'Night Life'

If you know anything about Willie Nelson, you know that he was a songwriter before his own singing career took off. 

He wrote “These Walls,” “Pretty Paper” and “Crazy.” In the early 1960s, Nelson joined Ray Price’s touring band – Cherokee Cowboys – as bassist. In 1963, Price released the album Night Life featuring the song of the same name written by Nelson.

Early photos are interesting because of his look as the Outlaw Cowboy of the past 40 years. He’s fresh faced and often wearing a suit of some kind. No matter, he always looks like Willie with those big ears and bug eyes. 

For those seeking a source of inspiration here, note that Nelson was a ripe 30 years old when Price recorded this album. Granted, Nelson had had hit songs already with “Crazy” and “These Walls.” Still, he hadn’t had any success of his own. He wouldn’t until 1966. By then he was into his 33^rd year. 

Nelson is 79 years old, a veteran of the scene and best associated with the Outlaw Country movement of the 1970s (by then, he was approaching his 50s). 

Price is a dinosaur: A fixture of the prim and proper country and western music genre. 

By the way, Price’s just 86 and still kicking.