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episode date - May 12, 2010
This weekend, a local organization called NYRMA (New York Roots Music Association) is putting on a show dedicated entirely to the music of Hank Williams. My band is a principal member of NYRMA, so this upcoming event has caused me to focus intently on Hank’s music, from any number of perspectives.
A few things become apparent when you start on a project like this. First and foremost is the sheer number of familiar songs in Hank William’s catalog, especially for a guy who was around for only about one decade and died before reaching 30.
Second is the phenomenal quality of his material. Any modern-day listener with ears should have no difficulty discerning the relevance of Hank’s songs, but after listening to his catalog, it is almost disarming to hear such honest emotional expression, over such a broad range of emotions. Hank can write from pure joy (“Jambalaya”) and utter desolation (“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”), and any place between these two extremes.
In a Hank Williams song, the truth of his expression is almost Biblical in its purity of essence. Perhaps that is why he was recently awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his songwriting. Nearly fifty years after his death. The relevance of a Hank Williams song stills shines brightly, so we dedicate today’s show to a very small segment of Hank’s work, including;
1) Move It On Over
2) Honky Tonkin’
3) I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
4) Jambalaya
5) You’re Gonna Change Or I’m Gonna Leave
6) Baby, We’re Really in Love
7) You Win Again
8) Your Cheatin’ Heart
9) Cold, Cold Heart
CLICK HERE to listen to the full show!
 
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