Country Legend Willie Nelson Reacts To His Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Following 90th Birthday!

Willie Nelson's 1971 LP may have been called "Yesterday's Wine," but the 90-year-old legendary country artist's legacy still prevails!

Yesterday, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2023 inductees were announced, and the "Whiskey River" singer was among the institution's 36th class. Nelson's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comes a week after his 90th birthday; Nelson reached the milestone on April 29th.

A number of rock and roll's biggest names gathered to commemorate Nelson's big day with a star-studded concert. Keith Richards, Neil Young, Billy Strings, Margo Price, The Chicks, Lyle Lovett, and Chris Stapleton were among the musicians gathered to honor the brand-new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee!

Nelson sat down with the 'HOF's Greg Harris to discuss the musical milestone, reflecting on rock and roll's legacy and his feelings toward joining the legions of musicians who have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over nearly four decades.

Los Angeles made room for Nelson and a number of artists and celebrities on his birthday at the Hollywood Bowl. The show kicked off right on time, according to Rolling Stone, with Billy Strings opening the festivities!

In addition to the aforementioned artists, a diverse group of artists rounded out the four-hour party.

Nelson's sons, Lukas and Micah, were on the bill in addition to a number of artists who have performed with Nelson or had ties to his career over the years. Roseanne Cash, Stephen Stills, Kris Kristofferson, and Bob Weir also gathered to pay tribute to the "Always On My Mind" crooner.

George Strait, Sturgill Simpson, Leon Bridges, The Lumineers, Norah Jones, Gary Clark Jr., Edie Brickell, Jack Johnson, Tom Jones, Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg, Dave Matthews, Ziggy Marley, Beck, Allison Russell, Buddy Cannon, Chris Stapleton, and Dwight Yoakam rounded out the line-up.

Cash spoke to the outlet about Nelson's legacy and his endearing friendship with her father, Johnny. 'The Man In Black' passed away in 2003.

"They loved each other like brothers- Willie, Waylon [Jennings] Kris, and my dad," Cash said. "And Willie and Kris are the last ones standing... I keep getting overwhelmed by that," she added.

Lovett told Rolling Stone how Nelson's music made him feel.

"Willie's music is like the bible," the "If I Were The Man You Wanted" singer said. "To listen to a Willie Nelson song gives you one kind of education, to learn a Willie Nelson song expands it exponentially... the economy of words, his imagery, the simplicity of language, the complexity of thought- it's all in his songs," he continued.

Jones had a tribute of her own for the audience before her performance.

"I'm so happy to be here," the "Come Away With Me" songstress began her tribute, "I love Willie so much, so, so very much, and everyone in his world so much. And that includes Bobbie Nelson," Jones continued; Nelson's sister and longtime keyboardist passed away last year. "one of my favorite piano players. Here we go, this one's for Bobbie," she continued before kicking off "Down Yonder."

On March 10th of last year, Nelson shared a black-and-white portrait of himself with his beloved sister. Bobbie's passing would mark the first time in five decades that her brother would perform live without her. (via The Blast)

The tribute was shared on behalf of the Nelson family.

It read in part, "Her elegance, grace, beauty, and talent made the world a better place. She was the first member of Willie's band, as his pianist and singer. Our hearts are broken and she will be deeply missed. But we are so lucky to have had her in our lives..."

Speaking to Harris via Zoom in an interview just over three and a half minutes, Nelson said of his induction, "It's a great honor. I love it. I want to thank everybody who voted for it, it's great."

Of his reaction to the news Nelson joked "I thought they had the wrong number. No, it was a great thrill. I appreciate it."

He also discussed the impact and overarching influence of other genres which influenced rock and roll. "Whenever it supposedly came around, I heard it because I've been listening to all kinds of music all my life. So, rock and roll, blues, country, bluegrass, gospel, I love it all."

Nelson also mentioned how it's difficult to pinpoint those artists he has influenced through the decades, but he had no problem naming his own. He shared, "Hank Williams, Bob Wills, all the way back to those guys..."

Cheers to a legendary Highway Man!