Even as he celebrated his 81st birthday – how else, but by getting his fifth-degree black belt in a martial art called GongKwon Yusul – legendary musician Willie Nelson does not show signs of slowing down.
It was, however, announced today that he has decided to donate a large portion of his personal collection to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin.
The Texas Standard’s David Brown caught up with the Center’s Executive Director, Don Carleton, who said they are thrilled to be the recipients of Willie’s collection.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Carleton says. “Everything from photographs, to letters to gold records — which there are a lot of those — newspaper clippings, even native American headdresses that were given to Willie by various Native American tribes. One of the great things about this collection, it reflects this wide range of people who follow him. They’re from all walks of life. ”
The Briscoe Center is still in the process of receiving and processing the large assortment of items donated by the seven-time Grammy winner. Carlton said he hoped an exhibit could be made available to the public this fall. He says the collection will have value for many.
“He’s an American icon, as well as a Texas icon. This collection reflects that because someone who is an icon – I mean you can define icon in many different ways – but it’s someone who I feel has a broad base of appeal, and kind of just transcends the divisions we have,” Carlton explained. “I think everybody loves Willie, and you can look at this collection and see that.”
