Lukas Nelson Reveals How Willie & Another Legend Inspired Him

Growing up as the son of Willie Nelson, it’s no surprise that Lukas Nelson found his way into the country music world. He undoubtedly gained a wealth of wisdom from his father, but as Lukas shared during a recent Grand Ole Opry performance, another country star also believed in his potential: Kris Kristofferson.

In the clip, Lukas regales the crowd with the story behind “You Were It,” which his father later recorded. Lukas explains that the track was his first attempt at songwriting, and it (along with Kristofferson’s show of confidence) became his gateway to the music career he’s since built.

Kristofferson Shared Words of Encouragement With Young Lukas

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One of the most surprising aspects of Lukas’ brief story is how young he was when he wrote “You Were It.” According to the singer, he was just 11 at the time. “My dad heard it, and he decided he was going to cut it for an album he put out around then,” Lukas said. He then revealed the encouraging words his father’s friend, Kristofferson, shared with him.

“He said, ‘You thinking about being a songwriter?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.’ He said, ‘You don’t have a choice,'” Lukas recalled. The audience laughed at this sweet and funny memory, and people in the video’s comments section also had a positive response to Lukas’ story. “That was an amazing song, thanks for sharing it,” one wrote.

The Singer Posted a Touching Tribute to Kristofferson After His Death

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Willie and Kristofferson built a friendship that lasted decades, and he was clearly a major part of Lukas’ life, too. When Kristofferson passed away in September 2024, the “You Were It” writer took to Facebook with a touching tribute to his father’s late friend. The post included a picture of Lukas as a baby in Kristofferson’s arms.

“This is me and Kris Kristofferson when we first met,” Lukas captioned the post. “Kris helped me to believe in myself as a songwriter when I was a boy. Other than my father, he was my greatest inspiration.” Lukas went on to describe the kind of person Kristofferson was, emphasizing his best qualities. “I grew up with him and his family,” Lukas concluded. “I love them, I love him, and I always will.”