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Loading... Sing a Sad Song: THE LIFE OF HANK WILLIAMS (Music in American Life)by Roger M. Williams
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. 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. ( ) no reviews | add a review
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Few American entertainers have had the explosive impact, wide-ranging appeal, and continuing popularity of country music star Hank Williams. Such Williams standards as "Your Cheatin' Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Jambalaya," and "I Saw the Light" have all entered the pantheon of great American song. Roger Williams recounts the story of Hank's rise from impoverished Southern roots, his coming of age during and after World War II, his meteoric climb to national acclaim and star status on the Grand Ole Opry, his chronic bouts with alcoholism and the alienation it created in those he loved and sang for, and finally his tragic death at twenty-nine and subsequent emergence as a folk hero. The book also features a thorough discography compiled by Bob Pinson of the Country Music Foundation. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)784.5The arts Music Instruments and instrumental ensembles and their music [formerly: Voice and vocal music] Popular MusicLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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