, Notorious B.I.G., Ricky Martin, Radiohead, Britney Spears, Blink-182, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Portishead, Fatboy Slim, Fiona Apple, Lil' Kim, Limp Bizkit, Oasis, Outkast, Yo La Tengo, TLC, and many, many more. The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, Third Edition includes all the facts, phenomena, and flukes that make up the history of rock. Accompanying the biographical and discographical information on the nearly 2,000 artists included in this edition are incisive essays that reveal the performers' musical influences, first breaks, and critical and commercial hits and misses, as well as evaluations of their place in rock history. Filled with hundreds of historical photos, The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia is more than just a reference book, it is the bible of rock & roll. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Johnny Cash FAQ C. Eric Banister, 2014-08-01 Johnny Cash remains one of the most recognizable artists in the world. Starting in 1956, he released an album every year until his death in 2003. In addition to these albums, there were also some posthumous releases in the years after his death. From rockabilly to country, folk to comedy, gospel to classical, the prolific Cash touched them all. His hit singles crossed over from country to pop, as he transcended genres and became a superstar around the globe. Cash skyrocketed from the beginning, flying through the '60s until he was one of the country's biggest stars by the end of the decade. Following his own muse through the '70s, Cash slowly faded commercially until he nearly disappeared in the '80s. Instead of giving up, he made an incredible late-career run in the '90s that took him into the new millennium, along the way collaborating with various contemporary rock and pop artists. His offstage problems often overshadowed the music, and his addiction often takes center stage in the story, pushing the music off the page. But Johnny Cash FAQ celebrates the musical genius of Cash and takes a look at every album Cash released, the stories behind the hits, and how he sustained a fantastic nearly 50-year career. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Springfield City Library Bulletin Springfield City Library (Mass.), 1975 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die Willie Nelson, 2012-11-13 In Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Willie Nelson muses about his greatest influences and the things that are most important to him, and celebrates the family, friends, and colleagues who have blessed his remarkable journey. Willie riffs on everything, from music to poker, Texas to Nashville, and more. He shares the outlaw wisdom he has acquired over the course of eight decades, along with favorite jokes and insights from family, bandmates, and close friends. Rare family pictures, beautiful artwork created by his son, Micah Nelson, and lyrics to classic songs punctuate these charming and poignant memories. A road journal written in Willie Nelson's inimitable, homespun voice and a fitting tribute to America’s greatest traveling bard, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die—introduced by another favorite son of Texas, Kinky Friedman—is a deeply personal look into the heart and soul of a unique man and one of the greatest artists of our time, a songwriter and performer whose legacy will endure for generations to come. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Floating Head Mona Matlock, |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Circle Broken Dorothy Carvello, 2024-05-28 Cee Cee Porter came to Nashville as a young woman with a handful of love songs she’d written for her husband, Bucky, and a dream of joining the ranks of country music queens. After one of the songs became a hit, Bucky convinced her to trade her career for a family. Meanwhile, he founded DMG Records and became a major power player in Nashville. Now their marriage is falling apart. Like a good, Southern, Christian woman, Cee Cee does everything she can to save it. But when Bucky signs the young Australian phenomenon Michael Jennings, Cee Cee’s world is upended. As she tries to create a life above Nashville’s hypocritical moral stricture, she is menaced at every turn. A fast-paced, complex, true-to-life story, The Circle Broken captures what it’s really like to be in the music business: the fame, the debauchery, the manipulation, and the duplicity. It is a dramatic exploration of the psychology of money and power, illuminating the struggle of women trying to rise in a male-dominated world. Most importantly, it is a story about identity and about how trauma is passed from generation to generation, like a song no one can stop singing. Can the circle ever be broken? |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Billboard , 1979-12-08 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Contemporary Keyboard , 1980 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: All about Christmas Irena Chalmers, 1994-10 Provides information about Christmas holiday matters, from stories and carols to cooking recipes, crafts and more. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Billboard , 1977-12-10 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Virgin Encyclopedia of 70s Music Colin Larkin, 2002 All the facts and informed opinion that you need on the artists who made the history of this decade are contained in this single volume, distilled from The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music, universally acclaimed as the world's leading source of reference on rock and pop history. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music: Louvin, Charlie-Paul, Clarence Colin Larkin, 1998 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Digital Audio and Compact Disc Review , 1988 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: The Virgin Encyclopedia of Country Music Colin Larkin, 1998 This is a complete handbook of information and opinion about the history of country music. Based on the Encyclopedia of Popular Music, the book contains over 1000 entries covering musicians, bands, songwriters, producers and record labels which have made a significant impact on the development of country music. It brings together people such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Jimmie Rogers and the influence of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams and more recent figures such as Mary-Chapin Carpenter and LeAnn Rimes. Each entry offers information such as dates, career facts, discography and album ratings. |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Catalog of Copyright Entries, Third Series Library of Congress. Copyright Office, 1977 The record of each copyright registration listed in the Catalog includes a description of the work copyrighted and data relating to the copyright claim (the name of the copyright claimant as given in the application for registration, the copyright date, the copyright registration number, etc.). |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Catalog of Copyright Entries Library of Congress. Copyright Office, 1963 |
willie nelson singing pretty paper: Presleyana VI - the Elvis Presley Record, CD, and Memorabilia Price Guide Jerry Osborne, 2007-07 |