For decades, Willie Nelson has been the face of peace, pot, and harmony in country music. With his gentle voice, calming presence, and philosophical lyrics, he’s long been considered the genre’s most laid-back legend.

But now? That image may be unraveling.

In a shocking twist revealed through sources tied to a forthcoming tell-all biography, the 91-year-old outlaw country icon reportedly named the ten artists he “couldn’t stand” during his decades in the industry. The list—kept private for years—is finally seeing daylight, and the names on it are sending ripples through Nashville and beyond.

And no, these aren’t unknown upstarts or one-time collaborators. These are legends. Icons. People many thought were Willie’s friends.

But as one insider put it: “Just because he smiled onstage doesn’t mean he forgot what happened backstage.”

Hank Williams Jr. – Feud Source: Politics & Personality Clashes

Willie and Bocephus may have shared stages, but according to multiple road crew members, their personalities clashed like oil and water.

“Hank Jr. had no filter, and Willie didn’t have time for bravado,” said a longtime tour manager. “They got into it about politics more than once. Let’s just say there were verbal fireworks backstage.”

Though both legends embodied the outlaw spirit, Willie reportedly saw Hank as “loud, brash, and over-the-top,” the opposite of his more introspective style.

Glen Campbell – Feud Source: A Studio Stab in the Back?

In the late 1970s, Willie was negotiating a high-profile recording deal—until Glen Campbell swooped in and allegedly undercut the offer. While it’s unclear if Campbell did so intentionally, the deal fell through for Willie, and he never forgot it.

“He smiled when they were around each other,” a source claimed, “but Willie once referred to Glen as ‘slicker than an oil spill.’ That wasn’t a compliment.”

Merle Haggard – Feud Source: Friendly Rivalry Gone Sour

This one hurts the fans. Willie and Merle’s collaborations, including the beloved album Pancho & Lefty, are legendary. But behind the scenes?

“They were competitive as hell,” said a mutual producer. “Merle was always trying to one-up Willie, and Willie didn’t like the games.”

Over time, what started as mutual respect reportedly turned into a cold rivalry—never public, but deeply felt.

Neil Young – Feud Source: Activism Yes, Voice No

Willie and Neil Young co-founded Farm Aid together, standing side by side to fight for American farmers. But that didn’t mean Willie enjoyed every moment.

“Willie admired Neil’s passion,” one roadie explained, “but he couldn’t handle Neil’s voice or erratic performances.”

In candid conversations, Willie allegedly joked, “His guitar’s always in tune—shame about his vocal cords.” Ouch.

Ray Price – Feud Source: The Mentor Who Fired Him

In the 1960s, Willie was part of Ray Price’s band. But when things got tight, Ray let him go. Willie moved on—but never truly forgave.

Though they reunited later in life and even recorded together, one of Willie’s close friends said, “Willie smiled for the camera, but he said Ray taught him one thing: trust no one.”

Johnny Cash – Feud Source: Brothers in Arms… and Arguments

This one may shock fans of The Highwaymen, but insiders insist Willie and Johnny had a rocky, complex friendship.

“They argued like brothers,” said a Highwaymen tour member. “Money, songs, scheduling—it was constant.”

Things came to a head when Johnny allegedly tried to rewrite part of a song Willie penned, claiming it “lacked punch.” Willie’s response? “Then write your own damn song.”

Kris Kristofferson – Feud Source: Creative Clashes and Clashing Egos

Kris and Willie co-wrote some classics—but the process was reportedly a battlefield of ideas. Kris, always the poet, constantly revised lyrics. Willie, ever the minimalist, hated it.

“They fought over commas,” laughed one producer. “Literal commas.”

Though their public friendship endured, their writing sessions were infamously fiery—often ending in slammed doors and silence.