Hank Williams Greatest Hits was the first album I ever bought. Saved my money when I was a kid, about 8, bought it at the grocery store on ‘ double stamps’ day. Thanks for posting the interview!
Garrett Bain • I first listened to hanks music when I was 3 or 4 years,old with my grandpa on my mother's side of the,family, I would sit with him in his bedroom and we would listen to his hank Williams SR records on his record player I'm 59 years old now and will never forget those great times my grandpa was a retired welder and back in the late 1940s or early 1950s my grandpa and his oldest sister and brother in law went and seen hank sr in Michigan my grandpa said he talked to hank before he went on stage he said people were crying when hank would sing those sad songs he also said the people wouldnt let him off the stage he said they kept encoreing him. I believe what my grandpa said i never knew him to lie.when,i lived in georgia in the 1980s I'm from east Tennessee johnson city me and my x,wife would come to visit my family in Tennessee and I would go to my grandparents house and me and my grandpa would listen to his hank Williams sr records. Don helms was the greatest steel guitar player there ever was.
I was brought up in Country Music and Hank Williams Senior was my favorite as a small child I still remember all the songs played on the old record player my mother loaded up. This song "Your Cheating heart has kept company with me for many years now.
In 1952 I was 6 years old, Hank played Live at the calabrese club, in Westerly RI. I was 6 years old, I went to see him with my uncles and my grandfather. I will never forget it. I remember it like it was yesterday. At my uncle funeral 40 years later the played all of Hank Williams songs, I sat there in tears.
I'm so lonesome I could cry saved me from a dark time in my life after losing my 1st and only son. So in 2006 we had our only little girl that I named Audrey after Miss Audrey Williams. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video with us.
@@featheredcoyote5477 it was bloody good mate of u to name your boy after bocephus. I want to come over and see his grave mate! Australia loves bocephus
Hank is the heart of country music.The simple reason it will never sound like that again is nobody can copy it.He definitely needs reinstated in the Grand Old Opry
My parents listened to Hank Williams when I was young. ( 63 now ). I knew then how good he was, but I appreciate how good he was now. Thanks Mom & Dad.
These interviews are precious. Thanks for posting in these troubled times. Very happy to perceive the channel makes no distinction amongst race since music is an universal language for all. Greetings from my 3 month isolation period at home in Brazil.
I worked with Sammy Pruett, one of Hank's Drifting Cowboys, at Gibson Guitars in Nashville in the late 70s. He became my good friend and as long as I bought the Jack Daniels, he'd tell me all of the Hank stories I wanted to hear! I was a teenager and he took me under his wing. He was a good man. I held him in high esteem, and I'll always remember him. Rest in peace, Sammy.
Over and over I say the same thing. The nuggets of pure Gold in these interviews never ceases to not just amaze, but stagger me. Man, I’m speechless, but no one would have guessed this about such a monumental hit. Jeez.
Found out 15 years ago, that I had a cousin who played steel guitar in Hank Williams Sr's band, in the late 1940's. I assumed, that he was already deceased. He wasn"t, but I didn't know, until he was gone. He didn't live far from my cabin in Alabama. If I'd realized, that he was still around, I'd have gone & asked him about Hank. My cousin's name was Robert D Norred.. He was originally from Sylacauga, Alabama & died in 2009.
Wow. One take. Those guys were locked in. My parents had a Hank Williams greatest hits album that I listened to, and pretended I was playing guitar with it.
When I was a child my mom had a little red radio that sat on top of the refrigerator. On Sunday evening there was a program called "The Louisana Hayride". I remember Hank Williams singing on it! That is when I fell in love with "Country" music. I am now 85 years old and will be 86 on January 3rd, 2023 and it is still "my music" Thanks to the internet I can set up a queue of this music and listen to Waylon, Willie, and the boys' AKA The Highway Men, and all of the rest of "OLD" singers. Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Kenny Rogers, to name a few!
Louisiana Hayride was the “Junior Varsity” of the Grand Ole’ Opry. Up & Coming Artists were signed and toured with the show to build a following as they honed their craft. Hank played with them on his way to the Opry and then again after he was kicked-out of the Opry. At the time, clinical depression was regarded as a “mental weakness” and alcohol addiction was regarded as a “character flaw”, not as the disease that we know it to be today. There was no medical treatment for either. People spiraled downward and suffered, trying to hide their issue from others, until they simply died. In Hank’s case, he suffered from an inherited case of Spina Bifida and became addicted to choralhydrate which was known at the time as “Mickey Finn” or “Mickey”. Today, know it as the “Date Rape” drug because it incapacitates or knocks-out the user completely. He was in such chronic pain, it was the only way he could sleep. I had severe nerve pain from an elbow injury (which fortunately healed). However, it was brutal. I remarked to my wife that I now understood how why some people commit suicide because the pain is unbearable without medication. Hard to understand unless you’ve experienced it. Absolutely brutal. As such, having temporarily experienced nerve pain, I have a lot of sympathy for Hank Sr. that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
This was a great interview Loved Hank. If it wasn’t for that back pain he would have lasted longer. Only God knows how many more hits he would have made. R I P. To the greatest.
I always feel that people like him, Hendrix, folks like that, died at just the right time. Doesn't seem fair to us, but it was just meant to be the way it is for some reason.
@@steveendicott1855 Spina Bifida was the back pain. He's saying if not born with the Spina Bifida, he might've not drank himself so hard (one of the reasons he died).
@@arcticchod5370 Those of us born about after 1970 benefit from the discovery that adding folic acid (folate) to a pregnant women’s diet early in pregnacy prevents their babies from developing Spina Bifida. This led to prenatal vitamins and the wise addition of folic acid (folate) to store-bought cereals and bread. Check your cereal box. Spina Bifida and Cleft Lip (related) have pretty much disappeared from the US and other countries that do this. Hank’s spinal condition, "Spina Bifida Obscurans," gave him terrible back pain. This was actually a "mild" version of Spina Bifida since he wasn’t born paralyzed from the waist down. I apologize for going on ~~ I was born a tiny preemie and became a nurse and music educator. I’m grateful for the medical discoveries that made my life long and good. Hank Williams RIP.
My God, this one is sprinkled with so many gold nuggets. Thanks to this interview, I have been able to fill in and better understand one of my earliest childhood memories. Riding in the back seat of my parents 53 Ford, where the AM radio was always playing, I still remember asking them who that man was, singing those sad songs. We took so many road trips from where we lived in San Antonio, Texas, to my mother's birthplace in Nashville, Tennessee, during the 50's and 60's. Hank's records were always playing on the radio stations we would find, then lose, work that dial until we found another one, over and over again as we made our way through Texas, Arkansas, and ultimately Tennessee. My father was a road warrior, who didn't believe in stopping unless it was for gas, using the rest room, or preventing starvation. Being in the car 22 - 24 hours, meant a whole lot of radio. Thanks, Joe for collecting the history of so many great songwriters and performers.
Hi William.... Those road trips during that time actually sounds like fun to me right now knowing you got to listen to local stations and D.J’s playing iconic Country records. I’m sure you treasure those memories now.... Thanks for sharing those memories with everyone... Thanks for watching... Best............... Joe
William B. I have memories just the same my dad was in the army and we always traveled the roads once my dad pulled over and got my mother out of the car and danced on the side of the road Memories are made of this The good ole days
!! I know exactly what You are talkin' about. My Uncle Ed Parks loved to drive the highways in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, Minnesota...most of my Summer weekends were spent rolling down the backroads of the Midwest. Radio playing Country music, my Uncle was a big Hank Sr. fan along with George Jones, Merle, Ernest T., He had taught himself to play guitar and he had a pretty decent singing voice for Hank Sr. and George Jones songs. I could never kick the habit those weekend rambles instilled in me. I've spent the great majority of my Life rollin' along the lines of that Lost Highway.
I love how humble all these legends are. They just seem like the most regular guys you'd ever meet but they lived incredible lives but don't surround themselves with all the pomp and circumstance the modern "stars" do. I'm 38 and a lifelong east TN resident and some of my earliest memories in life are of my great mamaw singing Hank Williams word for word and giving me an interest in his music. I was a fan then. I'm a fan now. I will keep on being one as well. Thanks for this awesome upload.
When I think your last video has moved me the most, you continue to surprise. Man, Merle is my favorite, but I grew up with Hank and Lefty, too...my Grandpa loved them, and so did all of us cousins. Your Cheatin Heart might be the first song I could play and sing. Thanks, Joe, that man is legend on the steel.
Don Helms possesses a fine, unhesitating memory. As well the 1964 movie, "Your Cheatin Heart" (Starring George Hamilton and the late Susan OLiver) ends at the death of Hank with A VERY MOVING Singing of "I Saw The Light". It is one of my favorite movies as it truly gives one the essence of Hank Williams.
patrick ryan I was 9 years old when my parents took me to the theater to see that movie. It was a very well done film and always stuck with me throughout my life. Do you know if there is any way to see it again? My parents loved Hank Williams Sr. and I would love to watch it again as my parents have passed now.
The last person to sing with Hank on stage was Doug Sahm from the"Sir Douglas Quintet" 11years old at the time,it was December 19,1952. At the Skyline Club in Austin Texas..Great interview Beautiful Story. Thank You so Much.
WOW. What an interview. Joe you're the luckiest guy in the world for having been able to interview these guys. The rest of us are lucky enough to have you present them to us! Kudos, Ace!
Wow! This guy!!! HANK WILLIAM'S STEEL PLAYER. He has to be in all time top five musician/soloists. Can not imagine having to play that funeral like that, too much to see from the stage. They played the right song for sure. Thank you for your great interview, to hear how Hank worked? Awesome.. Billy Cobham Hendrix's bass player was best Hendrix interview too.
I live next door in Bob Loyce Moore's M-N-L apt on his estate. He is 88 and still kicking! He was on the original Nashville A team. You should hear the stories!
As a traveling outlaw country singer and huge Hank fan, this was a profound interview. What days and honky tonk nights those must have been. Thank you for sharing.
I loved Don Helms steel guitar fills on the Hank Williams songs. So high and full of energy. It set off the vocals perfectly. My favorite is Setting the Woods On Fire.
Mr. Helms was such a gem! Every interview is a treasure chest of memories. I’m 43 and Mr. Hank Williams is all I ever want to listen to-legend! Thanks for uploading 👏
It's so incredible how you are drawn in and feel like it just happened, and not so long ago. All the great musicians in their own right, who were in attendance for service speaks volumes about Hank's talent.
Good thing they never practiced your cheating heart...it would sound stale lol. The playing the gig that hank died going to had to be strange but truly a wonderful story of playing the booked gig then playing the funeral rest in peace hank..the greatest of all time. The 23 thumbs down people sure wouldn't know music genius if it hit them in the head. Thanks mhof and mr joe
Wow !! I viewed this 3x's in a roll just outstanding Great job Joe & Thanks. Mr. Helms also play on Patsy Walkin After Midnight and Stonewalls Waterloo.. a true talent RIP sir.
Well Hanck was the Best that hase. Ever Bean OR ever will Be an the ones that wear with him wear the BEAST TO as speshly the one that is doin the intervew
Neil took that guitar back to The Mother Church in the film Heart of Gold, directed by Jonathon Demme. Must see concert movie!! If not the Smithsonian, THe MHOF. I don't know if Neil would leave it to the Rock Hall of Fame. Maybe Old Black.
@@wash711 idk if I had that guitar I would have a very hard time letting it go since it would probably be the single most valuable item to me I could have on earth but it definitely belongs in somekind of music museum due to how much Hank Williams gave to the whole of music and definitely to country music it’s sad to see that country music has left the kind of music Hank Williams made in the dust but at least we can still listen to his songs
Joe, another awesome interview, and Don was a great story teller! I got to see the Drifting Cowboys playing with Jett back in the early 90’s, an event I’ll never forget! Keep up your great work!💫
If they ever got better than Hank Williams sr. I would like to know who it was. Just think about how good Your Cheating Heart sounds, and it was only recorded one time, and today they have to take one two three, takes of a song, and it still sounds like garbage. Hank recorded from the heart ❤and he never needed to practice, Hank Williams sr 💙was the real deal, George Jones says so...praise God...some broken hearts 💕💞💔😢never mend. 💔
I've watched this over and over... it still gives me the chills. Thank you for doing these interviews! To think, Cheating Heart was done in one take..... Not many can say that these days.
"Cold, cold heart" also is my favorite song of his along with "On the banks of the old Pontchartrain". I like them all but if pressed those are the two I´d name
Thank You Don Helms...Awesome story.. "Your Cheating Heart" Hank never lost his love for his first wife..Hank will never be replaced, True Country singer and writer of all time..the BEST
don was an intrinsic facet to hank's sound, more than a witness to his life events, he was an archivist. after hank, he continued to be a big player in the country sound quickly developing in nashville. i remember well when don passed in '08. he was the last living remnant tied to hank's brief but blessed time on this earth and i know still remains hank's greatest ally.
I had the privilege of meeting Don in May of 2004 in Brooklin Ontario.He was playing with a local band.I talked with him for about 10 minutes before he went on.I wish I could have talked with him for a couple of hours.I peppered him with questions about Hank and Johnny Cash among others.I never realized till then that Don was on so many songs I'd heard for years,such as Lefty Frizzells Long lack veil, Lorettas Don't come home a drinkin, Blue Kentucky girl,The home you're tearin down and Patsy Clines original version of Walking after midnight, to name just a few.It certainly was a thrill to meet him. RIP Don.
I know Don played for Ray Price as well my late dad used to sing an old song called You Get BY and I thought it was a Hank Tune, come to find out it was co written by Don that expalined why it sounded so much like Hank Sr
I remember i broke down and cried when i read the book"sing a sad song".I said too my self how can a man do that too him self?Then i read the rest of the story about the spinal bifida.Hank i hope you know that everyone and their cousins have covered jambalaya.They can't get enough of it.🗽👍💕
I was just listening to why don't you love me right before this thinking i wanna be Don Helms. WTF Don rips all these guitar heros. . . Eff your guitar heros this man played it all. Patsy and the rest . RIP Legend.. Thank you for this channel respect Joe
See, i think most of that man's songs sound haunted 'cause of all them ghosts that were around him all the time. You can actually see 'em in his eyes in a few pictures.
Strange, that story about the recording of "Your Cheating Heart". No rehearsal. Straight up, live. Straight from a broken heart. Makes me think Hank died from a broken heart, and maybe that's what he was thinking about when his poor heart gave out. I've never heard another cheating song so powerful in my life. Hank just told it like it was. 3 chords and the Truth. Straight from the heart. God bless Hank.
I was just a child when Hank passed away but I remember this black lady crying and I asked her what was wrong and she told me that Hank Williams just died.
I really believe that Hank is just over the heads of the younger generation, he’s like scotch, kids can’t drink it. But when I was a kid I was in the middle of the musical revolution and it gave me an advantage because I was exposed to everything in every genre. And the best there was in history.
