Ebbie, you are making an assumption that I'm writing Willie off. I do write him off as a singer, but not as a songwriter or figurehead for Farm Aid. But I am saying that his voice is gone. I've heard him live recently too, but I didn't pay a cent, nor would I, because his voice sounds just plain bad.

Willie has abused his voice badly. Tony Bennett hasn't. That is the difference, and you can hear it when they sing. Sinatra's voice was pretty bad towards the end of his performing career. He was wealthy and wise enough to stop almost all performing as a singer, and was able to devote himself to other endeavors. Beyond Farm Aid and the annual picnic, Willie doesn't have much going for him. He isn't as talented an actor as Sinatra was. But he needs to stop singing.

Some performers who have taken good care of their instruments (both body and voice), sing beautifully well into old age. Those who haven't, can't. It really is that simple. Listen to Judy Collins, then listen to Willie Nelson, and you will see what I mean.