I am not the first and won't be the last to sing the praises of the legendary Hank Williams. He displayed such talent as a singer-songwriter his influence surpassed the country-western genre. In 1937 at the age of 14 he was given his own radio show on WSFA in Montgomery, Alabama, and put together a band known as The Drifting Cowboys. Hank expanded into recording religious music under the name Luke the Drifter. He had 11 #1 hits, such as "Cold, Cold Heart," "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)," and "Your Cheatin' Heart," and quite a few more in the Top Ten; and has been covered by many different artists over the years, from Tony Bennett to Beck.
Hank's personal life wasn't as successful. He had problems with alcohol and drugs, resulting in his dismissal from WSFA in 1942 and the Grand Ole Opry in 1952. Hs first marriage to Audrey Sheppard ended in divorce. He died on New Year's Day 1953 en route to a concert in Canton, OH at the age of 29.
Two years earlier he found himself a busy man and doing well. He played over 100 concert dates; earned five Top Ten Country hits, including two #1s; and starred on a 15-minute morning radio broadcast sponsored by Mother's Best Flour for Nashville's WSM that aired at 7:15 am throughout the year. The shows were recorded to 16" acetate discs and were almost thrown away if it hadn’t been for photographer Les Leverett, who is owed a debt of gratitude. After a court battle, the recordings were deemed to be the property of the Williams estate.
In conjunction with Time Life, the shows are being released in a limited edition deluxe set currently available only online or by phone. Fans will be thrilled to learn that the Mother's Best collection increases "the number of known Hank Williams recordings by fifty percent," according to the website.
Article comments
1 - Bassetpapa
For any long time fan of Hank Williams or those interested in listening to history as it was being made, this is a must have box set. Like most history, the participants aren't aware that they are making it at the time. The fact that they have survived these long decades and so beautifully remastered is nothing short of a miracle, and we and generations to come are the true beneficiaries. It is only in retrospect that an appreciation is gained of what these recordings really are and what they represent. They are nothing less than time capsules to a bygone, simpler time. Well done review and I agree that
because of their repetitive nature, especially the commercials, listening to them one episode at a time is preferable.
2 - El Bicho
Thanks, BP.
3 - Hadu Gudi
Hank Williams is a great singer as well as well as very good human being. The article given unknown info about him. Thanks
4 - Greg Barbrick
Nice review Bicho. This sounds incredible, something that will definitely go on this year's wish list.
5 - El Bicho
You're welcome, Hadu, Thanks, Greg.
6 - Lefty
I agree about the music, absolutely superb,
But the packaging is actually a real problem. The outer box is very gimmicky, and easily damaged. Most people who buy sets like these are serious collectors, with lots of other stuff (too much stuff in most cases). Keeping a case like this anywhere is a real problem. The CD slipcovers are very flimsy and there is no special protection for any of the discs. They are given no better treatment than a common freebie software disc that you get in junk mail. Its too bad the case and book were not given the deluxe format and layout of a Bear Family box.
Superb music and still very worthwhile to purchase.