When Lukas Nelson was a boy, his father, music legend Willie Nelson, told him all he wanted for his birthday was to hear him play guitar. Lukas agreed—and fell in love with it.
Now 35, Lukas tours the world, showing off his guitar chops and a once helium-like voice he’s grown confident in. “I’m pretty happy with it now,” he says. “I’ve learned how to sing lower and fuller.”
Though he once hesitated to sing, Lukas has since carved out a successful career, even winning a Grammy in 2020 for his work on A Star is Born. That same night, Willie won his 10th Grammy—making it a milestone evening for both.
Raised around icons like Neil Young, Lukas has developed his own sound, influenced by classic rock and blues legends. He’s collaborated with Lady Gaga, composed for film, and leads his band Promise of the Real.
Despite stepping out of his father’s shadow, Lukas still seeks his dad’s approval. “I’m always happy when I can make him proud,” he says. “He’s a hero of mine.”
Though not yet as famous as Willie, Lukas’s passion, talent, and heartfelt music echo the legacy of the man who gave the world “Always On My Mind.”