Roger M. Williams

A fantastically detailed look at how Hank got to the top of the pop/country pile. Author must have been a journalist. This book stayed with me for a long time after I read it. It may be dated now, but if you get a chance, pick up a copy if you are REALLY into the roots of country. For example, drums were not allowed at the Grand Old Opry way back when due to some weird religious/social inhibitions about overly "secular" music, which might be associated with jazz junkies or the then-emerging and already ungodly rock n' roll. Not kidding. I had never noticed the soft drumming in the background of early country (late 40s, early 50s) before, but that explains it. OK, stuff like that.… (more)