Throughout the storied life and career of American musical icon Willie Nelson, his sister Bobbie has been right next to him, playing the piano that is as essential to his musical style as “Trigger,” his well-worn Martin guitar. And now Bobbie Nelson moves into the spotlight at stage center with her debut solo album, Audiobiography, on Justice Records.
The 12-song album features Bobbie Nelson playing solo piano versions of some of her favorite songs from throughout her life and begins and ends with two new songs written by Willie Nelson, who joins his sister on guitar and vocals. Bobbie produced the album and Willie co-produced the songs he appears on with her. Audiobiography was recorded at the world-renowned Pedernales Studio outside Austin that was founded by Willie Nelson and is now owned and operated by Bobbie’s son, Freddy Fletcher, who also mixed the album.
Bobbie Nelson’s recording debut was inspired by a conversation that Justice Records founder and A&R director Randall Jamail had with her while they were having lunch one afternoon at an Austin restaurant. ”I asked her if she had ever thought about writing her autobiography,” says Jamail. “She said that people had asked her that before, but the only way to tell her life story was through music.”
The comment prompted Jamail to suggest that she record her first solo album for Justice, the Houston, Texas-based independent label that previously released two Willie Nelson albums, the Grammy-nominated Moonlight Becomes You and Just One Love, as well as the Nelson tribute compilation Twisted Willie. Bobbie Nelson joins Ian Moore and Greta Gaines on the roster of the recently reactivated Justice label, which is distributed by Fontana Records via Universal Music.
Justice Records was started by Jamail in 1989 and has since released albums by a blue-ribbon roster of country and jazz artists. Among them are such outlaw country compatriots of Bobbie and Willie Nelson as Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Billy Joe Shaver as well as Kimmie Rhodes, a longtime friend and neighbor of the Nelsons. The label has also recorded noted jazz artists Herb Ellis, Kermit Ruffins and Sebastian Whittaker and The Creators. It released Ray Price’s acclaimed Prisoner Of Love CD and The Papal Concert to Commemorate The Holocaust, and launched the career of indie country sensation Jesse Dayton.
Living up to its name, the Justice is now a label where all of its artists own their master recordings. “Our slogan used to be ‘Recycle Paper Not Music,’” says Jamail. “Now it’s ‘Freeing the Slaves One Record at a Time.’”
“I’m really excited about working with Justice Records,” Nelson says. “I’m really close with Randall and that makes it real comfortable for me. And I’m thrilled to be putting out my own record.”
“Everyone at Justice is honored to be working with Bobbie Nelson,” says the label’s general manager Jan Mirkin. “I’d actually be honored just to drive her around.”
Bobbie Nelson will be playing songs from Audiobiography in featured solo sets on tour with Willie Nelson and Family following the release of the album this fall.
Bobbie, sending you a message from my Mom (Mary Rejcek Miller).
Just wanted to know how are you doing and would love to visit you someday. James Miller my son said he talk with you and Willie on the Bus when you were at Willie's Place around the first of May. Take care and stay in touch!
Hi Bobbie Really enjoy listening to your playing:)Willies spirit album has to be my favourite.Something really special happened on that recording. Anyway hope you are well and that you return to Ireland soon.
Hello to all my friends old and new, So sorry I have not been able to comment all of you as I would like too. I have been sick my computer has been sick but now hopefilly we can play catch up or maybe just keep up. I have missed you all and am glad to to be able to say HELLO and Have a wonderful day!!! Hugs as always Jean
Just stopping by to send you a hug and wishing you the best! I think you're so sweet and sincere with everyone you meet...so thank you for being you! Esther Jo
Art Work by:...Maija A Scandinavian woman who creates Pastels of Native American Indians, Wolves, Mountain Men and much more! She has been in the art business for almost 30 years and mostly self-taught.
She majored in Art at The University of Arkansas in the early 70's.
As the daughter of an Air Force Colonel, who happened to have been a Commercial Artist in New York at one time, and her Mother who was quite talented in art, (both of whom never pursued a career in it) she figured maybe she would! It has paid off through the support of many fans of her work, with whom she says her career would have been impossible,and her biggest supporter her husband Kevin, without whose love and encouragement, she says she would be lost.
Hello, Hope you enjoy this slideshow of Maija's work the slides are a way I can show you numerous pictures at a time and do hope you like them.
Hi Bobbie...this is the first time I've seen you on status and moods...it is great for updates and people knowing you are OK and take My Space to the next level...keeping it personal...LOVE and LIGHT...Gretchen Anne
That wat I saw on my 70th birtday in the Brabanthallen, The Netherlands on a big, big Country & Western Party. Thanks to Pam MacBeth, Mark Dreyer & The Lennerockers.
L*O*V*E* Y*O*U*! Today is love u day. Send to everyone you love. Whether it s real love or friend love. Ur spoiled if you get 4 back. Did Anyone Ever Tell You How Important You Make Others Feel Somebody out here is Smiling About Love that is so Real Did Anyone Ever Tell You that Many Times When They were Sad Your E-mail (and chats) made Them Smile a bit In Fact It made Them Glad For the Time You Spend Sending Things And Sharing whatever You Find There are No Words to Thank You But Somebody, Thinks You re Fine Did Anyone Ever Tell You Just How Much They Love You Well, My Dearest Friend Today I am Telling You I HOPE I GET THIS BACK I believe that without a special friend you are missing out on a lot.
