Saturday, July 23, 2011

Rollin' and Ramblin' (The Death of Hank Williams)

Like all country singers, Emmylou Harris reveres the memory and contributions of Hank Williams. "Rollin' and Ramblin' (The Death of Hank Williams)" appears on Brand New Day (1990).



Williams remains a beloved figure 57 years after his premature death at the age of 29. Follow the latest on Williams at John Waugh's blog, A Hank Williams Journal, here.

Hank Williams sings "Hey Good Lookin'".

5 comments:

Lydia said...

I didn't realize that Hank Williams died so young. Thank God Emmylou didn't!

Anonymous said...

Thanks K

I saw Merle Haggard live recently. A stunningly moving and effective song from the concert is an older song I don't think i had heard before or didn't remember. It's called 'Kern River'.
Checking out You Tube , turns out Emmylou has covered this song frequently in concert and there are a number of versions on the inernet.

John W

K. said...

Lydia: Sadly, Hank was of the live fast/die young breed. But he changed country music forever. IMHO, Williams delivered country from the hollers of Appalachia and the bottom land of the Deep South, and the groundwork for its national appeal.

John: "Kern River" is a lovely song; one of Merle's first hits, I believe. Emmylou sang it on her most recent. I promise to get a version up here!

I saw Merle open for Bob Dylan a couple of years ago. His voice is a national treasure.

K. said...

Merle grew up near the Kern River, but the song appears to be from 1985.

Pierre said...

Dave Alvin does a terrific version on "Tulare Dust" which is a tribute album to Merle.