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Biographical Note
There is not a lot of information available about Jody Fischer. She was born December 21, 1949. During the 1970’s she lived in New York City where she was active with the music scene. She was a musician and writer herself. According to a 1991 Texas Monthly article, she started following Willie Nelson in the early 1970’s helping wherever she could. When he purchased the Pedernales Country Club in 1979, she was hired on as his personal secretary. Her job was to schedule studio time for Willie and his musician friends, assist Lana Nelson with charitable work, and generally assist in managing the property. She also had a small part in his movie, the Red-Headed Stranger, which was filmed on the property.
When Willie Nelson began the Farm Aid movement, Jody took calls coming in from famers and their families, and is often quoted as being a compassionate listener. She was very close to the extended Nelson family, as well as involved in diverse causes such as Farm Aid and Native American civil rights.
Jody passed away on December 25, 2003, at the Christopher House hospice for cancer patients, in the Willie Nelson room.
Scope and Contents
Jody Fischer’s collection of 338 photographs related to Willie Nelson include: Willie Nelson portraits; Willie Nelson performing; Willie Nelson with others [non-performance]; non-Willie Nelson photographs; snapshots on the set of Red Headed Stranger, and snapshots on the set of Ned Blessing.