Is Willie Nelson punk?

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:

By the way if you haven't listened to the last two Johnny Cash albums you are missing out.  Hearing his versions / interpretations of other's songs is a real musical treat.

I need to get those. 

Willie, singing one of my favorite covers.  It's an amazing song that he made better.

In reply to DILYSI Dave :

Solid

DILYSI Dave said:

Solid

Way solid. 

Thanks for sharing. 

Others have already said it, but yeah, the central thing to me is that all I know about Willie Nelson is that he's awesome.

I don't know that it suits either punk or Willie to try to align them, but I'm not going to tell either entity they can't have each other.

Segue:

Cash's presbyphonia (I think that's the right word) added to the gravity and melancholy of his songs.

Willie's seems to make the songs more... playful? Like a great grandpa singing to his great grand kids.

Most punks aren't even a single digit percentage "as punk" as Willie.

I'd say no. Willie isn't punk. Willie is outlaw/hippie. Both being admirable counter cultures in their own right and while there is a little crossover between the 3, punk was never ok with selling out while the others were never afraid to squeeze a profit out of anything. 

And we saw Willie last night–that voice still sounds so sweet. The whole performance was perfect. 

So, a few crazy things about the show:

We knew we’d have to park offsite as venue parking was sold out when we bought our tickets. No problem as there’d be free parking at a nearby park with shuttle service provided. I pull in and the lady at the gate goes, Well, we’re full and you’re the last car–enjoy the show. 

The parking lot was in a state park. No lights. Totally dark except for a spot light at the far, far end of the lot. Prime star viewing. Couldn’t see your hand before your face.

“David? David Wallens?”

Standing next to me–also in the dark–was a friend from the Orlando zine scene.