Willie Nelson's Letters to America: Heartfelt Reflections, Songs, and Humor from a Country Music Legend

by Willie Nelson, Turk Pipkin (Primary Contributor)

Following his bestselling memoir, It’s a Long Story, Willie Nelson now delivers his most personal and intimate thoughts and stories in Willie Nelson's Letters to America. 

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, and
his personal heroes, from our founding fathers to the leaders of 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,” and “Yesterday's Wine.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

Willie Hugh Nelson is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and notorious country music singers. He reached his greatest fame during the so-called "outlaw country" movement of the 1970s, but remains iconic, especially in American popular culture. In recent years he has continued to tour, record, and perform, and this, combined with activities in advocacy of cannabis, as well as a well-publicized 2006 arrest for cannabis possession, have made him the subject of renewed media attention.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wouldn’t say I’m a mega-fan, I’ve always enjoyed the freedom that Willie exudes. 🇺🇸 He’s just a good’ol’boy with a loving agenda. ❤️ The only thing that could make this audiobook better would be his music. 👍

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's important not to take yourself too seriously, and laughter really is the best medicine . . . though cannabis isn't far behind." -- Willie Nelson, with a wink and smile, on page 142

Composed by the legendary country & western music superstar during in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (which he amusingly refers to as the 'pandumbit,' the 'pandamnit,' and various other turns of phrases), Nelson's Letters to America is a collection of over fifty essays interspersed with lyrics to the songs he has written and/or covered to great success. Like the title suggests, the humorous and/or heartfelt compositions are structured as if he were simply writing an easygoing two- or three-page letter to his assorted family members, friends, childhood heroes, professional associates, U.S. politicians, and fans of all ages. At 88 years old, this man knows exactly what he wants to express and, amazingly but not unexpectedly, he is far from the stereotype of a bitterly grumpy old man. He is a proud Texan, grateful for his prosperity and the many opportunities in life (he notes how it took him only "thirty years and fifteen albums to become 'an overnight success'"), and he is very mellow - okay, insert the required marijuana joke here - and often appears to assume the stance of a rational peacekeeper who is willing to listen to / consider the two sides of an argument. He has written so many great songs, and now he has written a really good book as well.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like Willie was bored and sitting around his ranch during lockdown and wanted to write memories about the people, places, and things (horses, marijuana) he's loved in his life. His stories/letters are mixed in with relevant song lyrics that really show how Willie is the heir to the great American Songbook songwriters of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. It's also a love letter to his fans and to the USA. Willie writes several times of how proud he was that his shows in the 60s and 70s brought together hippies and cowboys, and it's easy to tell that he wants that same sense of commonality and celebration in the country today. An easy and enjoyable read if you like his music (and you should!).

**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oct 25, 745pm ~~ This book was published in 2021, and was written during the COVID lockdown, when even Willie Nelson had to stay off the road.

It is a wonderful collection of little essays written in the form of letters to various people, to his dear old guitar Trigger, to the Golf Gods, to America, to Mother Earth and more. In between are some general thoughts, jokes, and song lyrics.

There is a great deal of heartfelt sentiment here, and this reader at least felt the power of the Thank You's Willie addressed to so many. This book more than any other feels the most personal. He admits he's bored, he misses being out playing his music, and he is just trying to cope. As were we all during that time. As are we all even now.

I loved the joke about the elephant. Oh, and the other one about the couple who fell out of the window. Everyone needs a good giggle now and then and those gave me double my money's worth, since I told them to Marco during our daily phone call and then really laughed. Thanks for that, Willie!

And thank you for this book: it is a treasure. I know you have already been out on the road again, and I hope you continue to spend as much time as you can out there, you and Trigger playing your music for all of us.

Peace and Love, brother.

And Happy Trails too!

[Whitney Bak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via. my job as a freelance editor, proofreader, and copywriter.

As Willie Nelson's newest fan, I needed to give his book a five-star review. I've read a hefty amount of celebrity self-help books and memoirs (hazard of the job), but I've never before finished one of these with so much delight and genuine love and respect for the writer. Willie Nelson surprised me with his candor, kindheartedness, and most of all his hilariousness (his jokes were 100 percent on point).

While I was, of course, familiar with some of his songs (who hasn't heard "On the Road Again"?), it was a pleasure to deep dive into songs I'd never encountered before and be enchanted by his lyrics as well as the stories behind them. Willie Nelson is as genre-bending as his book itself, which comprises open letters, essays, and song lyrics, and I'm thrilled to be an official member of his millennial fan club. Getting on the Willie train has also helped me bond with the two generations of men who came and loved his music before me.

So glad Willie Nelson is "Still Not Dead" and here to share more of his creativity with a new generation. Don't sleep on this one! It's a quick and fun read that shines a spot of brightness during a difficult season in our world.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Willie Nelson’s Letters to America (audiobook) by Willie Nelson and Turk Pipkin read by Turk Pipkin.

It was fun getting to listening to Willie’s thoughts on everything as he went through the lockdown. It’s too bad that they weren’t in his voice but I’m sure he needs to save his voice for singing.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Started it when I had a few minutes and couldn't put it down. Read in 1 1/2 days. It was so heartfelt and inspiring.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much a typical Willie Nelson book. It has lots of folksy stories and background to his songs and his works.

The letters in this one they cross all kinds of political, social, and economic status. There are all mostly interesting and I agree with most of them. However, I really don’t need to listen to the political opinion of people who sing for living.

It’s an OK book.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book tonight and also just watched the most recent Willie appearance on Jimmy Fallon, where he asked Willie why he decided to write this book and Willie responded, “Oh, I don’t know. Somebody said something about money.” Hahahahahaha! Willie in a nutshell. Whatever the reason, I loved it. Any book of Willie wisdom is five stars to me.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I only know Willie Nelson's more popular songs and didn't know much about him otherwise. This book isn't about his life or career so much as short letters on various things such as his friends and fellow artists, Mother Nature, and his children.
I really like how open and honest Willie Nelson is. (His positive outlook is not all due to his cannibus use!) He really gives credit to his family, friends, and fans for making his career a success.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I loved Willie before I read this book, but I love and respect him even more after reading it. As the title suggests, this is a compilation of letters from Willie - Letters written not only to people living, but many who have passed on. He even wrote a letter to his famous guitar, Trigger, to his audiences, his children, and to his heroes. The book is like a chronological recap of his life from early childhood in Abbott, Texas to today, dealing with the pandemic, politics, climate change, and a plethora of other immediate issues. But through it all, he is positive and upbeat. He lists Gene Autry's Cowboy Code in a letter to Gene Autry (a boyhood hero). This code is one we would all benefit from if we lived by it. One of my favorite passages in the book is in the chapter he wrote about all the frequent rumors that circulate about his death. He says: "The question is not: Which one of us is going to die tomorrow? The question is: What am I going to do today? Remember my song, "Three Days," which helped kick off this book? There are only three days - yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And there's only one of those we can do anything about. So let's go earn our day. Let's do our best to enjoy life on this side of the dirt." Such words of wisdom. There is also a chapter on the Power of Positive Thinking that I found uplifting. Visualization and positive thinking are the keys to a happy productive life. I believe it! Included with these letters and chapters are many song lyrics scattered throughout the book. I highly recommend this for anyone seeking self-improvement!

[luxie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As both a Texan and music lover, I was excited to check out Willie Nelson's new book Letters to America. It has a wonderful flow that carries the reader from anecdote to letter to song lyrics so that we can understand the importance of each letter and its intended recipient. Willie spreads a message of love as he reflects back on life as well as how the current pandemic situation is affecting his world now. It's clear that he can't wait to get back out on the road again spreading that message of love with his live music audiences and this book provides a window into the passion he has for making music and the long journey he's traveled to get where he is today. It was a very laid-back, enjoyable read full of insight and inspiration and for that I give it 5 stars.

[Kari Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whats not to love about Willie?? He is so fascinating

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down. I have loved every book Willie has written and the same goes for this one. As one of my favorite shirts says, “Listen to Willie.” ❤️

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kept me captivated with the little stories as letters. I think it shows a great opportunity to learn about this amazing singer songwriter.

I love the fact that he puts so much of himself out there and his lyrics jive with many people. One of my favourite songs is On the Road Again. It is such a great song and I really like that he out the lyrics in this book.

Willie has led an interesting life but this book really isn't about his life but it shows more of his nature in what he writes. He shows a lot of class in how he gives a lot of credit to others including his family.

Very impressed by this book

[Lydia Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up listening to country music as a child and I hated it. As I became an adult I really started enjoying country music since the songs all have a story to tell. I love Willie Nelson's book. Willie spreads a message of love and explains the lyrics to his songs so that we understand each letter and its intended recipient. What a great walk down memory lane. A must read.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Review of the Audiobook

Published in 2021 by Harper Horizon.
Read by co-author Turk Pipkin
Duration: 3 hours, 6 minutes.
Unabridged.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns Willie Nelson decided to write a book. This is not an unusual thing for Willie - he has written a handful of memoirs focusing on various parts of his almost 80 years as a professional musician (he was paid to play in a local band at the age of 10) and this book almost certainly overlaps with other books.

The format of the book is that Willie is writing thank you letters to various people, places and things that influenced his life and his career. He has a letter to his hometown, his grandparents, his sister, various members of his band over the years, his ex-wives, his wife, his kids, the members of The Highwaymen, among others.

There is also a letter to his guitar, Trigger. Nelson bought Trigger, sight unseen, in 1969 because he needed to replace his guitar after someone accidentally damaged the guitar he was using. Nelson has been playing that guitar ever since. He has literally worn a nasty-looking hole in it. This iconic instrument has its own Wikipedia page and was the subject of a Rolling Stone magazine documentary in 2015.

Nelson's last big theme is a series of politically-inspired letters. He writes to the Founding Fathers and he notes that although he is politically active, he refuses to talk politics on stage because that's not why people buy tickets and it ruins the fun.

I listened to this as an audiobook, but I liked these quotes well enough to get out a piece of paper and write them down:

"Rather than hiding our flaws, it's best to use our right of free speech and discuss them in the open."

"I've been asked if I believe people should be allowed to kneel during the national anthem. Regarding peaceful protests, and just about everything else, I believe everyone should do whatever the f*** they want to."

The biggest disappointment if this audiobook is that Willie Nelson chose not to read it. Instead, he asked his co-author Turk Pipkin to read it. Pipkin seems like a great guy and he does a good job with the reading, but he does not have that iconic Willie Nelson voice.

I rate this audiobook 4 stars out of 5

https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2022...

[M. Sarki · Rating 3 out of 5]

...We lost Jerry Jeff (Walker) this past year, but I like to remember him for all the fun times we had together. In the old days, he had a reputation for drinking, and told me once that the only difference between him and Hank Williams was that Hank went backstage to throw up!...

Willie Nelson took the pandemic to task and wrote a slew of letters to friends and family both dead and alive. Some a little corny, but that’s Willie, jokes and all. However, his advice should not be taken lightly.

...“Don’t think no negative thoughts.” When you put a negative thought into your mind and body, it poisons your system. Worry will make you sick. But I’ve never seen worrying about something change it. Instead of always having a worried mind, I decided not to worry…

Amen. But it’s hard sometimes.Especially when it’s a shitstorm out there. But it passes. As do we.

...Zeke and Johnny, Waylon and Merle, have all moved on. If missing them would bring them back, I’d miss ‘em the whole day long. But missing ain’t living, and living works best when you’re strong…

These letters are sort of a goodbye to everybody and a plea for the country to get its shit together. Hope it’s not too late. Miracles can happen.

[jimtown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working on and writing Letters to America was time well spent for Willie Nelson. He started this project at the beginning of the pandemic to keep from going Crazy. You can tell he still missed being on the road, singing his songs, but he took to time to be thankful for the people and places and things he's done along the way in life. He writes letters to his home town, the state of Texas, to America, to his poker buddies and To All the Women I've Loved Before. That chapter could very well be a new song, it was so poetic.

Also throughout, are the lyrics to some of the songs he's written or recorded. Willie most often writes a simple heartfelt or funny lyric that seems almost unfinished. His true talent shines when he makes them into song. The jokes he included are older than the hills and only funny to a group of guys playing poker.

He seems to have a big heart and a lot of common sense. Hope Willie can get back out On the Road Again soon.

[DoubleM · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - one of the best books I have ever read, because with Willie - what you see is what you get, there is nothing fake about him. I first became a fan of Willie's in the early 1960s when Faron Young recorded "Hello Walls" - my reason was because my greatest delight is the proper and/or unusual use of the English Language, and when I saw/heard how Willie put words together in ways no one else every had, I was hooked. Then I had opportunity to meet him at one of his performances and found out he was a few years older than I and from Abbott, Texas, where I had spent the first three years of grammar school - so, we didn't know it, but we had been schoolmates way back when.
Now that my disclaimer has been presented - the Book: this book is written exactly as Willie writes his songs, extremely well written, honest, funny, and I could not put it down. In it, we get to see the real Willie, why he is so inspirational and why, as individuals living in a screwed up world, we should all pay attention to what he has to say - Willie is WHO HE IS and he thinks everyone should have a chance to be themselves - and I totally agree. THIS IS A GREAT READ!!!!!! I will read it again, and again, and again!!!!!!!

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly authentic-feeling thought collection.

It’s not often you get to listen to a Man’s Philosophy and Theology taught by the Man who has lived it for close to Ninety years. But, like with his Music, the Listener feels like what he’s hearing comes from Willie’s Heart.

Probably since 1978 when I first heard from The Red-Headed Stranger, I don’t think a day’s gone by when I haven’t heard or thought of a Willie Nelson Song. Yeah, I’m a fan, a Big Fan, but I have to admit that I’ve never come across a book or magazine article that captures the Man as well as this short book does.

You Fans need to read it and if you’re not a fan, reading it will make you one. Five Stars. *****

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willie Nelson is a national treasure. He wrote these missives while trapped off the road by the pandangit (his term) and they are marvelous. About my only complaint is the audio version of the book does not include the lyrics he references (without a separate download) - would it really have added so much time to just read them or play the tunes as appropriate? Lucky for me, I'm a long time fan, and just mentioning most of Willie's titles triggers those songs in my head.

[Kasurls · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s light. I was intrigued by his format. He wrote letters to Covid, to his younger self, to several friends that have passed away, so I liked that. Bottom line though, Willie Nelson needs to stay with writing music and let others do the books. In defense, he did this during pandemic lockdown, we were all looking for something to do.

My favorite line, and it is so true, “You can’t make old friends”.

[Klmondragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was surprisingly a great book. 87 year-old National treasure Willie Nelson being concise, reflective, humble, insightful, positive, and funny while hitting on many important social issues that affect us all today. This is a home run. Now, I’m going to go listen to some Willie.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook.
I enjoyed this short book, it's a fun layout of storytelling and letters to people. It's very political heavy at the end, and while I don't agree with everything he believes, I appreciate his thoughts and have renewed respect for him as an individual.

[Kelly Hobgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Willie, his music and his philosophy of “live and let live”. This book was quick but autobiographical, at times funny, but full of wisdom and reflection. A must for any Willie fan!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full-to-the-brim with the kind of wisdom that you want to quote, but will hopefully at least take to heart. I already liked Willy Nelson, but found myself crying at several points in this book as I contempleted his age and what his loss will mean to our culture. But I also laughed out loud - at his very bad jokes and at his ridiculous stories. I wanted to flip this over and start rereading as soon as I was finished. And I just may.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps with age comes wisdom.

[Amanda Tungseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Willie shares his letters, songs and thoughts about life in a real, raw way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look into the life and perspective of Willie. Words to many songs highlight the stories.