Willie Nelson and Hard Rock International announced the launch of the limited-edition Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight merchandise program, benefiting the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and Animal Welfare Institute. The line, a partnership between the musician, activist, author and poet and the world-renowned brand, includes a men’s t-shirt, a limited edition collector pin as well as an online exclusive pin and, fittingly, a bandanna that will be available online and in-store at participating locations on June 6.

Hard Rock International is excited to join in the ongoing festivities for the beloved musician and look forward to welcoming Willie and his Family Band for a celebration launch event at Hard Rock Cafe New York on June 6.

“Willie Nelson is an American treasure and one of the most prolific, inspiring and enduring musicians of our time,” said Annie Balliro, senior director of brand philanthropy at Hard Rock International. “Willie’s love of all people, his tireless philanthropic work for a better planet, a kinder world for all creatures and beings, aligns perfectly with our own motto, Love All - Serve All. We could not be more proud to partner with Willie for these important causes on this significant and happy day, his 80th birthday.”

A portion of the retail price will benefit both the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, which advocates for creating a better world through sustainable, community-based biodiesel, and the Animal Welfare Institute dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people and seeking better treatment of animals everywhere—in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home and in the wild.

Hard Rock’s Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight t-shirt, pin and bandanna will be available online at www.hardrock.com and at Hard Rock locations in the following cities: New York, New Orleans, Maui, San Antonio, Nashville and Houston.  

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Mens T-Shirt: 100 percent cotton tee that features an image of Willie Nelson with his guitar and the words “Outlaw Legend.” The top left of the shirt features the artists name and is surrounded by filigree with an Old West saloon vibe. 15 percent of the retail price will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute. ($26)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Bandana: 100 percent cotton and features a filigree design on a navy blue background that coordinates with the Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight T-Shirt  and includes the artists name. 15 percent of the retail price will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute. ($10.00)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Collectors Pin: A translucent hard enamel guitar with gold base metal modeled after Willie’s own and features the phrase “Outlaw Legend.” 15 percent of the retail price will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute. ($12.00)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Online Exclusive Pin: Modeled after the Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight T-Shirt and includes the artist’s likeness, name, guitar and the words “Outlaw Legend.” This online exclusive pin is hard enamel with translucent enamel used for the guitar and is set on gold base metal. ($14.00)

The Artists Spotlight Series is among the series of events and releases celebrating the artists 80th birthday. On April 16 Legacy Recordings released “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” a collection of new studio performances by Willie Nelson and Family. 2013 is shaping up as a banner year for the pop country patriarch, who turned 80 April 29. His rollicking memoir, “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die – Musings from the Road,” published by HarperCollins in May 2012, is currently a New York Times bestselling nonfiction title and “Let’s Face The Music And Dance” is an essential addition to the outlaw country artist’s catalog of timeless recordings.