Introduction:
Lukas Nelson Reflects on Growing Up With Willie Nelson: Music, Family, and Laughter
This week, Lukas Nelson, son of country legend Willie Nelson, appeared on comedian Bert Kreischer’s Bertcast podcast, sharing insights about his music, his recent album American Romance, and what it was like growing up with one of the most iconic figures in country music.
Lukas spoke fondly about performing alongside his father, highlighting a duet of Pearl Jam’s Just Breathe that they recorded years ago and recently performed at Farm Aid. “Man, the best thing in life is being with him onstage playing. We play a lot together. I’m so glad we did this Pearl Jam song called Just Breathe, and did a video for it years ago,” Lukas said. “I love that we’ll have that for the rest of our lives together. I’ll always have him, and his voice, with me forever.”
The conversation also touched on how Lukas first became involved in music, which he described as a way to spend more time with his father. Willie was frequently on tour, and Lukas began playing in his father’s band at just 13 years old. “I loved it because that’s what brought me closer to him,” Lukas recalled. “I’d be sad when he was gone all the time, missing him. That’s kind of why I started playing music—to get closer to him.”
Beyond music, Lukas shared stories about his father’s sense of humor. He revealed that Willie taught him risqué jokes and limericks starting at just six years old. “Comedy right now is what’s saving the planet. The ability to laugh brings people together,” Lukas explained. “I grew up telling the dirtiest jokes… my dad taught me when I was six. He’s a funny guy, and we still tell each other jokes. Laughing is one of the great reasons why life is worth living.”
The podcast offered fans a glimpse into the unique father-son bond between Willie and Lukas Nelson, blending music, mentorship, and humor. For Lukas, growing up with a living legend shaped not only his career but also his perspective on life: family, music, and laughter are inseparable.