Willie Nelson, a name synonymous with country music, is instantly recognizable not just for his voice and songs, but also for his well-worn guitar, Trigger. And just as iconic as Trigger itself is the strap that holds it, a distinctive red, white, and blue number that has been a constant companion throughout much of his career.
This wasn’t always the case, of course. The prevalence of red, white, and blue in the mid-1970s was hard to ignore. As the United States approached its Bicentennial in 1976, patriotic fervor was high, and these colors seemed to find their way onto everything imaginable. From everyday household items to fashion accessories, the nation was awash in red, white, and blue. It was a time of big macrame, bold colors, and a certain handcrafted aesthetic that permeated popular culture. It’s within this cultural tapestry that Willie Nelson’s now-famous guitar strap emerged.
Nelson’s rise to mainstream prominence coincided with this era. The success of “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” and the album “Red Headed Stranger” in 1975 catapulted him into the spotlight. Since that time, the red, white, and blue strap, or one remarkably like it, has been a fixture. It’s become so intertwined with his image that it’s hard to picture Willie Nelson without it.
The style of strap itself, one that loops around the underside of the guitar, is not uncommon, particularly among players of nylon string guitars. While classical guitarists often perform seated and may not require a strap in the same way, this type is frequently seen with folk musicians and, notably, mariachi guitarists. Indeed, this style transcends genres and borders, as evidenced by the observation of a similar strap on a guitarist in Nogales, Mexico, albeit in a more understated tan color. Whether on a grand stage or in a small restaurant south of the border, this style of guitar strap speaks to a practical and enduring design, even when it’s not as eye-catching as Willie’s patriotic version.
