Jul 4, 1973

Willie Nelson holds his first Fourth of July Picnic in Dripping Springs, Texas

Oct 10, 1973

Willie Nelson sings the national anthem when the San Antonio Spurs play their first American Basketball Association game at home at HemisFair Arena. The San Diego Conquistadors win, 126-101

Oct 14, 1973

The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame adds Jack Clement ("Ballad Of A Teenage Queen"), Don Gibson ("I Can't Stop Loving You"), Harlan Howard ("Busted"), Roger Miller, Ed and Steve Nelson ("Bouquet Of Roses") and Willie Nelson

Nov 4, 1973

Abbott, Texas, honors its best-known hometown boy with Willie Nelson Day

Jul 4, 1974

Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic is marked by a female streaker who jogs across stage while Waylon Jennings performs. Others on the bill include Larry Gatlin, Michael Martin Murphey, "Kung Fu" star David Carradine and Sammi Smith

Aug 2, 1974

Leon Russell sings "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" while hosting "The Midnight Special" on NBC, with musical guests Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, John Hartford, Rick Nelson, Doug Kershaw and Michael Martin Murphey

Sep 25, 1974

Willie Nelson records "Remember Me (When The Candlelights Are Gleaming)"

Sep 27, 1974

Waylon Jennings records "Bob Wills Is Still The King"--namechecking Tommy Duncan, The Texas Playboys and Willie Nelson--and "Good Hearted Woman" during a concert in Austin's Western Place. Nelson's voice is later added to "Good Hearted Woman" to create a duet for the album "Wanted: The Outlaws"

Oct 17, 1974

The first episode of PBS-TV's "Austin City Limits" is filmed, with Willie Nelson as the inaugural guest

Jan 2, 1975

"Austin City Limits" premieres on PBS with Willie Nelson as the first featured guest. The set list includes "Good Hearted Woman," "Whiskey River," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken"