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Willie Bio an Epic of Whiskey, Weed, and Women

Joe Nick Patoski's biography of Nelson a 'sprawling masterpiece,' says Radar

By Lev Weinstein,  Newser Staff

Posted May 4, 2008 3:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Joe Nick Patoski hopped aboard Willie Nelson's tour bus more than 35 years ago, and despite the ever-present haze of marijuana smoke, appears to have emerged clear-eyed to write Willie Nelson: An Epic Life. The work is a "sprawling masterpiece" of the Texas hippie, John Clarke Jr. writes in Radar, chronicling a lifetime of drugs, music, and women.

Patoski's work moves swiftly—and without judgment—through Nelson's life, from Depression-era childhood to emergence as an American icon. "I had to police myself to cram 75 years into a book … I had to move the story along," says Patoski. He adds: "It's easy to get swept up in the Willie vortex, and when you get spit out you're not the same person."

Willie Nelson performs at Farm Aid on Randall's Island.
Willie Nelson performs at Farm Aid on Randall's Island.   ((AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file))
Country music star Willie Nelson is honored at the BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007.
Country music star Willie Nelson is honored at the BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007.   ((AP Photo/Mark Humphrey))
Musician Willie Nelson talks to a reporter as he arrives at the BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. Nelson was receiving the 2007 BMI Icon award at the show.
Musician Willie Nelson talks to a reporter as he arrives at the BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. Nelson was receiving the 2007 BMI Icon award at the show.   ((AP Photo/Mark Humphrey))
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