Willie Nelson’s longtime drummer, manager, de facto bodyguard, and friend, Paul English died at the age of 87, according to multiple sources.
English first played drums for Willie back on 1955, but didn’t become his full time drummer until 1966. However, he continued to play drums with Willie up until his death. Nicknamed “The Devil,” English was known to be a tough customer. In early days, he led a Fort Worth gang, was a pimp, committed numerous burglaries, was known for carrying two guns, and eventually became the “muscle” for Willie Nelson and the band.
He was also the subject of Willie’s “Me And Paul,” a track that first appeared on Willie’s 1971 album Yesterday’s Wine.
RIP Paul.
