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A Legend is Born; the Impact of Hank Williams
Hank Williams began recording music in 1937 and continued his stardom until he died in 1953. His style of music was not the only stand-out part of Williams music, his lyrics were as well. He incorporated his heartfelt song into forms of pop, jazz, rock, and country. His songs "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Lovesick Blues" blended country and folk and still play on today. His influence can be seen in artists like Jonny Cash, the Beatles, and especially his son, Hank Williams Jr. -
"Lovesick Blues"
"Lovesick Blues" hit the top of the Best Selling Retail Folk Billboard May 7, 1949 and has not become any less popular amongst the music community, especially rock and outlaw country, since then. Williams re-branded this sonf as it was not originally as a country song. Williams added the guitar, his yodeling, and cut the piano from the original version and hit no. 1. New aspiring country music artists today, like Mason Ramsey, are still covering this song today in hopes to be noticed. -
"I'm So Lonesome I could Cry"
"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" was one of Hank Williams greatest hits as seen by its number 8 place in the Billboard Top 100 in 1966. This song has been doted over by many artists for its deep, raw emotion and even covered by famous artists Jonny Cash, Dylan, and Elvis Presley. Williams is praised for the beauty and meaningfulness the lyrics in this song and the emotion it draws out to this day.
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"Sing Hank Williams"
Jonny Cash released an album "Sing Hank Williams" in 1960 that covered many popular Hank Williams songs and had songs written by Cash that Williams influenced. Cash recorded this album in appreciation for the legacy Hank Williams left behind. Cash and Williams were similar in the way in the way they were not only talented in the music industry, but were loved by the public. Cash saw Williams inspiration and followed suit in his career.
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His Legacy Lives On
Hank Williams influence on country and rock artists, Jonny Cash and the Beatles, is a small portion of the inspiration he has on modern music. Born in Louisiana, he reached his web across the country to California labels. The South is known as the capital of country music and with Hank Williams rooted in it, this is without question. Jonny Cash desired to have the same heart behind the music he wrote and the Beatles credit their combination of guitar and song at the same time.