When Lukas Nelson was 11 or 12, he asked his legendary father, Willie Nelson, what he wanted for his birthday. Willie simply said, “Play the guitar.” Lukas agreed — and fell in love with it.
At 35, Lukas Nelson has become a global performer, captivating audiences with his masterful guitar work and a voice he once jokingly described as “helium-infused.” Once self-conscious about his singing, Lukas has since embraced his unique tone, evolving into a dynamic and emotionally resonant vocalist. The son of music legend Willie Nelson, Lukas began his journey in his father’s band before stepping into his own spotlight. His breakout moment came in 2020 when he earned a Grammy for his work on A Star is Born—co-writing and co-producing songs, appearing in the film, and even serving as Bradley Cooper’s vocal coach. Remarkably, that same evening, his father also took home a Grammy—marking a rare and touching father-son triumph on music’s biggest stage.
Over the years, Lukas Nelson has teamed up with musical giants like Lady Gaga and Neil Young, crafting a sound that fuses his legendary father’s influence with his own diverse inspirations—from soulful blues pioneers to gritty rock icons. Though he’s always honored to make Willie proud, Lukas says his music now comes from a place that’s entirely his own—rooted in personal passion and artistic authenticity. And when he performs “Always On My Mind,” the emotional thread connecting father and son becomes unmistakable—a heartfelt tribute and a living extension of Willie Nelson’s enduring legacy.
