Legendary country musician Willie Nelson recounts a suicide attempt in his new memoir.
"Me and Paul: Untold Tales of a Fabled Friendship," which was published on September 20 via Harper Horizon, explores Nelson's relationship with late drummer Paul English.
English was Nelson's longtime drummer who started playing with him in Fort Worth in 1955, although he did not become Nelson's regular drummer until 1966.
The book is filled with several humorous incidents from throughout their friendship. However, one incident that stands out is a rough patch in Nelson's career and his suicide attempt. With the help of English, Nelson says he regained his footing and went on to become one of the greatest country stars of all time.
Besides being the drummer for Nelson's band, English was a key figure and close friend of the country legend. He also acted as his bodyguard and accountant, among other roles. English died on February 11, 2020 of acute pneumonia, at the age of 87.
English was the titular "Paul" of the Nelson album Me and Paul as well as the title track of that album. English also had a role in Nelson's movie Red Headed Stranger (1986).
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