"Hank Williams--the first rock star": This week's newspaper column

[Willie G. Moseley]

Hank Williams—the first rock star

The opinion that is the title of this essay can attributed to someone who knows what he’s talking about, since he’s a rock star himself…and is originally from New Jersey.

That being said, a lot of folks in central Alabama have (or had) a Hank Williams story, and a quick overview of Williams’ life does seem to aver that his lifestyle was indeed a prototype for all too many future musicians and other entertainers.

But let’s consider the positive aspects first. Williams identified with common folks, having come up from humble beginnings himself, and much of his songwriting reflected scenarios—often involving relationships—with which almost anyone, regardless of economic status, could identify.

And Williams was indeed a prolific songwriter. He was rarely without a piece of paper and pencil or pen handy, as he was always “on” concerning songwriting ideas. He even scribbled lyrics on sheets of hotel stationery, and a scrap of paper with some scrawled lyrics was found on the rear floor of the Cadillac in which he died.

Some of his songs may have been more influential than some may realize. Dedicated Hank Williams fans are rightfully feisty when they point out the similarities between the Williams-penned “Move It On Over,” recorded in 1947, and “Rock Around the Clock,” written in 1952 (the most famous version of which was recorded by Bill Haley & the Comets in 1954).

Then there was Williams’ dynamic stage presence. Many concert photos appear to show the singer moving with the music, leaning towards the microphone/into the tempo.

Rare and grainy performance of Williams confirms that while he purveyed the appropriate facial expressions to match his singing (as did Ernest Tubb and everybody else back then), he wouldn’t (or couldn’t) perform standing still; he would bob up and down with the beat, bend his knees, and do a bit of a shake-a-leg routine, which was pretty much unprecedented within the Country music genre at the time. Small wonder Williams usually had most of his audiences in the palm of his hand.

But Hank Williams also led a self-destructive lifestyle that was later emulated by all too many rock musicians and other performers. Hank fans will often point out that his back problems—he actually had a mild case of spina bifida—beget his dependence on (perceived) painkillers, particularly alcohol. In his final days, he also hooked up with a quack physician who prescribed all kinds of medicines that were potentially deadly, especially if combined with booze and/or other pharmaceuticals.

Williams’ personal life was a train wreck as well. One wonders to what extent his wives and others were enablers who were trying to use his fame and affluence to help themselves.

However, there were those who seriously tried to help Williams—music publisher Fred Rose comes to mind—to no avail.

It wasn’t any surprise that there would be a lot of legal wrangling regarding Williams’ estate, songwriting royalties, etc. in the ensuing years after his death—everybody wanted to capitalize on the late singer’s fame, usually for financial reasons. It was a ghoulish chronology that went on for decades.

The same types of chaotic lifestyles, early deaths, and post-mortem court battles have been played out regarding all too many other entertainers and other famous persons, and in some situations, such controversies regarding finances have started before the icon/celebrity is even dead.

There’s a difference between an “influential” entertainer and a “role model,” and all too often, some fans and even other entertainers have refused to acknowledge the difference.

Hank Williams made a lot of his fans feel good, even though he didn’t take care of himself. It’s conjecture to speculate how his career would have developed had he stayed more on the straight-and-narrow, but it’s ultimately sad that he was apparently unable to stop his sorrowful and rapid journey to an early grave.

[MCChris]

Calling dibs on the band name "Ghoulish Chronology."

[Roshark]

I consider Hank Williams to be one of the very best song writers . Everyone can relate . His songs are so simple and so good . You hear and feel his pain and happiness .

[BTMN]

One of my first musical memories is my dad playing Hank Williams and Buck Owens songs. Places that at about 3 years old.

Nice read.

[tomteriffic]

Good read, Willie, thanks. One little bit of minutae that struck me when listening to Hank's records was that, for whatever reason, the steel guitar always sounded a bit overdriven. Doubtless the amps of the late 40's being clobbered with the full output of a hot P-90-ish pickup accounted for it, but one could also make the claim that he was the first to use distorted lead guitar on his records.

[foodermon]

nice read.. thanks.. "Luke the Drifter" on vinyl brings back memories.