
Pretty Paper
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $13.50
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
W. Brown
-
David Ritz
-
By:
-
Willie Nelson
About this listen
A perfect Christmas gift for music lovers, Pretty Paper is Willie Nelson’s inspiring Christmas fable, based on his holiday classic “Pretty Paper”.
More than 50 years ago, Willie Nelson’s beloved Christmas song “Pretty Paper” first hit the airwaves. And for all these years, Willie has wondered about the real-life Texas street vendor, selling wrappings and ribbons, who inspired his song. Who was this poor soul? What did his painful trials say about our loves, our hopes, our dreams in this holiday season - and in the rest of our lives?
It’s the early '60s, and Willie Nelson is down and out, barely eking out a living as a singer-songwriter. The week before Christmas, he spots a legless man on a cart, selling wares in front of Leonard’s Department Store in Fort Worth, Texas. The humble figure, by the name of Vernon Clay, piques Willie’s curiosity, but Vernon is stubbornly private and - despite Willie’s charming queries - has no interest in telling his story. Willie is tenacious, though, and he eventually learns that Vernon is a fellow musician, a fine guitarist and singer.
When Vernon disappears, he leaves behind only a diary, which tells an epic tale of life-altering tragedies, broken hearts, and crooked record men, not to mention backroad honky-tonks, down-home cooking, and country songwriting genius. Deeply moved and spurred on by Vernon’s pages, Willie aims to give the man one last shot at redemption and a chance to embody the holiday spirit.
©2016 Willie Nelson (P)2016 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
-
Willie Nelson's Letters to America
- By: Willie Nelson, Turk Pipkin - contributor
- Narrated by: Turk Pipkin
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From his opening letter “Dear America” to his “Dear Willie” epilogue, Willie digs deep into his heart and soul—and his music catalog—to lift us up in difficult times, and to remind us of the endless promise and continuous obligations of all Americans—to themselves, to one another, and to their nation.
-
-
Like having a beer with the redheaded stranger
- By Kindle Customer on 08-08-21
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
It's a Long Story
- My Life
- By: Willie Nelson, David Ritz - contributor
- Narrated by: Christopher Ryan Grant
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Unvarnished. Funny. Leaving no stone unturned"...So say the publishers about this audiobook I've written. What I say is that this is the story of my life, told as clear as a Texas sky and in the same rhythm that I lived it. It's a story of restlessness and the purity of the moment and living right. Of my childhood in Abbott, Texas, to the Pacific Northwest, from Nashville to Hawaii, and all the way back again. Of selling vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias while hosting radio shows and writing song after song, hoping to strike gold.
-
-
An Enjoyable Listen
- By Patrick on 05-19-15
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Energy Follows Thought
- The Stories Behind My Songs
- By: Willie Nelson, David Ritz, Mickey Raphael
- Narrated by: Willie Nelson, Ethan Hawke
- Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From his earliest work in the 1950s to today, Willie looks back at the songs that have defined his career, from his days of earning $50 each to his biggest hits, from his less well-known songs (but incredibly meaningful to him) to his concept albums. Along the way, he also shares the stories of his guitar Trigger, his family and “family,” as well as the artists he collaborated with, including Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Dolly Parton, and many others.
-
-
Would rather read
- By KSC on 11-06-23
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Me and Sister Bobbie
- True Tales of the Family Band
- By: Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson, David Ritz
- Narrated by: Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Abandoned by their parents as toddlers, Willie and Bobbie Nelson found their love of music almost immediately through their grandparents, who raised them in a small Texas town. Their close relationship was the longest-lasting bond in both their lives. In alternating chapters, this heartfelt dual memoir weaves together both their stories as they experienced them side by side and apart.
-
-
Willie and Bobbie Nelson Are The Best of Friends
- By Linda on 03-07-21
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Me and Paul
- Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship
- By: Willie Nelson, David Ritz - contributor
- Narrated by: Webb Wilder
- Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Immortalized in Willie Nelson's road song "Me and Paul," Paul English was the towering figure who acted as Willie's drummer, bodyguard, accountant, partner in crime, and right-hand man for 70 years. Together, the two men roamed the country by putting on shows, getting into a few scrapes, and bringing the joy of their music to fans worldwide. Set against the backdrop of the exploding Americana music scene and told in Willie’s inimitable, colorful style, Me and Paul follows the two performers through their decades-long careers.
-
-
Willie Nelson forever.
- By Doreen Rickard on 12-06-24
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Born to Run
- By: Bruce Springsteen
- Narrated by: Bruce Springsteen
- Length: 18 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed at the Super Bowl's halftime show. The experience was so exhilarating that Bruce decided to write about it. That's how this extraordinary autobiography began. Over the past seven years, Bruce Springsteen has privately devoted himself to writing the story of his life, bringing to this audio the same honesty, humor, and originality found in his songs.
-
-
Me Springsteen's book moved me beyond words...
- By Ellen O'Brien on 12-12-16
-
Willie Nelson's Letters to America
- By: Willie Nelson, Turk Pipkin - contributor
- Narrated by: Turk Pipkin
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From his opening letter “Dear America” to his “Dear Willie” epilogue, Willie digs deep into his heart and soul—and his music catalog—to lift us up in difficult times, and to remind us of the endless promise and continuous obligations of all Americans—to themselves, to one another, and to their nation.
-
-
Like having a beer with the redheaded stranger
- By Kindle Customer on 08-08-21
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
It's a Long Story
- My Life
- By: Willie Nelson, David Ritz - contributor
- Narrated by: Christopher Ryan Grant
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Unvarnished. Funny. Leaving no stone unturned"...So say the publishers about this audiobook I've written. What I say is that this is the story of my life, told as clear as a Texas sky and in the same rhythm that I lived it. It's a story of restlessness and the purity of the moment and living right. Of my childhood in Abbott, Texas, to the Pacific Northwest, from Nashville to Hawaii, and all the way back again. Of selling vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias while hosting radio shows and writing song after song, hoping to strike gold.
-
-
An Enjoyable Listen
- By Patrick on 05-19-15
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Energy Follows Thought
- The Stories Behind My Songs
- By: Willie Nelson, David Ritz, Mickey Raphael
- Narrated by: Willie Nelson, Ethan Hawke
- Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From his earliest work in the 1950s to today, Willie looks back at the songs that have defined his career, from his days of earning $50 each to his biggest hits, from his less well-known songs (but incredibly meaningful to him) to his concept albums. Along the way, he also shares the stories of his guitar Trigger, his family and “family,” as well as the artists he collaborated with, including Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Dolly Parton, and many others.
-
-
Would rather read
- By KSC on 11-06-23
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Me and Sister Bobbie
- True Tales of the Family Band
- By: Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson, David Ritz
- Narrated by: Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Abandoned by their parents as toddlers, Willie and Bobbie Nelson found their love of music almost immediately through their grandparents, who raised them in a small Texas town. Their close relationship was the longest-lasting bond in both their lives. In alternating chapters, this heartfelt dual memoir weaves together both their stories as they experienced them side by side and apart.
-
-
Willie and Bobbie Nelson Are The Best of Friends
- By Linda on 03-07-21
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Me and Paul
- Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship
- By: Willie Nelson, David Ritz - contributor
- Narrated by: Webb Wilder
- Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Immortalized in Willie Nelson's road song "Me and Paul," Paul English was the towering figure who acted as Willie's drummer, bodyguard, accountant, partner in crime, and right-hand man for 70 years. Together, the two men roamed the country by putting on shows, getting into a few scrapes, and bringing the joy of their music to fans worldwide. Set against the backdrop of the exploding Americana music scene and told in Willie’s inimitable, colorful style, Me and Paul follows the two performers through their decades-long careers.
-
-
Willie Nelson forever.
- By Doreen Rickard on 12-06-24
By: Willie Nelson, and others
-
Born to Run
- By: Bruce Springsteen
- Narrated by: Bruce Springsteen
- Length: 18 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed at the Super Bowl's halftime show. The experience was so exhilarating that Bruce decided to write about it. That's how this extraordinary autobiography began. Over the past seven years, Bruce Springsteen has privately devoted himself to writing the story of his life, bringing to this audio the same honesty, humor, and originality found in his songs.
-
-
Me Springsteen's book moved me beyond words...
- By Ellen O'Brien on 12-12-16
-
Revival
- A Novel
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: David Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs - including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession.
-
-
Sinister and Classic King
- By David Shear on 11-12-14
By: Stephen King
-
Waylon
- An Autobiography
- By: Waylon Jennings, Lenny Kaye
- Narrated by: Waylon Jennings
- Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Born dirt poor, Jennings went from country disc jockey to country superstar, leading the revolution in country music with his platinum album The Outlaws. Through his eyes we see the Nashville scene in the early days, and through his honest, no-holds-barred storytelling, we follow his struggle to overcome drugs and impending bankruptcy to establish himself as one of the living legends of country music.
-
-
Amazing. But not unabridged.
- By Dave on 04-26-18
By: Waylon Jennings, and others
-
The Most Beautiful
- My Life with Prince
- By: Mayte Garcia
- Narrated by: Mayte Garcia
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the one-year anniversary of his death, legendary musician Prince's first wife shares a uniquely intimate, candid, and revelatory look inside the personal and professional life of one of the world's most beloved icons. In The Most Beautiful, a title inspired by the hit song Prince wrote about their legendary love story, Mayte Garcia for the first time shares the deeply personal story of their relationship and offers a singular perspective on the music icon and their world together.
-
-
BOTH HEART WRENCHING AND WARMING! LOVED IT!!!!!
- By Annie The Audible Addict!!! on 04-07-17
By: Mayte Garcia
-
Country
- By: Danielle Steel
- Narrated by: Dan John Miller
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stephanie Adams is a devoted stay-at-home mother, married to a successful lawyer in northern California, in a dead marriage she stayed in for years for the sake of her children. Then, on a ski trip in Squaw Valley, her fifty-two-year-old husband dies suddenly and all bets are off.
-
-
Great Love Story!
- By Diana Jo on 06-20-15
By: Danielle Steel
-
Maybe We'll Make It
- By: Margo Price
- Narrated by: Margo Price
- Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Margo Price was nineteen years old, she dropped out of college and moved to Nashville to become a musician. She busked on the street, played open mics, and even threw out her TV so that she would do nothing but write songs. She met Jeremy Ivey, a fellow musician who would become her closest collaborator and her husband. But after working on their craft for more than a decade, Price and Ivey had no label, no band, and plenty of heartache. Maybe We’ll Make It is a memoir of loss, motherhood, and the search for artistic freedom in the midst of the agony.
-
-
A must read!
- By Gail Cruz on 10-06-22
By: Margo Price
-
This Life I Live
- One Man's Extraordinary, Ordinary Life and the Woman Who Changed It Forever
- By: Rory Feek
- Narrated by: Rory Feek
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In This Life I Live, Rory Feek helps us not only to connect more fully to his and Joey’s story but also to our own journeys. He shows what can happen when we are fully open in life’s key moments, whether when meeting our life companion or tackling an unexpected tragedy. He also gives never-before-revealed details on their life together and what he calls “the long goodbye,” the blessing of being able to know that life is going to end and taking advantage of it.
-
-
This Life I Live
- By Blueyes512 on 02-16-17
By: Rory Feek
-
Finding Fish
- A Memoir
- By: Antwone Q. Fisher
- Narrated by: Thomas Penny
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Baby Boy Fisher was raised in institutions from the moment of his birth in prison to a single mother. He ultimately came to live with a foster family, where he endured near-constant verbal and physical abuse. In his midteens he escaped and enlisted in the navy, where he became a man of the world, raised by the family he created for himself. Finding Fish shows how, out of this unlikely mix of deprivation and hope, an artist was born.
-
-
This book will not disappoint you.
- By Joseph on 10-16-16
-
Society's Child
- My Autobiography
- By: Janis Ian
- Narrated by: Janis Ian
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of 15, when her soul-wrenching song "Society's Child" became a hit. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career. In Society's Child, Janis Ian provides a relentlessly honest account of the successes and failures - and the hopes and dreams - of an extraordinary life.
-
-
I know why this won the grammy
- By Pamela J on 02-24-13
By: Janis Ian
-
When I Left Home
- My Story
- By: David Ritz, Buddy Guy
- Narrated by: Mirron Willis
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
According to Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and the late Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy is the greatest blues guitarist of all time. An enormous influence on these musicians as well as on Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck, he is the living embodiment of Chicago blues.
-
-
GREAT STORY - GREAT NARRATOR
- By The Louligan on 09-11-13
By: David Ritz, and others
-
Love Is a Mix Tape
- Life and Loss, One Song at a Time
- By: Rob Sheffield
- Narrated by: Rob Sheffield
- Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mix tapes: We all have our favorites. Stick one into a deck, press play, and you’re instantly transported to another time in your life. For Rob Sheffield, that time was one of miraculous love and unbearable grief. A time that spanned seven years, it started when he met the girl of his dreams, and ended when he watched her die in his arms.
-
-
A sad story in a happy wrapper.
- By Natalia on 04-08-10
By: Rob Sheffield
-
Turn Around Bright Eyes
- A Karaoke Love Story
- By: Rob Sheffield
- Narrated by: Rob Sheffield
- Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Turn Around Bright Eyes picks up Sheffield’s story right after Love Is a Mix Tape. He is a young widower devastated by grief, trying to build a new life in a new town after his wife’s death. As a writer for Rolling Stone, he naturally takes solace in music. But that’s when he discovers the sublime ridiculousness of karaoke, and despite the fact that he can’t carry a tune, he begins to find his voice.
-
-
Witty (sometimes sad) love story/Soundtrack
- By Wally Tonra on 05-07-15
By: Rob Sheffield
-
They're Playing Our Song
- A Memoir
- By: Carole Bayer Sager
- Narrated by: Carole Bayer Sager
- Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Grammy and Academy Award-winning songwriter Carole Bayer Sager shares the remarkably frank and darkly funny story of her life in and out of the recording studio, from her fascinating (and sometimes calamitous) relationships to her collaborations with some of the greatest composers and musical artists of our time.
-
-
"Amazing Work" from a new fan
- By Rosie on 11-04-16
Critic reviews
“This is a touching, well-crafted, hard-knocks tale that earns its bittersweet ending; it stays with you like a mournful melody you can't quite shake.” (Jocelyn McClurg, USA Today)
“Pretty Paper has an It's a Wonderful Life quality.” (David Martindale, The Dallas Morning News)
“Always a fine songwriter and poet, Nelson now fictionalizes one of his songs.... It reads like a chapter out of Nelson’s life.” (The Roanoke Times)
What listeners say about Pretty Paper
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Stacie
- 01-25-17
Pretty Damn Good!
Very good storyline, sad and moving but also has a positive energy in the storytellers point of view and warm hearted spirit.easy to identify with even though I'm not a musician or writer. Should be made into a movie 😌
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 03-06-22
One Awesome Book
This is the best book I've ever listened to. I always admired Willie's music but now I admire his character more than ever. I don't know what happened to Vernon after the end of the book, but I imagine he died a much happier man than much of the life he lived. God bless Vernon Clay and all who loved him and helped him along the way. Especially Willie Nelson and the Family of Jill and Cynthia.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!