He's a Texas icon whose musical career spans six decades. Wednesday is Willie Nelson's 75th birthday and the celebration is well underway.

"He is the face of Texas music in all of its many forms whether its blues, country, jazz, folk singer, singer songwriter, Willie is Texas," said Michael Hall, Texas Monthly writer.

Willie is also the face of Texas Monthly. The cover of the May issue and special sections of the website are in honor of Willie's 75th birthday. Hall compiled an oral history after receiving responses from more than 45 people from former presidents to fellow musicians.

"People feel. They're crazy about Willie and they just want to talk about it," Hall said.

At the ME-TV studio, birthday greetings are going out to Willie and special performances will be airing all day.

"I think it's just an opportunity for people here in Austin to show how much we love Willie, how much we appreciate him and how much he's done for Austin," said Kevin Connor.

Born Willie Hugh Nelson in Abbott, Texas, his musical career started early and includes more than a hundred albums, a dozen movies and countless concerts. He's loved by friends, family and fans.

"He is a genuinely decent person who doesn't rub his success into anybody's face. He spreads it around. I mean he does benefits. He's always helping people," Hall said.

And no one knows him better than his family, including daughter Paula Nelson.

"He's my friend. He's a mentor," she said.

Paula will be among the performers who'll pay tribute to Willie on his 75th brithday. Despite his tax troubles with the IRS, his multiple divorces and marriages and his fondness for marijuana, Willie's appeal is universal.

"He touches peoples hearts not only in his personality but obviously his music of course, but that is just who he is," said Nelson.

"He speaks to Texans not just about all different kinds of Texas music, but about Texas attitude," said Hall.

Willie Nelson is spending his birthday in Europe doing what he loves best -- performing.