Hank Williams Sr.
If country music ever had a god, it would probably be Hank Williams.
Though he had a very short recording career and died at 29, Hank Williams casts a long shadow over country music. Heavyweights from Johnny Cash to Waylon Jennings would often ask what Hank Williams would think of the flash and glamor of contemporary country stars. When people talk about 'traditional' country music, they're usually referring to the guitar and fiddle arrangements Williams made famous. Most of country music's themes came from Hank Williams' music, as he'd sing simple, soulful tunes of cheatin' women and ramblin' outlaws and lovin' Jesus. Broadly speaking, he's seen as the man who set the standard: the man who paved the way.
The Real Hank
With all the mythology built around Hank Williams Sr. it's sometimes easy to lose track of just who he was. Hank Williams belongs to that long, sad line of musical geniuses who walked a fine line between talent and selfbeer songs. His personal faith fell in conflict with his wild behavior, and he recorded religious songs under the name "Luke the Drifter." Contemporaries who would later praise his name vilified him. In short, the dude was a wreck.
Despite all of these personal demons, which caused famed country singer Roy Acuff to tell Hank "You've got a millionTonk Blues", "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" and a zillion others. Modern musicians are constantly covering his songs and he's undoubtedly a pivotal figure in country music. Put simply, you need to own at least one of his CDs.
Your Cheatin' Heart
Buying Hank Williams' music isn't like collecting a modern country star. He didn't release full-length albums and many of his most famous songs were released posthumously. You'll probably wind up purchasing greatest hits albums or collections. The hardcore collector can sometimes find original pressings of his song, but you're gonna me auctioning off your first born to afford 'em. Finally, everyone in the goddamn universe has recorded a song by or about Hank Williams. Among such luminaries are beat poet and zen Buddhist weirdo Leonard Cohen, outlaw cowboy and future Blade sidekick Kris Kristofferson, emo legend Bright Eyes, and family members Hank Williams Jr. and Hank Williams III.
Top Sellers
Related Guides
*
Dixie Chicks
*
Dolly Parton
*
Garth Brooks
*
Johnny Cash
*
Toby Keith
