Born 94 Years Ago Today in Texas, the Outlaw Who Became Willie Nelson’s Drummer, Enforcer, and Lifelong Friend

Paul English, born in Texas on 6 November 1932, became Willie Nelson’s drummer, tour manager and close friend. Their relationship helped sustain Nelson through a low point in his early career and later supported English after his wife’s death.

Nelson first met English in the 1950s and asked him to keep time during radio performances; about a decade later, English joined his band full time, reportedly taking a pay cut to move to Nashville. He also managed payroll, sound and lighting, and collected money owed to the band. Nelson later recalled that English encouraged him when he was suicidal, while Nelson helped English cope with bereavement by taking him to Mexico.