DALLAS — Bobbie Nelson, whose prowess as a piano player powered the band of her younger brother, Willie Nelson, for more than half a century, died Thursday at her home in Austin. She was 91.
Willie’s publicist, Elaine Schock, issued a statement in which she said, “Her elegance, grace, beauty, and talent made this world a better place. She was the first member of Willie’s band, as his pianist and singer. Our hearts are broken, and she will be deeply missed. But we are so lucky to have had her in our lives.”
Bobbie gave literal luster to the band’s name — Willie Nelson and Family — as one of its founding members. Schock called her gifts as a keyboardist “a linchpin of his sound,” as she “sat at her piano just to the edge of the spotlight, a modest yet still powerful presence, stepping forward on occasion to lead the band and delight listeners with her wondrous pianistic gifts.”
