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Country Singer and Songwriter Willie Nelson

Nelson grew up picking cotton, and got his start as a musician playing in local Texas bars. Before finding fame as a singer, he sold songs he wrote to other performers, which later became hits. Nelson has a new memoir, called Willie, and an album of standards titled What a Wonderful World.

27:03
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Other segments from the episode on February 20, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 20, 1989: Interview with Willie Nelson; Review of Oliver Lake's album "Otherside"; Interview with William Gibson; Review of the television show "Timeline."
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06:59

Oliver Lake's "Otherside" Is a Cause for Celebration

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the saxophonist, often associated with the avant-garde, can't easily be pigeonholed. Lake's big band album takes its cues from Eric Dolphy, blues, and gospel. The ensemble may be loose, but the soloists shine.

Review
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09:44

Revitalizing Science Fiction in the 1980s

Author William Gibson is credited with creating the cyberpunk genre, which dispenses with nationalistic ideas of the future, and instead posits a world where multinational corporations rule and nation-states have eroded. His newest novel is called Mona Lisa Overdrive.

Interview
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03:24

Broadcasting Live from History

The new PBS show dramatized news program Timeline features on-the-ground reporting of historical events in order to give viewers a new way of thinking about the past. TV critic David Bianculli praises the show's accuracy, and it's respect for its audience.

Review

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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27:30

Country Singer and Songwriter Willie Nelson

Nelson grew up picking cotton, and got his start as a musician playing in local Texas bars. Before finding fame as a singer, he sold songs he wrote to other performers, which later became hits. Nelson has a new memoir, called Willie, and an album of standards titled What a Wonderful World.

Interview
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41:00

Willie Nelson's Guide to Happiness

Country music singer and songwriter Willie Nelson has written a new book, The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart. Nelson has been performing for over 50 years. He's recorded 250 albums and appeared in 25 films. He's also the author of a number of books, including the best-sellers Willie and The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes.

Musician Willie Nelson raises a finger to the sky as he plays his guitar on stage at a concert in 1994.
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45:17

The Gospel According to Willie Nelson

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor Willie Nelson recently released two new albums. With "Spirit," Nelson is the first country musician to record with Island Records. He recorded "How Great Thou Art" with his sister, Bobbie Nelson. That CD is a collection of gospel standards, like "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee."

Interview

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