Bobbie Nelson (1931–2022)

ME AND SISTER BOBBIE is a good book. Five stars not because it's great literature, but because it's a quick, entertaining and informative read about Willie, a guy whose music I've been following for over forty years, and also about his older sister, Bobbie, probably the person he's been closest to for his whole life. The book is narrated in alternating mini-chapters by Brother and Sister. In fact, the segments are so short and colloquial in nature, I wondered if perhaps the book was transcribed from a series of taped musings by Willie and Bobbie - almost a running conversation, actually, about different stages of their lives - and then edited and formatted by their 'coauthor,' David Ritz.

But no matter. We learn a lot about the hardscrabble beginnings of Bobbie & Willie, whose teenage parents left them to be raised by their Nelson grandparents. And their grandfather died when Willie was only six, so it all fell to "Mama Nelson" to raise the two kids. She taught Bobbie piano from the age of seven, a skill that Sister used to her advantage to make a living later in life. (Bobbie also taught herself to play the B3 Hammond organ when it was a new phenomenon.) Not much here about their actual parents, who show up later in their lives here and there. Much about their early days of playing in bars and honky-tonks. Both Willie and Bobbie married while still in their teens and had children of their own very early. Marriage - and fidelity - were not constants in their lives however, as both divorced and remarried - or had other relationships - multiple times. Willie, if I remember correctly, has been married four times and has eight children with five different women. He explains this by saying he believes in love, and still loves all of his wives. Bobbie's marriages, on the other hand, were much stormier, plagued by alcoholism and abuse and other later tragedies.

There is plenty here too about the ups and downs of Willie's career in the music biz, about how RCA and Chet Atkins tried to clean him up and make him fit the Nashville mode. And then how his RED-HEADED STRANGER album was a turning point, making him a star. He also talks about how marijuana may have saved his life, as he gave up booze and cigarettes in the early seventies because they were killing him. Pot made him mellow, relaxed. Okay, Willie, whatever floats your boat. Because it obviously has worked for him. Bobbie's struggles followed her well into middle age and beyond - men troubles, custody battles, depression, etc. But her music always sustained her, as well as her grandmother, and a strong religious faith. For years she made her living playing piano or organ and quiet dinner clubs and other public events. Until she finally rejoined Willie and the Family band. And, as of the publication of this book, they were still on the road, still touring. Willie is 87 and Bobbie is 89 or 90 by now, I believe. And Willie keeps putting out new albums on a regular basis, and they keep on selling. And I continue to love his music, which is perhaps one of the most varied catalogues of any artist recording today - pop, country, western, standards, jazz - whatever you like, Willie can sing it. And, as it turns out, Bobbie can play it too. They are a team.

ME AND SISTER BOBBIE was a gift from my daughter, who (weirdly) has also become a Willie fan. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks, Suze. Bottom line: if you're a Willie fan, you'll love this book. Very, very highly recommended.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER… (plus d'informations)

I've heard Willies music most of my life. He's always been there, not a favorite at the moment pop star but a favorite to listen to when I needed some comfort and memories. Willies songs tug at the memories. I finally got to see him live In March 2020 right before Covid shut the Houston Rodeo down. He sung from his heart, his sister on keyboard his son on vocals. It was a night I'll always remember. I never really knew much about the man except for his public charity works, and thought it was time to read up on him from his words and his sisters.
Respect to these two for opening up about their life, the best, worst and middle ground times. A brief life story of a sister and a brother from their different views. Both open their hearts and let the pain and joys out, shared with the world. They have had some struggles, some heartbreaking soul crushing events and yet they still go on, still love, create and laugh.… (plus d'informations)