Legendary country performer and songwriter Willie Nelson will shine in the 98 Country Sunday Morning Classic Spotlight this weekend.

Known as the "Red Headed Stranger", "Shotgun Willie" and "Dr. Booger", Nelson has spent most of his life as a performer.

Born in Abbott, Texas amid the Great Depression, Nelson was raised by his grandparents. Prolific from the start, he wrote his first song at age 7 and joined his first band at 10. He later worked as a disc jockey and sang in honky tonks.

Nelson is one of the main figures of outlaw country, joining others in that genre such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson and Hank Williams Junior.

Nelson's acted in over 30 films including "The Electric Horseman", "Honeysuckle  Rose" and "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Nelson's also co-authored seven books.

Nelson's been involved in activism for the use of bio-fuels and the legalization of marijuana.

Nelson lives in Maui, Hawaii. Willie has married four times and fathered seven children.

Nelson is active in a number of issues.  Along with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, he set up Farm aid in 1985 to assist and increase awareness of the importance of family farms.

Join me Sunday January 1 at 11:00 a.m.  as we celebrate Willie Nelson -- the American icon, his life and his music.

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