Hank Williams

Performer Songbooks

Hank Williams

Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 - January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. In the short period from 1947 until his death, at 29, on the first day of 1953, Williams recorded 35 singles (five of which were released posthumously) that would place in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including eleven that ranked number one.

His father, Elonzo Williams, worked for the railway and was transferred often, so the family lived in several towns in southern Alabama. When Elonzo was hospitalized for eight years, the family was left to fend for themselves. Young Williams, whose own health was diminished owing to spina bifida, helped provide for his mother and sister. While the family was living in Georgiana, Alabama, Williams met Rufus Payne (nicknamed Tee-Tot), a black street performer who gave Williams guitar lessons in exchange for meals. Payne had a major influence on Williams's later musical style. During this time, Williams informally changed his name to Hank, believing it to be a better name for country music.

While the family was living in Montgomery, Alabama, a teenaged Williams used to sing and play guitar on the sidewalk in front of the WSFA radio studios. He caught the attention of WSFA producers and started working there in 1937, singing and hosting a 15-minute program. He formed as backup the Drifting Cowboys band, which was managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote all of his time to his career.

In 1941, when the U.S. went into World War II, several members of the band were drafted. Williams, who was not taken because of his spina bifida, had trouble with their replacements. This, along with a burgeoning problem with alcohol as self-medication for his health problem, caused WSFA to fire him. In 1943, Williams married Audrey Sheppard who, besides singing duets with him in his act, became his manager. After recording "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin'" with Sterling Records, he signed a contract with MGM Records. In 1948, he released "Move it on Over," which became a hit. The same year, he joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program. In 1949, he released "Lovesick Blues," which carried him into the mainstream of music. After an initial rejection, Williams joined the Grand Ole Opry. He had 11 number one songs between 1948 and 1953, though he was unable to read or write music to any significant degree. His hits include "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

In 1952, Williams's consumption of alcohol, morphine and other painkillers to ease the pain resulting from his back condition caused problems in his personal and professional life. He divorced his wife and was fired by the Grand Ole Opry due to frequent drunkenness. On January 1, 1953, on the way to a concert, he had a doctor inject him with a combination of vitamin B12 and morphine, which, added to the alcohol and chloral hydrate that Williams had consumed earlier, caused him to have a fatal heart attack. He was only 29. Despite his short life, Hank Williams has had a major influence on country music.

His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, many of whom have also had hits with the tunes, in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles. Williams has been covered by performers such as Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cake, Kenny Rankin, Beck Hansen, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, The Residents, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Isaac Hayes, and Tom Waits. He has received numerous honors and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Songbooks

Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.

Hank Williams : Hank Williams Complete

Songlist: The Alabama Waltz, Alone And Forsaken, Angel Of Death, Are You Lonely Too, Are You Walkin' And A-Talkin' For The Lord, Baby, We're Really In Love, Bayou Pon Pon, The Blues Come Around, Cajun Baby, California Zephyr, Calling You, Cold, Cold Heart, Countryfied, Dear Brother, Everything's Okay, For Me There Is No Place, Forever's A Long Long Time, The Funeral, Help Me Understand, Hey, Good Lookin', A Home In Heaven, Homesick, Honey, Do You Love Me, Huh, Honky Tonk Blues, Honky Tonkin', House Of Gold, A House Without Love, How Can You Refuse Him Now, Howlin' At The Moon, I Ain't Got Nothing But Time, I Can't Escape From You, I Can't Get You Off Of My Mind, I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You), I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You, I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes), (Last Night) I Heard You Crying In Your Sleep, I Just Didn't Have The Heart To Say Goodbye, I Just Don't Like This Kind Of Livin', I Lost The Only Love I Knew, I Saw The Light, I Wish You Didn't Love Me So Much, I Won't Be Home No More, I'd Still Want You, I'll Be A Bachelor Till I Die, I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive, I'm A Long Gone Daddy, I'm Going Home, I'm Gonna Sing, I'm Just Crying 'Cause I Care, (I'm Praying For The Day That) Peace Will Come, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, I'm So Tired Of It All, I'm Sorry For You My Friend, I'm Yvonne (Of The Bayou), I've Been Down That Road Before, If I Didn't Love You, If You'll Be A Baby (To Me), Is This Goodbye, Jambalaya (On The Bayou), Jesus Died For Me, Jesus Is Calling, Jesus Remembered Me, Just Me And My Broken Heart, Just Waitin', Kaw-Liga, Last Night I Dreamed Of Heaven, Let's Turn Back The Years, Little Bosephus (Hank Williams Jr), The Little House We Built, Long Gone Lonesome Blues, Lost On The River, Low Down Blues, A Mansion On The Hill, May You Never Be Alone, Me And My Broken Heart, Men With Broken Hearts, Message To My Mother, Mind Your Own Business, Minni-Ha-Cha, Moanin' The Blues, Mother Is Gone, Move It On Over, My Cold Cold Heart Is Melted Now, And Many More!

Style: Country

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Hank Williams : Pro Vocal Series

Review: Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 - January 1, 1953) was an American singer and songwriter and musician who has become an icon of country music and one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. A leading pioneer of the honky tonk style, he had numerous hit records, and his charismatic performances and succinct compositions increased his fame. His songbook is one of the backbones of country music, and several of his songs are pop standards as well. He has been covered in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles. Here is the definitive collection of his songs and a must for fans of classic American songs. This Pro Vocal series contains the lyrics, melody, and chord symbols for eight of his hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening, and then separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD, but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal, parties, auditions, corporate events, and gigs without a backup band. Or for singing just for the fun of it!

Songlist: Cold, Cold Heart, Hey, Good Lookin', Honky Tonkin', I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love With You), Jambalaya (on the Bayou), Kaw-Liga, Take These Chains From My Heart, Your Cheatin' Heart

Voicing: Medium
Style: Country Standards

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