Honky-Tonkin'

The word “immortal” is a big one—especially to apply to a man who died when barely thirty years old. Yet, it certainly seems applicable to Hank Williams, the young man in question. At the time of this writing, 1959, Hank has been gone six years—and yet, his songs have lived on as an essential part of our American musical heritage—his performances as a singer are still bought through recordings in great number—his memory is revered by all those who love country music. The present album offers twelve of Hank’s greatest “hits”—most of the dozen song numbers that he penned himself—all of them songs that he sings unforgettably well. There’s a wonderful variety of mood in the line-up, revealing Hank in all of his numerous facets as a performer.

Hank became an exclusive MGM recording star in 1947, the year MGM Records started in business. His very first recording for our label featured the well-remembered “hit” Move It On Over, the Alabama lad turned out record success after record success, including Lovesick Blues, which became one of the biggest hits in the history of hillbilly record-sellers. In addition to novelty numbers and blues-laments, Hank recorded country hymns and “story-ballads”—even narrations of a humorous (or sometimes a very tragic) quality under the name of “Luke The Drifter”. No matter what the style, Hank always turned in a remarkably vital and vivid performance, one of masterly mood and strength and energy. It was not only his fervor in presentation, but also the peculiarly affecting twists and turns of which his haunting, light voice was capable that made many folks speak of him as “the greatest hillbilly singer of our time”.

As if Hank’s talents as a performer were not overwhelming enough, he was also one of the greatest song-writers of the twentieth century. Almost all of the songs which he recorded for MGM Records were of his own authorship, both words and music. And, in the folk field, other numbers from his pen were featured by such stars as Roy Acuff, Marvin Rainwater, Hank Snow, Molly O’Day, and Rome Johnson. But, you couldn’t limit the success of those songs to the “hillbilly” market. A large number of his songs which he first recorded—songs like Hey, Good Lookin’; You Win Again; Settin’ The Woods On Fire; Jambalaya; Cold Cold Heart; Half As Much; Lovesick Blues; and Your Cheatin’ Heart—became great hits in the “pop” field, recorded by such stars as Joni James, Frankie Laine, Jo Stafford, Tommy Edwards, Tony Bennett, Guy Mitchell and an illustrious company of others.

The songs recorded here show the lighter side of Hank’s talents generally in relaxed rhythmic novelties like Jambalaya and Honky Tonkin’, in completely abandoned songs for fun like My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It and Rootie Tootie. It’s a “don’t miss” event for Williams fans—and an album to enjoy again and again!

Don’t miss these other great albums by Hank Williams on MGM Records: 3-E2 —“HANK WILLIAMS”—Volume 1—36 of Hank’s Greatest Hits; 3-E4 —“HANK WILLIAMS”—Volume 2—36 more of Hank’s Greatest Hits; E3331—“I SAW THE LIGHT”; E3605—“THE IMMORTAL HANK WILLIAMS”; E3267—“HANK WILLIAMS as LUKE THE DRIFTER”; E3272—“HANK WILLIAMS MEMORIAL ALBUM”; E3330—“MOANIN’ THE BLUES”; E3219—“RAMBLIN’ MAN”; E3560—“SING ME A BLUE SONG”; E3733—“THE UNFORGETTABLE HANK WILLIAMS”

Track Listing

1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
2. I Won’t Be Home No More
3. Honky Tonk Blues
4. I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
5. Honky-Tonkin’
6. Howlin’ At The Moon
7. My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It
8. Baby, We’re Really In Love
9. Mind Your Own Business
10. Rootie Tootie
11. I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But Time
12. You Better Keep It On Your Mind

Album Information

• Artist: Hank Williams
• Catalog Number: E3412
• Catalog Numbers: E3412
• Label: MGM Records
• Source: E3412-h1tts
• Format: High Fidelity LP
• Pressing: Printed in U.S.A.
• Speed: 33⅓ revolutions per minute
• Copyright: Loew’s Inc.