American icon, Willie Nelson, has been on the American music scene since the late 1950s. Originally a conventional country western singer, he became part of the Outlaw Country movement of the 1970s along with the late Waylan Jennings. The seventy-five year old has been at the center of many controversies and causes but still remains one of Texas's most beloved citizens by everyone.

The Dunes stage at Schlitterbahn on South Padre Island was full of fervent anticipation on the final day of the South Padre Island Music Festival for 2008. It was a beautiful South Texas day as Willie Nelson and Family walked onto the stage. Concert organizers say the crowd was much larger than last year's event.

Willie constantly waved to the crowd during his performances and many times asked for them to participate in the chorus of his songs. He performed many songs as well as his classics including Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, You Were Always in Mind, and On the Road Again, Georgia on My Mind, and Beer for My Horses. He paid tribute to the late Whalen Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Janis Joplin with their songs.