Willie Nelson explains why he’s still touring at the age of 90

Willie Nelson has been entertaining audiences for nearly sixty years, but he has no intention of slowing down.

The legendary singer-songwriter will turn 90 later this month, yet he continues to work as hard as he always has, producing excellent music and ensuring that his legions of admirers have every opportunity to see him perform live.

In reality, Nelson will be celebrating his approaching milestone birthday while on tour, having secured his first major recording contract with Liberty Records in 1962. In a recent interview with AARP, the actor acknowledged the possibility, saying that while employment wasn’t necessary for him, it was beneficial.

“Working is really good for me, no matter what kind of show it is,” he explained.

“It’ll be a lot of fun because I’ll be there for two days with a lot of my good friends coming out…saying hello and singing with me.” “I’m excited about it.”

While the phenomenon of high-profile entertainers continuing to perform well past the age of retirement isn’t anything new – examples include Dick Van Dyke (97), Michael Caine (89), and David Attenborough (96) – there is a distinction to be made between appearing in film or TV roles, or lending your voice to a project, and performing live music on a multi-show tour.

Nelson, on the other hand, continues to secure dates and put on amazing shows. Not bad for a man approaching his tenth decade on the planet!

In response to the idea of turning 90, the country singer stated:

“Norman Lear, a good friend of mine, turned 100 not long ago, and I told him,’I’ve been telling everybody it’s just a number,” the singer told AARP. “Am I correct?” ‘Yeah, it’s just a number,’ he replied.

The Texas native also stated that he is always eager to get back on the tour bus and play new venues.

“Jokingly, I retire after every tour,” Willie joked. “However, I’m always willing to return.” The bus appeals to me. On the bus, I have everything I need. I never have to stay in a hotel room. It’s not too horrible.”

It may not be horrible, but I believe it’s amazing that Willie Nelson still has the energy to come up on stage and perform for so many people under such duress!

And what about his voice?! I’ll be a happy man if I sound half as good as he does when I’m that age – assuming I live that long in the first place.

Nelson can still croon like he always could despite having spent so many years singing.

“I think singing is good for my voice,” he recently stated in an interview.

“I don’t do much to harm it anymore.” You lose it if you don’t use it.”

I, for one, wish Willie Nelson a very happy 90th birthday and many, many more.