8/22/1980 Willie Nelson & Family, DuQuoin State Fair, DuQuoin, IL

 41 years ago today...

August 22, 1980 - DuQuoin, IL

Willie Nelson and Family performed two shows at the DuQuoin State Fair.

In my role as entertainment editor for the university newspaper, I was one of a dozen reporters invited to interview Willie between shows at the fairgrounds. We took seats on a tour bus and Willie jumped in the driver's seat and swung around to talk to us. He lit up a joint and smoked it himself.

Willie was soaring in popularity as the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year while starring in the movie "Honeysuckle Rose." His album of pop standards, "Stardust," was a surprise smash.

Willie spent about 15 minutes answering questions and recording radio station IDs for the local outlets. In a quote from my story, he dismissed the idea of classifying music, "An A is still an A and a quarter note is still a quarter note and that will never change."

He was still joking and toking when the opening chords of "Whiskey River," the show-starting song for the second set, were heard from the main stage.

"That's my cue, I gotta go," excusing himself as he jogged directly onto the stage strapping on a guitar.

His live concert performance was at its peak with the strongest band he ever had backing him. Grady Martin was an added guitar player this night, and legendary songwriter Hank Cochran played an opening set. With a backstage pass and a few minutes with Willie, this was a memorable night.

The DuQuoin State Fair also hosted the National Cow Chip Throwing Contest this day, but I didn't have time for that crap.