I had the honor of photographing Willie Nelson at his recording studio while shooting for a Buckwheat Zydeco album.

Willie entered the studio after playing golf on the course that conveniently surrounds Pedernales Recording Studio in Spicewood, Texas.   He greeted everyone then went into the studio and picked up his guitar and laid down three versions of the track.  Each run was unique and brilliant.  I was stunned by his virtuosity of his playing.  His talent is amazing.  I never really thought of him as a guitar player, but more of a singer songwriter.  He gave me a quick education without uttering a word.

“I don’t play the same notes each time, I play the song, and the song plays me.  We are the same.”    Excerpt from the Tao of Willie Nelson.

Willie Nelson is a national treasure and I would encourage anyone to discover his genius if you haven’t already.  The photograph above of his pre-war Martin acoustic guitar was taken in the recording studio during that recording session.  The live photograph with the same guitar was taken at Willie Nelson’s Picnic at Carl’s Corner, Texas.