It was a while before age and time and the interweb did something to my ears too. In the last few years, I've seen some relatively recent acoustic duets and solos where Hank, Jr displays truly jaw-dropping singing talent, with unique "melismas" I think they are called.... perfect pitch, seamlessly meshing his voice with his awesome guitar playing. Well, he got it honest.
I’m from northwest Tennessee. Hank Jr. moved there when I was a kid. He had a club in Paris, TN, and his shows there were a big deal. Like you, I wasn’t a fan, but I’ve come around on him, too. I’ve heard some pretty funny stories about his interactions with the locals, although I never met him personally.
This is awesome man. Similar to yourself, never a Hank Jr. guy. Bit of repulsion when I hit 8th grade in South Carolina (down from Connecticut). He was huge amongst my classmates and I wanted none of that. Wasn’t until I heard All in Alabama on Outlaw Country on a road trip about 10 years ago that I warmed up a bit. I’d been a fan of pops and Hank 3 though. His story is fascinating and insane.
Another excellent story. I wasn’t a fan of country music until I started making a living playing it. Working in smoky bars attempting to entertain hostile audiences as well as appreciative ones teaches you some interesting lessons. Six to seven nights a week. Working a day job too at times. Sleeping when you can. Had a decent early life. No great trauma but music was the glue many times.
It was a while before age and time and the interweb did something to my ears too. In the last few years, I've seen some relatively recent acoustic duets and solos where Hank, Jr displays truly jaw-dropping singing talent, with unique "melismas" I think they are called.... perfect pitch, seamlessly meshing his voice with his awesome guitar playing. Well, he got it honest.
I’m from northwest Tennessee. Hank Jr. moved there when I was a kid. He had a club in Paris, TN, and his shows there were a big deal. Like you, I wasn’t a fan, but I’ve come around on him, too. I’ve heard some pretty funny stories about his interactions with the locals, although I never met him personally.
“All For The Love of Sunshine” was featured in the terrific motion picture “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970).
This is awesome man. Similar to yourself, never a Hank Jr. guy. Bit of repulsion when I hit 8th grade in South Carolina (down from Connecticut). He was huge amongst my classmates and I wanted none of that. Wasn’t until I heard All in Alabama on Outlaw Country on a road trip about 10 years ago that I warmed up a bit. I’d been a fan of pops and Hank 3 though. His story is fascinating and insane.
Fantastic piece. I too wrote off Hank Jr., until I got a copy of his 1982 record "High Notes" in an auction lot. He even covers "Norwegian Wood"!
I understand.
Another excellent story. I wasn’t a fan of country music until I started making a living playing it. Working in smoky bars attempting to entertain hostile audiences as well as appreciative ones teaches you some interesting lessons. Six to seven nights a week. Working a day job too at times. Sleeping when you can. Had a decent early life. No great trauma but music was the glue many times.
Brilliant writing! 👏
500'? Damn.
Buck naked is the way to go . . .