Willie Nelson Statue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willie Nelson statue |
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The statue, pictured in 2014
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| Artist | Clete Shields |
| Year | 2012 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Subject | Willie Nelson |
| Dimensions | 240 cm (8 ft) |
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 30°15′54.6″N 97°44′48.3″W / 30.265167°N 97.746750°W | |
The Willie Nelson statue is a cool bronze sculpture of the famous singer-songwriter Willie Nelson. You can find it in Downtown Austin, Texas. A group called Capital Area Statues asked artist Clete Shields to create it.
Willie Nelson moved to Nashville in 1960 and became a successful songwriter. But his singing career didn't take off right away. After a short break from music, Nelson moved to Austin in 1972. This move helped his career as a performer really shine.
Austin's mayor, Lee Leffingwell, heard about the plans for the statue. He suggested renaming part of Second Street to Willie Nelson Boulevard. The statue was officially shown to the public on April 20, 2012. Willie Nelson himself was there for the special event.
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Willie Nelson's Journey to Austin
Willie Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1960. He worked as a songwriter for a company called Pamper Music. Many of his songs became big hits for other singers. Nelson also toured as a band member with Ray Price's group.
He signed his first record deal in 1961. By 1964, he was with RCA Records. By 1970, Nelson had spent a lot of his money on tours that didn't make a profit. He decided he needed a change. He moved to Bandera, Texas, and later to Austin, Texas, in 1972.
How Austin Changed His Music Career
Moving to Austin in 1972 was a big turning point for Willie Nelson. The music scene in Austin was very lively and welcoming. His performances at the Armadillo World Headquarters helped bring his career back to life.
Audiences in Austin loved Nelson's unique style of country music. It mixed traditional country sounds with folk and jazz. In 1974, Nelson helped create and perform on the first episode of PBS' show Austin City Limits. This show became very famous.
The next year, he helped raise money for PBS stations to promote the show. The pilot episode was first shown on these stations. Later, it was released all over the country. People loved the show so much that PBS ordered ten more episodes for 1976. This officially launched Austin City Limits.
In 1979, Nelson bought the Pedernales Country Club near Lake Travis. He kept the golf course and built a music studio there.
The Statue and Willie Nelson Boulevard
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In 2010, a group called Capital Area Statues decided to create a bronze sculpture of Willie Nelson. They asked artist Clete Shields from Philadelphia to make it. The artist wanted to show Nelson looking friendly and having a "twinkle in his eye."
Shields made several clay models of the statue. He visited Nelson to make sure he captured the singer's kind and humble personality. The group wanted to pay for the statue with money from public donations. They estimated it would cost between $150,000 and $250,000.
People who donated more than $10,000 received small, 18-inch copies of the statue. The plan for the statue was announced in 2010. This was during the time a new area called Block 21 was being built in Downtown Austin.
Why Second Street Became Willie Nelson Boulevard
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell thought about the new venue for Austin City Limits, The Moody Theater, opening soon. He also thought about Willie Nelson living in Austin for forty years. So, he suggested renaming that part of Second Street to Willie Nelson Boulevard.
In December 2010, it was announced that the statue would be 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. It would be placed at the entrance of the Moody Theater, on Second and Lavaca streets. The statue was shown to Willie Nelson in November 2011 at Troublemaker Studios.
Unveiling the Statue
Willie Nelson's statue was officially revealed on April 20, 2012. Lawrence Wright, the president of Capital Area Statues, said the timing was just a coincidence. The date was good because Nelson and Kris Kristofferson were performing a Johnny Cash tribute concert that night.
Willie Nelson, Mayor Leffingwell, and members of the Austin City Council were all there. Kris Kristofferson also attended the special event.
