Willie Nelson Set to Release “Energy Follows Thought,” a Book Inspired by His Biggest Hits 

After 60 years in the music industry, Willie Nelson is ready to share his secret to longevity and songwriting in a forthcoming book called, Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs. 

The highly anticipated hardcover is expected to hit the shelves on Oct. 31, 2023, via HarperCollins. 

The country legend co-wrote the book with David Ritz and Mickey Raphael. The “Pancho and Lefty” artist will give country music fans a glimpse into his songwriting strategy and the inspiration behind 160 tracks from his award-winning catalog.

The project will include never-before-seen photos and ephemera. The page-turner will chronicle untold stories about Nelson’s extensive career. 

The book dates back to the 1950s when Nelson made little to no money creating music. Nelson will open up about his family, legendary guitar Trigger, and collaborations with icons such as Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, and many more. 

The reflective book will explore thought-provoking themes intertwined through his music throughout the years—love, loss, infidelity, and overall life in the spotlight. The “whimsical and wise” novel will be released just days before Nelson will be welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 3, 2023. 

The outlaw country pioneer recently celebrated his 90th birthday in Los Angeles on April 29 at the Hollywood Bowl. Following the birthday extravaganza that drew in over 18,000 fans each night, Nelson told People that he never thought he would make it to his early nineties. 

Despite his old age, he said performing on stage gives him the energy to persevere forward. 

“I never thought I’d get here,” said Nelson. “I get a lot of fun out of playing for an audience. There’s a great energy exchange there. It’s what keeps me going.” 

After 73 solo studio albums and three projects with the Highwaymen, Nelson has pumped the brakes on songwriting. Nelson believes the time off provokes creativity, which was a lesson he learned from a fellow musician. 

“Roger Miller told me, ‘Sometimes the well dries up, and you have to wait and let it fill up again,’” Nelson explained. “I believe that.” 

Before Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs becomes available, Nelson will continue on his 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. The trek will kick off in June in Somerset, Wisconsin, and run until October. 

Photo by Jim Bennett/WireImage