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Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship
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 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.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
70 people are currently reading
2381 people want to read
About the author
Willie Nelson
131 books331 followersWillie 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 3, 2022
EXCERPT: This one guy understood me like no one else. He understood me on the deepest level imaginable. Likewise, I understood him. How is it we could communicate without even talking? One look is all we needed. In my case, my only sibling is my sister, Bobbie. Paul became the brother I never had. In Paul's case, he had siblings - wonderfully talented people - and yet our bond felt deeper than blood. It was unbreakable. It defied understanding. It was like I knew him before we even met. And now that he's gone, he's still here. He still knows me. He still lives in my heart and in the hearts of everyone whose hearts he touched.
ABOUT 'ME AND PAUL': “I’ve got this song that begs to be a book and a book that begs to read like a song--a long, romping ballad of sweetness and scandal bridging seven decades of friendship . . .”
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, 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.
MY THOUGHTS: I selected this extract because it demonstrates the closeness between Willie Nelson and his longtime drummer, Paul English. But most of the book is taken up by the antics that these two got up to. Most of the antics are enacted by Willie. Paul is the caped superhero who swoops in to rescue him. I kid you not!
I'm a long time Willie Nelson fan. But I learned an awful lot about Willie that I never previously knew. Did you know that he used to sell vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias? Strange but true. Try as I might, I just couldn't imagine it!
I loved this insight into Willie's life and his relationship with Paul. I laughed and cringed at their antics. I wished that I had a friend in my life who was as important to me as Paul was to Willie. But it wasn't a one-sided relationship, although for many years it looks that way. When Paul needed him, Willie was there.
I finished Me and Paul with eyes overflowing. And a wonderful playlist.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.6
#MeandPaul #NetGalley
I: @willienelsonofficial @harperhorizon
T: @WillieNelson @HarperHorizon
#friendship #memoir #nonfiction
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Horizon via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship by Willie Nelson. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'ME AND PAUL': “I’ve got this song that begs to be a book and a book that begs to read like a song--a long, romping ballad of sweetness and scandal bridging seven decades of friendship . . .”
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, 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.
MY THOUGHTS: I selected this extract because it demonstrates the closeness between Willie Nelson and his longtime drummer, Paul English. But most of the book is taken up by the antics that these two got up to. Most of the antics are enacted by Willie. Paul is the caped superhero who swoops in to rescue him. I kid you not!
I'm a long time Willie Nelson fan. But I learned an awful lot about Willie that I never previously knew. Did you know that he used to sell vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias? Strange but true. Try as I might, I just couldn't imagine it!
I loved this insight into Willie's life and his relationship with Paul. I laughed and cringed at their antics. I wished that I had a friend in my life who was as important to me as Paul was to Willie. But it wasn't a one-sided relationship, although for many years it looks that way. When Paul needed him, Willie was there.
I finished Me and Paul with eyes overflowing. And a wonderful playlist.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.6
#MeandPaul #NetGalley
I: @willienelsonofficial @harperhorizon
T: @WillieNelson @HarperHorizon
#friendship #memoir #nonfiction
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Horizon via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship by Willie Nelson. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 4, 2022
Me and Paul is Willie Nelson's homage to his best friend, drummer, gun-carrying bodyguard, and partner in crime. It is a series of stories put together in a sort of chronological order. This is not a biography or a book about Nelson's music so much as it's a series of unconnected tales of life on the road in the rough and tumble music business.
September 13, 2022
Love the old stories Willie- keep em coming!
Read
January 19, 2023Me and Paul pairs nicely with Me and Sister Bobbie. The voice in both books is Willie filtered through interviewer and ghostwriter David Ritz. While Me and Sister Bobbie tells of Willie's family-oriented soft side, Me and Paul is about the grittier relationship between Willie and his drummer/bodyguard/all-around badass friend Paul English. Some of the stories are pretty funny, and they illuminate Willie's life on the road, but Me and Sister Bobbie delves more deeply into the music. If you're a Willie fan, you will enjoy reading both books. If you're not a Willie fan, the stories in Me and Paul are still likely to hold your attention, and might motivate you to give Willie another listen.
June 11, 2022
Anyone who knows me knows how much love I have for Willie Nelson. I’ve read every book he’s written, so when I had a chance to read his upcoming release via NetGalley I jumped at the chance.
Paul English was Willie’s long-time friend and drummer. For sixty-five years they shared a friendship that went beyond the bounds of friends and crossed over into brotherhood.
I loved every facet of this story, from their first meeting until Paul drew his last breath.
He was a steady force behind Willie Nelson and a fearless supporter of his talent as a songwriter and performer. He believed in Willie when Willie lost faith in himself. He understood Willie’s off-sync timing and had no trouble following him. That alone was enough to endear Paul to Willie, but as their lives intertwined and the story unfolded, it was only the beginning.
The stories shared between the pages of this book took me on a journey from Fort Worth’s rough and rowdy side to New York Times Square and all points in between. Paul had a history of, and habit of, walking just a little outside the law. But despite his shady background, he proved to be a driving force. He loved numbers and was the accountant for the band. He never hesitated to take whatever action necessary when a shifty promoter tried to stiff them.
“Paul knew everyone and everyone knew Paul,” said Willie.
Paul took on the persona of the devil, dressing in all black, wearing a black cape lined with red silk, black Stetson, and red cowboy boots. But in Willie’s words, “that persona couldn’t have been farther from the truth.’
With a heart of gold, Paul never hesitated to step in and intercede for the underdog.
So many stories are told in this book that I’d love to relate to you, but I won’t. I will simply tell you that behind every successful man, there is a true supporter. In the case of Willie Nelson, that was Paul English. Willie said they fit perfectly together like a pistol and a holster. Paul was steady while Willie could be unsteady. Paul was a genius with numbers and a sure shot with a .45. Everyone who knew him respected and admired him.
He passed away on February 11, 2020, at the age of 87. He had been Willie’s closest confidant for over sixty-five years. This book is a fitting tribute to the man, sharing the highs and lows of his life. If you follow Willie Nelson’s music, this book is a must-read for you. I highly recommend it. It is told in Willie’s easy style of communicating, simple with no frills, but filled with heart and soul.
This book is set to release on September 20, 2022. And even though I’ve read it, I will have a hardcover copy on my bookshelf. It is priceless!
Paul English was Willie’s long-time friend and drummer. For sixty-five years they shared a friendship that went beyond the bounds of friends and crossed over into brotherhood.
I loved every facet of this story, from their first meeting until Paul drew his last breath.
He was a steady force behind Willie Nelson and a fearless supporter of his talent as a songwriter and performer. He believed in Willie when Willie lost faith in himself. He understood Willie’s off-sync timing and had no trouble following him. That alone was enough to endear Paul to Willie, but as their lives intertwined and the story unfolded, it was only the beginning.
The stories shared between the pages of this book took me on a journey from Fort Worth’s rough and rowdy side to New York Times Square and all points in between. Paul had a history of, and habit of, walking just a little outside the law. But despite his shady background, he proved to be a driving force. He loved numbers and was the accountant for the band. He never hesitated to take whatever action necessary when a shifty promoter tried to stiff them.
“Paul knew everyone and everyone knew Paul,” said Willie.
Paul took on the persona of the devil, dressing in all black, wearing a black cape lined with red silk, black Stetson, and red cowboy boots. But in Willie’s words, “that persona couldn’t have been farther from the truth.’
With a heart of gold, Paul never hesitated to step in and intercede for the underdog.
So many stories are told in this book that I’d love to relate to you, but I won’t. I will simply tell you that behind every successful man, there is a true supporter. In the case of Willie Nelson, that was Paul English. Willie said they fit perfectly together like a pistol and a holster. Paul was steady while Willie could be unsteady. Paul was a genius with numbers and a sure shot with a .45. Everyone who knew him respected and admired him.
He passed away on February 11, 2020, at the age of 87. He had been Willie’s closest confidant for over sixty-five years. This book is a fitting tribute to the man, sharing the highs and lows of his life. If you follow Willie Nelson’s music, this book is a must-read for you. I highly recommend it. It is told in Willie’s easy style of communicating, simple with no frills, but filled with heart and soul.
This book is set to release on September 20, 2022. And even though I’ve read it, I will have a hardcover copy on my bookshelf. It is priceless!
June 13, 2022
Let me start this review by saying my knowledge of both Willie Nelson as a man and musician was minimal. I grew up in the 1990s, listening to Snoop Dogg and Brit-pop. To me, Willie was that guy who helped the farmers with Farm Aid, played country music and liked marijuana.
The premise of this book intrigued me. A book written by Willie, with David Ritz, about his decades-long friendship with his drummer, enforcer and confidant, Paul English. I thought I’d find stories about their adventures on the road and typical musical lore. However, this book is so much more. It’s a tribute to Paul, written by his best friend. The storyteller in Willie wants to share their friendship, because as he says, “remembering Paul matters”.
Paul English was a character in every sense of the word. A gun-carrying, no-nonsense guy who was intelligent and loyal. I found myself engrossed in stories of Willie and Paul’s early days, wanting to learn more about their friendship and the cast of characters they encountered throughout decades of American music history.
The tone of this book was magical. I felt as if I was sitting outside on a warm, summer night with my cantankerous Uncle Willie while he shared stories about his adventures with his best friend. Energetic, raucous stories and also glimpses of the loss that happens in life.
For music lovers, for people who’ve had lifelong friendships or for people who just enjoy a good story - I can’t recommend this book enough.
After finishing this book, I’m discovering Willie Nelson’s music. I listened to “Me and Paul”. A song that I never knew existed before this book. But now it’s a song that brings a smile to my face, because I feel like I know the backstory.
Rest in peace, Paul.
Or maybe stir up a little trouble too.
And thank you, Willie. If you come to Milwaukee, say hi.
We’ll welcome you, I promise.
**Thank you, Net Galley for allowing me to read this book before it is released.
The premise of this book intrigued me. A book written by Willie, with David Ritz, about his decades-long friendship with his drummer, enforcer and confidant, Paul English. I thought I’d find stories about their adventures on the road and typical musical lore. However, this book is so much more. It’s a tribute to Paul, written by his best friend. The storyteller in Willie wants to share their friendship, because as he says, “remembering Paul matters”.
Paul English was a character in every sense of the word. A gun-carrying, no-nonsense guy who was intelligent and loyal. I found myself engrossed in stories of Willie and Paul’s early days, wanting to learn more about their friendship and the cast of characters they encountered throughout decades of American music history.
The tone of this book was magical. I felt as if I was sitting outside on a warm, summer night with my cantankerous Uncle Willie while he shared stories about his adventures with his best friend. Energetic, raucous stories and also glimpses of the loss that happens in life.
For music lovers, for people who’ve had lifelong friendships or for people who just enjoy a good story - I can’t recommend this book enough.
After finishing this book, I’m discovering Willie Nelson’s music. I listened to “Me and Paul”. A song that I never knew existed before this book. But now it’s a song that brings a smile to my face, because I feel like I know the backstory.
Rest in peace, Paul.
Or maybe stir up a little trouble too.
And thank you, Willie. If you come to Milwaukee, say hi.
We’ll welcome you, I promise.
**Thank you, Net Galley for allowing me to read this book before it is released.
August 5, 2022
I have a new appreciation for Willie Nelson after reading this book. Although I have enjoyed much of his music and watched his eccentric life with humor. I now know Willie Nelson practices TaeKwando, plays golf and reads and appreciates the poetry of Kahlil Gibran. I will never hear him sing again without realizing here is a man of many talents.
September 13, 2022
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I figured a bunch of anecdotes about Willie Nelson's lifelong friendship with Paul English would be mildly interesting and that's it. It was so much more including stories about Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, Willie's and Paul's families and the inspiration behind some of his most famous songs. I found it so engaging that I dug out my old Willie Nelson vinyl records and listened along as I read it straight through in one setting. Highly recommended
June 11, 2022
I grew up listening to Willie, Waylon and "the Boys". Both parents listened to country and western music, so as a toddler, a kid, and starting teen years so did I. I will say that I did listen to many other varieties, but it was on the house radio, or album player, it was country.
I remember when the song "Me and Paul" came out in 1985. I never really knew that "Me and Paul" were actual people, let alone Willie and a practically lifetime friend, who became his drummer, Paul English. I mean the song could have been about anybody, or nobody, writers just write sometimes.
Paul, was a very close friend, practically a brother, also his body guard and pretty much a "guardian angel". Paul just knew when and where he needed to be to keep an eye on Willie. He was somebody you just didn't mess with.
This book is kind of a combo of autobiography/biography that mainly following the life and song "Me and Paul". The beginning of the book starts with a little more, but as you're reading you come upon verses of the song "Me and Paul" along with the story behind the meaning of them, and it goes on throughout the book. However, if you don't know the song, I don't know if you'd pick them up. I wish they had put that in italics, hopefully they are in the finally copy.
There is more in there than just Willie and Paul, although they are the main focus. You have wives, children, other known singers of the time in many genres, and may albums they made along the way. I knew many songs mentioned throughout the book, but only recall knowing one album title, "Wanted Outlaws". I remember playing that vinyl on my little record player, and while reading this it made me want to buy the album and play it again, CD though.
The book was great! I loved discovering the reasons for the song "Me and Paul" along with the lives they shared from beginning to end.
I want to thank #Netgalley and Harper Horizon for the opportunity to read this awesome book #MeandPaul for my honest review!
I remember when the song "Me and Paul" came out in 1985. I never really knew that "Me and Paul" were actual people, let alone Willie and a practically lifetime friend, who became his drummer, Paul English. I mean the song could have been about anybody, or nobody, writers just write sometimes.
Paul, was a very close friend, practically a brother, also his body guard and pretty much a "guardian angel". Paul just knew when and where he needed to be to keep an eye on Willie. He was somebody you just didn't mess with.
This book is kind of a combo of autobiography/biography that mainly following the life and song "Me and Paul". The beginning of the book starts with a little more, but as you're reading you come upon verses of the song "Me and Paul" along with the story behind the meaning of them, and it goes on throughout the book. However, if you don't know the song, I don't know if you'd pick them up. I wish they had put that in italics, hopefully they are in the finally copy.
There is more in there than just Willie and Paul, although they are the main focus. You have wives, children, other known singers of the time in many genres, and may albums they made along the way. I knew many songs mentioned throughout the book, but only recall knowing one album title, "Wanted Outlaws". I remember playing that vinyl on my little record player, and while reading this it made me want to buy the album and play it again, CD though.
The book was great! I loved discovering the reasons for the song "Me and Paul" along with the lives they shared from beginning to end.
I want to thank #Netgalley and Harper Horizon for the opportunity to read this awesome book #MeandPaul for my honest review!
August 1, 2022
Read this in about three days! As you might imagine Willie Nelson is an amazing story-teller and the medium clearly doesn't matter. A heartwarming tale mixed with love, sadness and most of all respect. I so enjoyed learning about the "Paul" behind the song. Perfect for music fans and fans of Willie Nelson.
September 20, 2022
Willie Nelson has written a delightful tribute to his friend of 50+ years, Paul English. This is more a series of escapades than a comprehensive biography. Willie has a way with words, evident in his songs, that is so descriptive you feel like you are just sitting around and talking. The brotherhood they shared is evident in the stories. If you're a Willie Nelson fan, be sure to read this. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Horizon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2023
This book was an uneven, slightly chronological memoir about the relationship between Willie Nelson and his longtime drummer and best friend, Paul English. I didn’t care for the narrator, mostly because I think a Texas accent would have fit much better. But I love that reading it sent me back to listen to the earliest Willie recordings I could find.
October 26, 2023
Full of stories about legendary entertainers who shared a long-lasting friendship, each supporting the other through trials and successes. Glad to have heard them from Willie's point of view. I would loved to have heard it from his infamous voice.
July 17, 2022
This is a funny, poignant, gritty and nonpretensious tribute to Paul English. It is filled with many anecdotes, memories, exaggerations, the good times and the struggles of Willie and his friend and longtime drummer. It encompasses quite a chunk of time, covering highlights from the 1950's to present day. There are many familiar places, cities, small towns and large metroplexes, dive bars to tour buses.
As a born and raised Texan, it brought back long forgotten people and places. I first saw Willie in a small town south of Fort Worth, at an even smaller VFW, in the seventies. There was no cover charge, nobody checking ID's, it was a different era. The stage, if you could call it that, was inches from the postage sized dance floor. Many years later I realized I saw somebody famous. Good memories.
The book isn't too long and was an easy read. The life of Paul English was not familiar to me and I gained a new perspective. We all know the life of a musician isn't just fame and fortune. These stories of their longtime friendship includes many of the band's hard times, marriage, divorce and deaths, too. Having lived through the same time period, it was very accurate and interesting to remember. It would be an enjoyable, history filled read to any music lover.
Now a die-hard heavy metal rocker, this reminded me of my country roots. So after finishing reading all these stories, I catch myself humming those long forgotten melodies.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance copy of "Me and Paul", with David Ritz, to Willie Nelson and to Harper Horizon. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.
As a born and raised Texan, it brought back long forgotten people and places. I first saw Willie in a small town south of Fort Worth, at an even smaller VFW, in the seventies. There was no cover charge, nobody checking ID's, it was a different era. The stage, if you could call it that, was inches from the postage sized dance floor. Many years later I realized I saw somebody famous. Good memories.
The book isn't too long and was an easy read. The life of Paul English was not familiar to me and I gained a new perspective. We all know the life of a musician isn't just fame and fortune. These stories of their longtime friendship includes many of the band's hard times, marriage, divorce and deaths, too. Having lived through the same time period, it was very accurate and interesting to remember. It would be an enjoyable, history filled read to any music lover.
Now a die-hard heavy metal rocker, this reminded me of my country roots. So after finishing reading all these stories, I catch myself humming those long forgotten melodies.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance copy of "Me and Paul", with David Ritz, to Willie Nelson and to Harper Horizon. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.
July 18, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Sony Music Publishing for this Advanced Review Copy
Me and Paul: Untold Tales of a Fabled Friendship by Willie Nelson with David Ritz is a wonderful portrait of a brotherhood spanning many decades. Willie is, of course, a natural storyteller, and I think this was a beautiful way to commemorate his friendship with the late Paul English.
This is not a biography and barely even a memoir, so if that’s what you were expecting this may not be the book for you. Me and Paul is a collection of short stories in a loose, chronological order depicting how Willie & Paul’s bond was so important to Willie Nelson + the Family’s success.
While I am a fan of country music, I am probably a casual-ish fan of Willie and maybe more of a fan of him than I am of his music. However, I would recommend this song to any music fan — whether you like country or not. I think it gives a really fun anecdotal snapshot of outlaw country culture that anyone vaguely familiar with the Willie and the state of Texas will appreciate and enjoy. Plus, who doesn’t love a story of friendship that has you crying at the end?
4 stars for Me and Paul!
Me and Paul: Untold Tales of a Fabled Friendship by Willie Nelson with David Ritz is a wonderful portrait of a brotherhood spanning many decades. Willie is, of course, a natural storyteller, and I think this was a beautiful way to commemorate his friendship with the late Paul English.
This is not a biography and barely even a memoir, so if that’s what you were expecting this may not be the book for you. Me and Paul is a collection of short stories in a loose, chronological order depicting how Willie & Paul’s bond was so important to Willie Nelson + the Family’s success.
While I am a fan of country music, I am probably a casual-ish fan of Willie and maybe more of a fan of him than I am of his music. However, I would recommend this song to any music fan — whether you like country or not. I think it gives a really fun anecdotal snapshot of outlaw country culture that anyone vaguely familiar with the Willie and the state of Texas will appreciate and enjoy. Plus, who doesn’t love a story of friendship that has you crying at the end?
4 stars for Me and Paul!
July 12, 2025
3.5 stars, rounding up to 4. This is a short and shallow at times book about a friendship between two men that spanned decades. The tone is just what you would expect from Willie Nelson -- a bunch of jovial stories with an undercurrent of emotion running through them. I actually wished the book was twice as long to give the stories more depth, but it was a good book anyway. Man, those guys went through a lot. We should all have at least one Paul in our lives if not more.
December 8, 2022
Sweet story by Willie about a long time friend who recently died. Heartwarming and sincere.
June 9, 2023
The future is now. Boy don't you know that we're always living in the future.
February 29, 2024
Fabulous
A very touching, entertaining, and heartfelt story of a bond between two legends of country music. A truly beautiful story of brotherhood.
A very touching, entertaining, and heartfelt story of a bond between two legends of country music. A truly beautiful story of brotherhood.
October 25, 2024
Willie Nelson briefly crosses paths with Lee Harvey Oswald’s assassin, Jack Ruby in the days leading up to and the day of the assassination of JFK.
November 21, 2022
Beautiful memoir by Willie Nelson in honor of his drummer and his Dearest friend.
August 29, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Harper Horizon for an advanced copy of this story of two men, their friendship, history and misadventures.
Everyone should have a friend. One to help out when needed, turning that frown upside down with a joke, or even a smoke. Someone that makes a good day out of a rough night. A person who will punch a cowboy in the face after throwing a bottle at you, or stop a boyfriend from stabbing you after his girlfriend says you are a handsome fellow. A guy who makes use the band gets the pay they are owed by using a forklift to "borrow" a nightclub owners car. A guy who believes in the gifts that you have been bestowed with to entertain others, and does what they can to make the world realise this. The world would be a better place if we all had a friend like Paul English. Willie Nelson would be the first to attest to that. Nelson's book Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship co- written with David Ritz is a history, examination, biography and collection of tall tales about the friendship between Nelson and Paul English who served as Nelson' drummer, manager, bodyguard, muse and buddy, for 70 years.
The book begins with a note from the co- writer discussing how writing about these two larger than life men is a difficult task, so fiction might slink in around the truth. From there we go back to the days when Willie was trying hard to get into the music business, and the music business was trying hard to keep him out. Paul English was brother to a band mate of Nelson's and somehow in talking both knew that they would have to talk more. From there Paul became both drummer and bodyguard, so simpatico was English with the way that Nelson would preform on stage and off, fighting off angry boyfriends, and angrier wives. As band manager he kept the shows coming and made sure they got paid, told the singer to sing what he liked, and picked him up at his lowest moments, even when Willie just wanted to lay in the street and die. Only death could seperate them, which Death did taking Paul English in 2020. In aiding and abetting Willie Nelson, Paul English helped change music, and made millions happy. Not a bad legacy.
The book is funny, sad, uncomfortable, inspiring, full of bull- hookey, and filled with moments that will make a reader cry. Willie was a fortunate man to to have a friend like this, one that he celebrated in both song and book form. Stories are bawdy, full of stupid men doing stupid things, outlaw stories told at closing time, or around a fire somewhere. However the love, the respect and again love shows on every page. The book is pretty chronological so you get a good sense of Willie's career his peaks and valleys, which probably never would have been if Paul hadn't been around.
The book is rare in that it shows men being friends, doing stupid things, and yet at the same time doing great things together. Everyone needs a Paul English, to remind us that life is worth living, to help up get through the day, and tell us when we are being stupid, and fight for the right to be stupid against all takers. A very good musical history, but a better story about two men who became the better for meeting each other.
Everyone should have a friend. One to help out when needed, turning that frown upside down with a joke, or even a smoke. Someone that makes a good day out of a rough night. A person who will punch a cowboy in the face after throwing a bottle at you, or stop a boyfriend from stabbing you after his girlfriend says you are a handsome fellow. A guy who makes use the band gets the pay they are owed by using a forklift to "borrow" a nightclub owners car. A guy who believes in the gifts that you have been bestowed with to entertain others, and does what they can to make the world realise this. The world would be a better place if we all had a friend like Paul English. Willie Nelson would be the first to attest to that. Nelson's book Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship co- written with David Ritz is a history, examination, biography and collection of tall tales about the friendship between Nelson and Paul English who served as Nelson' drummer, manager, bodyguard, muse and buddy, for 70 years.
The book begins with a note from the co- writer discussing how writing about these two larger than life men is a difficult task, so fiction might slink in around the truth. From there we go back to the days when Willie was trying hard to get into the music business, and the music business was trying hard to keep him out. Paul English was brother to a band mate of Nelson's and somehow in talking both knew that they would have to talk more. From there Paul became both drummer and bodyguard, so simpatico was English with the way that Nelson would preform on stage and off, fighting off angry boyfriends, and angrier wives. As band manager he kept the shows coming and made sure they got paid, told the singer to sing what he liked, and picked him up at his lowest moments, even when Willie just wanted to lay in the street and die. Only death could seperate them, which Death did taking Paul English in 2020. In aiding and abetting Willie Nelson, Paul English helped change music, and made millions happy. Not a bad legacy.
The book is funny, sad, uncomfortable, inspiring, full of bull- hookey, and filled with moments that will make a reader cry. Willie was a fortunate man to to have a friend like this, one that he celebrated in both song and book form. Stories are bawdy, full of stupid men doing stupid things, outlaw stories told at closing time, or around a fire somewhere. However the love, the respect and again love shows on every page. The book is pretty chronological so you get a good sense of Willie's career his peaks and valleys, which probably never would have been if Paul hadn't been around.
The book is rare in that it shows men being friends, doing stupid things, and yet at the same time doing great things together. Everyone needs a Paul English, to remind us that life is worth living, to help up get through the day, and tell us when we are being stupid, and fight for the right to be stupid against all takers. A very good musical history, but a better story about two men who became the better for meeting each other.
October 9, 2022
Not everyone would like this book since it's about the legendary Willie Nelson and his long-time friend Paul English. It helps if you're from Texas where Willie is a god.
Kind of short, but it's a fun read as Willie reminisces about his friend Paul who died several years ago. They certainly seemed to have a lot of fun and got into a lot of scrapes along the way, that much is certain. But through it all, their friendship and a love of music saw them through.
Without getting into too much detail because that would spoil the fun - Paul English was Willie's long-time drummer, confidant and otherwise best friend. Paul was also a bit of an outlaw and it's safe to say, a bit of a con man as well, but he always had Willie's back and seemed to know what was best in addition to offering more than just a little bit of sage advice as the years went by.
The book is loaded with stories and anecdotes about their misadventures - and adventures - many of which are seeing print for the first time. Yep, they never even made it into Willie's autobiography which came out a few years ago.
Highly entertaining, this is for the Willie Nelson fan (obviously), the Country music fan, or someone who is an old hippie who doesn't necessarily like Country, but likes Willie - and doesn't everybody like Willie? He's a musical icon who, at the age of 90 is still going strong and entertaining his fans because that's what he loves to do and as he would say, it's what he was meant to do. And if you don't know much about Willie, you'll learn a lot about one of the greatest singer/songwriters who has ever graced this planet.
Kind of short, but it's a fun read as Willie reminisces about his friend Paul who died several years ago. They certainly seemed to have a lot of fun and got into a lot of scrapes along the way, that much is certain. But through it all, their friendship and a love of music saw them through.
Without getting into too much detail because that would spoil the fun - Paul English was Willie's long-time drummer, confidant and otherwise best friend. Paul was also a bit of an outlaw and it's safe to say, a bit of a con man as well, but he always had Willie's back and seemed to know what was best in addition to offering more than just a little bit of sage advice as the years went by.
The book is loaded with stories and anecdotes about their misadventures - and adventures - many of which are seeing print for the first time. Yep, they never even made it into Willie's autobiography which came out a few years ago.
Highly entertaining, this is for the Willie Nelson fan (obviously), the Country music fan, or someone who is an old hippie who doesn't necessarily like Country, but likes Willie - and doesn't everybody like Willie? He's a musical icon who, at the age of 90 is still going strong and entertaining his fans because that's what he loves to do and as he would say, it's what he was meant to do. And if you don't know much about Willie, you'll learn a lot about one of the greatest singer/songwriters who has ever graced this planet.
Read
February 29, 2024This pairs nicely with Me and Sister Bobbie. Both came out around the same time, and around the time when Bobbie and Paul passed away. Both serve as loving tributes to two of the most important people in Willie’s life.
Paul English was Willie’s best friend/drummer/accountant/unofficial security guard. He was also pretty much the coolest guy ever. Willie recounts how they met in Texas in the 50s and how their friendship forged over many years. Paul was kind of a shady guy, having ties with criminals and prone to carrying his gun around all the time. But he was a loyal friend, hilarious, and a great encouragement to Willie early in his career. I loved the two stories about Willie, Paul, and Ray Charles, and the time the band was recording in New York. And Paul’s fictional devil story featuring him and Willie is a hoot.
Like the Sister Bobbie book, this one is ghostwritten by David Ritz. He flat out admits in the introduction that he embellishes stories for narrative effect. So not everything relayed in the book is completely accurate (I’m sure a lot of the dialogue is beefed up). Still, the core truth of the book seems to be there, and it’s an entertaining read about two buddies enjoying life and playing music together.
Paul English was Willie’s best friend/drummer/accountant/unofficial security guard. He was also pretty much the coolest guy ever. Willie recounts how they met in Texas in the 50s and how their friendship forged over many years. Paul was kind of a shady guy, having ties with criminals and prone to carrying his gun around all the time. But he was a loyal friend, hilarious, and a great encouragement to Willie early in his career. I loved the two stories about Willie, Paul, and Ray Charles, and the time the band was recording in New York. And Paul’s fictional devil story featuring him and Willie is a hoot.
Like the Sister Bobbie book, this one is ghostwritten by David Ritz. He flat out admits in the introduction that he embellishes stories for narrative effect. So not everything relayed in the book is completely accurate (I’m sure a lot of the dialogue is beefed up). Still, the core truth of the book seems to be there, and it’s an entertaining read about two buddies enjoying life and playing music together.
October 17, 2022
Recommended To All Longtime Fans Of Willie Nelson!
If you’re a longtime fan of Willie Nelson, Me and Paul is a book you’ll be glad you read. Nelson clearly accomplishes his mission in writing this book, which is to serve as a loving and fitting tribute to Paul English, his closest friend for about 70 years,until his death in 2020.
To paraphrase Nelson, he said his mission was to “bring English back from the infinite abyss.” In my opinion, Nelson unquestionably achieved his mission by chronicling his many adventures - many happy, some sad but all heartfelt - with his longtime dear friend, drummer (since the mid-1950s) and “partner in crime.”
Like all good tales from a life in music, Nelson’s are the kind of stories that seem to shift a bit with each telling. Upon finishing Me and Paul, I didn’t have a strong sense of how much truth “lived” within each detail of Nelson’s stories involving Paul English. But, for me, I didn’t care about that because his stories are so entertaining. I don’t think you’ll care either.
#Me and Paul. #Net Galley
If you’re a longtime fan of Willie Nelson, Me and Paul is a book you’ll be glad you read. Nelson clearly accomplishes his mission in writing this book, which is to serve as a loving and fitting tribute to Paul English, his closest friend for about 70 years,until his death in 2020.
To paraphrase Nelson, he said his mission was to “bring English back from the infinite abyss.” In my opinion, Nelson unquestionably achieved his mission by chronicling his many adventures - many happy, some sad but all heartfelt - with his longtime dear friend, drummer (since the mid-1950s) and “partner in crime.”
Like all good tales from a life in music, Nelson’s are the kind of stories that seem to shift a bit with each telling. Upon finishing Me and Paul, I didn’t have a strong sense of how much truth “lived” within each detail of Nelson’s stories involving Paul English. But, for me, I didn’t care about that because his stories are so entertaining. I don’t think you’ll care either.
#Me and Paul. #Net Galley
September 20, 2022
As a life long fan of hardcore/outlaw country, I’ve listened to and read about countless stories of these larger than life men and the often alcohol or drug induced antics that lead them astray through the 1960s and 1970s. Me and Paul officiates many of them while focusing on the life long friendship between Willie and his drummer Paul English. It is a phenomenal read that recounts how Paul drove Willie to raw perfection and never let him give in to the ways of Nashville while consistently reminding him of his roots in Texas and the Western swing music that is still reflected in Willie’s music today. Being a lifelong biography of their friendship, Me and Paul discusses as many dark themes as it does happy ones. It is much like Willie’s previous book, Me and Sister Bobby; its general theme relies not on Willie’s success, but how without the Family, Willie wouldn’t have made it through it all.
March 3, 2023
Willie Nelson has written a contemplative and entertaining book about his friendship with Paul English, a longtime drummer in his band. Both Texans and both lovers of music, especially country, they met in the 1960s when Nelson was a radio host. Paul had a checkered past, working as a high class pimp, and associating with gangsters such as Jack Ruby, the man who killed Oswald. Paul at first became Nelson's manager/accountant, and then later joined the band as his drummer. They met Ray Charles in Dallas, and Willie played chess with him and jammed some with Ray too. Much later they cut an album together in Nelson's studio outside Austin. There's a lot of amusing tales, mostly centered around Paul, more or less the enforcer of the traveling band. He carried a handgun and employed it some against foes. It took Nelson many years to make a reputation for himself as singer/song writer, especially in Nashville. A lot of good material here. David Ritz helped Nelson write the book.
January 28, 2025
I've read and enjoyed several of Willie's books - never liked one of his books the way I've loved so many of his songs, but I've liked them well enough. This one was fine. Not especially good, but certainly not bad. Willie and his ghostwriting collaborator David Ritz follow Willie and Paul's friendship more or less chronologically from their first meeting to Paul's passing, unfolding several enjoyable misadventures. Nevertheless, this book didn't click like some of the other books. Maybe I missed Willie's observations about humanity. Maybe I missed the biographical details of his loving tribute to Sister Bobbi. ME AND PAUL has lots of good stories, but it felt disjointed and I frequently found myself putting it down between chapters rather than anticipating the next bit of trouble the duo stirred up.
In the end, the song told me everything I need to know about Willie and Paul long before this book came along.
In the end, the song told me everything I need to know about Willie and Paul long before this book came along.
October 28, 2022
Listening to the stories that make up the life of Willie Nelson is always a wonderful experience. Willie is a national treasure - a singer and songwriter that brought together generations and genres in harmony under one roof. He named his band Family because it was. It includes or included his sister Bobbie, his children, his extended family members and many people like Paul English, his best friend and protector for over 65 years. Many years ago, Willie wrote a song about his friend, which he called ‘Me and Paul.’ This book expands on that song, telling all the stories the song mentions and so many more.
I sure hope Willie keeps writing these memories down, as much as I hope he keeps writing songs, and most importantly, that he’s able to tour and play. He truly is a National Treasure.
I sure hope Willie keeps writing these memories down, as much as I hope he keeps writing songs, and most importantly, that he’s able to tour and play. He truly is a National Treasure.
December 11, 2022
I am a complete sucker for anything Willie Nelson or Dolly Parton created or related, and this book was fun to read, especially with a Willie playlist on in thr background. Willie and his ghostwriter friend explain the history of Willie's friendship with his long time drummer, Paul. Oh, and incidentally? Some of these stories make Paul-a character sort of mixture between a dangerous but charming cowboy and a garrulous and kindhearted mob boss-seem like a raging psychopath, but they're balanced with stories of him being kind/generous/loyal to Willie. People are rarely all good or all bad. Friends are those who see all the good and forgive the bad. And so it was with Willie and Paul, who ultimately were more family than friends. Fans will enjoy this one. Four stars.
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