Willie Nelson, Mitchell, SD

Willie is one of those legends that transcends the style of music he plays. I've seen him several times, alone and with The Highwaymen. This show was at the Corn Palace Festival in Mitchell, SD in August 2003.







Here's the same shot as above, but what the scanner wanted to do with it when I hit "auto." I liked it as well as the original shot, so you get both versions here.



There are some musical instruments that become almost as famous as their players. Such is the case with "Trigger," Willie's Martin guitar. He's been playing this very same guitar since 1969. Check out the hole worn right through the top from his pick! It has been signed by Leon Russell, Roger Miller, Kris Kristofferson, Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and lots more of Willie's friends.



One thing I remember about this show was that it was shortly after Willie had a hit song with "Beer For My Horses" as a duet with Toby Keith. Toby didn't show up to sing with him, but Willie apparently thought the audience was enjoying the song so much that he did it two times in a row.