Country music legend Willie Nelson has lived a life full of highs and lows, but few fans know about his darkest moment. The On the Road Again singer revealed that during the early 1960s, long before he became a household name, he hit rock bottom and attempted to take his own life.
Before his breakthrough, Nelson struggled to find success in Nashville’s competitive music scene. With a growing family to support and no stable income, he fell into a deep depression.
“I wasn’t making a dime, and every door I knocked on seemed to shut in my face,” he recalled. “I felt like I had nowhere left to turn.”
A Chilling Suicide Attempt in Nashville
At the lowest point in his life, Nelson decided to lay down in the middle of Broadway, one of Nashville’s busiest streets, hoping to be struck by a passing car. He lay there for nearly 15 minutes, but in a twist of fate, traffic was sparse, and no cars came close.
“I closed my eyes and waited, but nothing happened,” he said. “Eventually, I got up and went back to the bar for another drink.”
The next day, his friend Paul English, who later became his longtime drummer, checked in on him. Their conversation changed the course of Nelson’s life. English encouraged him to keep going and reminded him of the talent he had yet to showcase.
Turning Tragedy Into Triumph
Shortly after that life-altering night, Nelson’s career took a turn for the better. A music publisher offered him a songwriting job, where he wrote Hello Walls, a song that became a massive hit. Soon after, country music star Ray Price recorded Nelson’s song Night Life and even invited him to play bass in his band, the Cherokee Cowboys.
English, who remained Nelson’s closest confidant until his passing in 2020, predicted his rise to fame. He once told him, “You’re hotter than a pistol. I just don’t see why you don’t have your own band.”
Nelson took the advice to heart and eventually built one of the most celebrated careers in country music history. Today, at 91, he remains a symbol of perseverance and resilience.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around,” Nelson reflected.
His journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, a breakthrough may be just around the corner.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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