Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams

For some reason I haven't read many biographies that focus on musicians--what I find to be more worth-while and enticing are the broad brush-strokes of books about a style of music, rather than the day-to-day studio (and drug/alcohol, and love) life that seems to pervade most of the poorly-written musician bios I've come across. Paul Hemphill's "Lovesick Blues" stands head-and-shoulders above the competition, with its succinct story--but this may be only because his subject died at 29. Abruptness aside, Paul Hemphill's ability to draw as many bittersweet emotions from Hank's life is achieved with as much artistry as is evinced in Hank's own songs. If you're looking for a story that dishes plenty of dirt, this one provides it--but only show more because Hank was too willing to get dirty on his own. If you're looking for a story that draws you in and forces you to put an album or three on heavy rotation, this will do it for you too. Or if you're just want a book that will give you a new-found appreciation of country music, and of musicians in general, then look no further.

A short aside, I listened to this version on CD, and Jonathan Hogan did a wonderful presentation--his Southern drawl contributed immensely, and for the one song that he sung he did a pretty fine job on. show less

Not knowing a great deal of the man or origin of his music it was time to get to know about Hank Williams and I'm glad I chose this book to make the acquaintance. I was initially surprised at how small the book was, but Paul Hemphill was able to pack the full life of this legendary man, spanning the 29 years quite well and credibly. Hemphill's roots are enough to make you believe he was someone the rode along with Hank on his raucous journey through life.

Most from my generation know little about Hank Williams other then the occasional rendition we hear of "Lovesick Blues" or probably more so "Jambalaya." But we do know first hand of his son from "Monday Night Football" fame, Hank, Jr.

Tragedy is a modest word to describe the unfolding of show more this man's life through the trials, tribulations, twists, and turns, but without them we would certainly not have what the man was about. Certainly a natural genius in the world of music, specifically country, and unlikely a match to what he did for the genre.

The book was easy in reading, never dull, My only complaint would be lack of pictures, or "pitchers" as Hank would have put it. We are never likely to see the likes of such a man and what he left behind in such a short time and the book is able to capture certainly most of what made him the legend. show less

Paul Hemphill tells a good story and this he tells from a personal and up close experience. Maybe because I grew up in lower Alabama this Hank Williams story hit close to home. Mr. Hemphill writes this story threaded with memories of his own truck driving father who could play 'Hank Williams songs' on the piano better than 'ole Hank' could sing 'em.

Mr. Hemphill made the facts stand out from the fiction that surrounds the life of Hank Williams. He even includes all the family members from Hank's dad Lon to the lesser known daughter Jet even his sister and some cousins. Many facts about the 'Drifting Cowboys', Hank's Band, are brought to bare. You will be introduces to Hank's best friend and steel guitar player Don Helms. Don and Hank show more were fishing buddies, bowling partners, and best friends. Don came to Hank's rescue during many of his drunks and dealt with Hank's alcohol problem daily.

If you want the straight and narrow truth about the life of Hank Williams, you will need to include this book in your readings. show less

Author Paul Hemphill's reminiscenses about listening to Hank Williams on his father's truck radio and narrator Jonathan Hogan's natural sounding down-homey drawl gave this biography a personal touch that made it seem like it was written by someone who knew Hank well. I downloaded the mp3 album Country Music Legend and listened to the tracks along with the audiobook. What a great mix!

Very sad life, but gave us some great music. Well told tale. I had a hard time putting it down.

Very interesting. I'm not a country music fan, but I was intrigued by this story.

Well told story about a guy who was a fabulous composer and a real nutcase!