Willie Nelson, now 92, is a towering country music legend whose longevity as a person and an artist is remarkable. He just keeps on going. Nelson is up for a 2026 Grammy for his LP Oh What a Beautiful World. If he wins, it will be Nelson's 13th golden Grammy statuette. He has garnered 59 Grammy nominations in a decades-long and highly distinguished career. But there is one thing that would make Willie Nelson quit doing what he loves and does so well. You will never guess what it is.
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Per Parade, it's "when his beloved guitar Trigger gives out." Willie Nelson has strummed his treasured instrument since 1969. After more than half a century, it's still a part of him that he cherishes.
How Nelson and Trigger Joined Forces
This is as good a yarn as those Nelson sings about. Per the outlet, he was singing years ago in his home state of Texas. A fan who had a few too many drinks messed up the "Crazy" writer's guitar. Nelson needed another one fast. He became aware of a guitar that was available for $750. In those days, that was a lot of money.
Nelson shelled out the big bucks for it anyway. He named it Trigger after the horse belonging to popular cowboy star Roy Rogers.
Nelson and Trigger Are Survivors
The guitar is as hardy as its owner. Nelson's house burned down 55 years ago, the iconic star allegedly raced in to save two things - some weed and Trigger. Today, the instrument looks like it has seen better days. It has performed for Nelson at tons of shows, traveled innumerable miles, and been a constant, loyal companion.
Trigger Is Unique
This is not an ordinary guitar any more than Willie Nelson is an ordinary singer. Other musicians have noted that, too. Nelson plays it in a manner that simply cannot be duplicated. According to Parade via The New Yorker, guitarist Bill Frisell shared, ""You can hear the sound of his voice in what he's playing. If I gave him one of my guitars, it would sound like Willie Nelson. It wouldn't sound like me."
Clearly, Willie Nelson and Trigger are ready to keep making great country music together for a long time to come.
