The Turbulent Family Moment That Inspired Willie Nelson’s Nickname — and Sparked the Song “Shotgun Willie” ML
If I had to choose one word to describe the inimitable Willie Nelson, it would be colorful. He certainly is his very own person and a true standout in the realm of country music. Also, he is never, ever boring! Nelson has deliberately gone his own way throughout his long life and incredibly distinguished career. That leads me to the situation that gave rise to the song, “Shotgun Willie,” per American Songwriter. It was a bit of rather intense family drama that could have come straight from a Hollywood screenwriter’s pen. Of course, Nelson was supposedly right in the middle of all the action. Here’s the scoop as we know it.
Willie Nelson Heard About Trouble in His Daughter’s Home
Per Wide Open Country via Texas Hill Country, back in the 1970s, Nelson reportedly got wind of trouble at his daughter Lana’s house. Her husband. Steve Warren, was supposedly being abusive to her. Nelson was primed for a fight to defend her. According to American Songwriter, Nelson quickly had his dukes up for his son-in-law. He said, “I ran for my truck and drove to the place where Steve and Lana lived and slapped Steve around.”
His Son-in-Law Allegedly Came After Him With a Gun
Nelson went home, but the incident was not yet concluded. Steve showed up at Nelson’s house toting a gun. Per the outlet, Steve fired at Nelson but fortunately he missed. Nelson, not to be pushed around, shot back. Flustered by the gun’s loud noise, Steve took off fast.
When Nelson reached out to Lana, he discovered that Steve had taken off with the couple’s young son. Nelson devised a cunning plan to outwit Steve. He had plenty of firepower at his disposal. “Thinking Steve would come to [my home] to pick me off about dusk, I hid in the truck so he couldn’t tell if I was home. I had my M-1 and a shotgun.”
Nelson Confronted Him
When Steve showed up at Nelson’s place, he got an unpleasant greeting. Nelson exited his truck, gun blazing. “That’s when I shot his car and shot out his tire.”
Steve summoned police officers to the scene. Per the outlet, Nelson explained that Steve “must have run over a bullet in his driveway.”
He Turned the Episode Into a Memorable Song
Nelson penned the song “Shotgun Willie” to commemorate the skirmish with Steve. It was also the title of an album that dropped in 1973. On top of that, it helped launch Nelson’s reputation as a dyed-in-the-wool member of the outlaw movement in country music.
