When Lukas Nelson was a youngster, his legendary father Willie Nelson told his son that all he wanted for his birthday is to hear him playing the guitar.
More than 20 years later, Lukas is flaunting his “show-offy” guitar riffs on stages across the world, adding to it his unique vocal instrument that he once said made him sound like he inhaled “helium.”
Keep reading to learn more about Lukas Nelson!
As soon as Lukas Nelson opens his mouth and sings, the relationship between him and Willie Nelson – the eclectic country crossover star known for timeless songs – is unmistakable.
Though the 35-year-old Lukas has some pretty big shoes to fill, he has the support of his dad, who encourages him to embrace his talents.
“I was talking with my dad one day, when I was 11 or 12, and asked him what he wanted for his birthday,” Lukas tells the Aspen Times. “He said he wanted me to play guitar. So, I said sure. And I fell in love with it.”
Through his teenage years, he played percussion and rhythm guitar in his father’s band, but Lukas did not like singing.
“I had it in my mind what my voice sounded like, but I couldn’t do it. I thought I sounded like a girl. So, I stopped once I started playing guitar.” Explaining that he’s way more comfortable now with his vocals, Lukas adds, “I’m pretty happy with it now…I’m learning what keys sound best, and how to sing lower. Singing low is important because you get a full, round sound to it. It doesn’t sound like I’m on helium anymore.”
Grammy night
Lukas has come a long way since he stopped singing as a teenager.
In 2020, Lukas – one of Nelson’s eight children – won a Grammy for his work on the 2018 film A Star is Born. He wrote and co-produced several songs in the film, appeared on-screen as a member of Bradley Cooper’s character’s band, and worked as Cooper’s vocal coach.
Lukas wasn’t the only Nelson to win a Grammy that night. His the 91-year-old father took home his 10th Grammy that evening.
“Already so humbled to have won a Grammy tonight, but it’s a crazy world to be able to win the same night as my dad,” Lukas tweeted about his win. “A rare honor shared only with a few other incredible fathers and sons. So grateful to be a part of his legacy and watch it continue to grow.”
Since filming A Star is Born, Lukas has become quite close with Lady Gaga, who loaned her powerful vocals to his 2017 album, “Lucas Nelson & Promise of the Real.”
Dad’s approval
Having shared the stage with many titans like his father and Neil Young, Lukas has a sincere and unique delivery of music, serving as a reminder of the immense talent that flows through his blood.
Despite his pedigree, he’s not a clone of his father, who’s known for the 1980 song “On the Road Again,” which is dedicated to his busy touring life.
Lukas, who’s credited with composing music for the 2021 film Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, counts his father as a huge influence, but he’s also absorbed the classic riffs and tones of artists like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, and the blues such as Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“My strength is my writing. Even beyond my guitar playing…I need my guitar to express how I feel in my songs, it’s more a part of the songs. It’s not show-offy, or playing fast.” He continues, “It’s the way I reach that bliss. I don’t do it now for my dad’s approval.”
Yet, he also admits he looks to please his father in a different way. Referring to first picking up a guitar when he was a child, Lukas adds: “It was a moment: ‘This is something I can do for my dad.’ I’m always seeking his approval, and I’m happy when I can make him proud. He’s a hero of mine and I try to live my life by the philosophies he handed down to me.”
While Lukas has not yet achieved an equal level of fame as the elder Nelson, his passion highlights the artistry and emotion expressed by his Rock and Roll Hall of Famer father, who gave the world the beloved song, “Always On My Mind.”
And when you listen to Lukas singing the same song, his relationship to the legendary troubadour he calls “dad,” is unmistakable.
What do you think of the younger Nelson’s version of the beautiful ballad? Please let us know what you think and then share this story so we can hear what others have to say about this incredible talent!