Country legend Willie Nelson turned 90 on April 29, and to help commemorate this spectacular milestone, CBS is presenting a two-hour concert special to celebrate his life and work. The special will air at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 17, and will also be available to stream on Paramount+.
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The news of a televised birthday celebration was announced on a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on which Nelson performed.
Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration is a look back at his seven-decade-long career in country music and was recorded earlier this year at the Hollywood Bowl. The night was full of stars and friends joining Nelson and was presented before a sold-out crowd.
The celebration features performances by Nelson himself, as well as Beck, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Norah Jones, Miranda Lambert, Dave Matthews, Nelson’s sons Lukas and Micah, Keith Richards, George Strait, and Chris Stapleton. Hosting the event are Jennifer Garner, Chelsea Handler, Woody Harrelson, Ethan Hawke, Helen Mirren, and Owen Wilson.
[RELATED: The Regretful Meaning Behind Willie Nelson’s 1989 Hit “Nothing I Can Do About It Now”]
“It is the sincere privilege of our lives to have produced these shows celebrating our beloved Willie, and to partner with CBS to bring this special to fans around the world,” said Mark Rothbaum and Keith Wortman, executive producers and creators of the concert event, in a statement. “Viewers will now have the chance to sing, laugh and cry, and experience the joy of this celebration like never before.”
In addition to turning 90 and participating in a star-studded celebration, Willie Nelson is also being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 3. He is joined by Crow, Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, George Michael, and Rage Against the Machine, among others. When asked about his reaction to the induction news, Nelson replied, “I thought they had the wrong number.”
Nelson also released a new book on October 31, titled Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs, which goes deep into the meanings and inspirations behind 100 of Nelson’s songs. He discusses personal achievements, failures, missteps, and triumphs along with the meanings behind the songs, creating a catalog of his journeys through music.
All aboard the Willie Nelson 2024 Tour! Secure your seat for a musical journey like no other.
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)
