 The album was released in June 1973 . Although it received good reviews , it did not sell well , except in Austin , where it sold more copies than earlier records by Nelson did nationwide . The recording led Nelson to a new style ; he later stated regarding his new musical identity that Shotgun Willie had " cleared his throat . " It became his breakthrough record , and one of the first of the outlaw movement , music created without the influence of the conservative Nashville Sound . The album — the first to feature Nelson with long hair and a beard on the cover — gained him the interest of younger audiences . It peaked at number 41 on Billboard 's album chart and the songs " Shotgun Willie " and " Stay All Night ( Stay A Little Longer ) " peaked at number 60 and 22 on Billboard Hot 100 respectively . 
