Willie Nelson is synonymous with everything that is American. The worn acoustic guitar, the bandanna, the boots, the Texan roots all bleed red, white and blue. His music is nothing but iconic. This is why despite the unusually chilly weather last Thursday night in Jacksonville, nineteen hundred people flocked to the Florida Theatre.

His own son, Lukas Nelson, along with his band, The Promise of the Real opened for Willie. At first, I have to admit that I was skeptical.

I thought that Lukas would be nothing more than a product of his father’s success. I was quickly proven wrong. Lukas’s powerful, distinctly unique voice and the screaming guitar pierced the air.  Even more amazing was his ability to play the guitar with his teeth to close his set.

After a brief intermission, Willie Nelson took stage. Although as unceremoniously as he did it, his presence was immediately felt. The crowd sat at first in a hushed awe, but quickly began singing along. His surrounding cast was equally impressive musically including Lukas joining his father on guitar as well as Willie’s sister, Bobbie, on piano. These days, what impresses me most about Willie are not his deft fingers nor his sultry voice, but his ability to continue touring the nation at the age of 76. During the performance it was clear that the torch is slowly being passed to his son. Amidst a guitar solo by Lukas, Willie stood standing by as a proud father grinning from ear to ear. There is no question that Lukas inherited the Nelson genes.

I highly recommend seeing this family endeavor before it is too late. I urge you to catch them next time they stop through town. For those looking for a road trip, Willie Nelson and company are currently touring all regions of the South. Click here for tour details.

Photographed and written by Elliot Ross