Music legend Willie Nelson performs in Sarasota on Tuesday

He’s one of the greatest country songwriters of all-time, the creator of such legendary compositions “Crazy” and “Funny How Time Slips Away.” The most famous versions of many of his songs, though, were recorded by other people.

Meanwhile, the biggest hits he’s recorded himself have been mostly covers, including “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys,” “Always on My Mind,” “City of New Orleans” and “Midnight Rider.” And even though he’s very much considered a country artist, his hits have ranged from country to pop to jazz standards.

Besides all that, Willie Nelson is one of the most-colorful characters in the entertainment business.

Besides being an accomplished singer and songwriter, he’s acted in some high-profile Hollywood films, portrayed himself on “The Simpsons,” co-founded Farm Aid with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, been busted for marijuana possession a bunch of times, had most of his assets seized by the IRS and recorded the famously pro-LGBT country song “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other.”

Nelson will be at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on Tuesday, but if you don’t already have tickets, your chances of seeing the show might be slim. It’s sold out and there’s a waiting list. You can get on the waiting list by calling the box office at 941-953-3368. Then just keep your fingers crossed.

Details: 8 p.m. Oct. 17, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Sold out. 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

This story was originally published October 11, 2017 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Music legend Willie Nelson performs in Sarasota on Tuesday."