After shortly retiring from the music business, Nelson moved to Austin in 1972, where his career found new success as a performer.

Knowing of the plans for the statue, Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell proposed to rename a portion of Second Street to Willie Nelson Boulevard.

While his songs became hits for other artists, Nelson toured as a band member in Price's Cherokee Cowboys.

[11] In 2010, the nonprofit organization Capital Area Statues commissioned a bronze sculpture of Nelson to Philadelphia artist Clete Shields.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell considered the upcoming opening at the development of the new venue for Austin City Limits, The Moody Theater, and Nelson's forty year residence in the city to rename that section of Second Street to Willie Nelson Boulevard.

[12] In December 2010, it was announced that the 8 feet (2.4 m) statue would be placed at the entrance of the Moody Theater, on Second and Lavaca streets.

[13] The larger than life size bronze statue depicts Nelson perched on a stool, dressed in his typical style with a bandana over trailing braids of hair, a sleeveless t-shirt, long pants and boots, with his guitar Trigger slung under his left arm.

"[16] The date was convenient for Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, who were due to perform a Johnny Cash tribute concert that night on Austin City Limits.