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Solo Arrangements of
Hank Williams
Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 - January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. In the short period from 1947 until his death, at 29, on the first day of 1953, Williams recorded 35 singles (five of which were released posthumously) that would place in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including eleven that ranked number one.
His father, Elonzo Williams, worked for the railway and was transferred often, so the family lived in several towns in southern Alabama. When Elonzo was hospitalized for eight years, the family was left to fend for themselves. Young Williams, whose own health was diminished owing to spina bifida, helped provide for his mother and sister. While the family was living in Georgiana, Alabama, Williams met Rufus Payne (nicknamed Tee-Tot), a black street performer who gave Williams guitar lessons in exchange for meals. Payne had a major influence on Williams's later musical style. During this time, Williams informally changed his name to Hank, believing it to be a better name for country music.
While the family was living in Montgomery, Alabama, a teenaged Williams used to sing and play guitar on the sidewalk in front of the WSFA radio studios. He caught the attention of WSFA producers and started working there in 1937, singing and hosting a 15-minute program. He formed as backup the Drifting Cowboys band, which was managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote all of his time to his career.
In 1941, when the U.S. went into World War II, several members of the band were drafted. Williams, who was not taken because of his spina bifida, had trouble with their replacements. This, along with a burgeoning problem with alcohol as self-medication for his health problem, caused WSFA to fire him. In 1943, Williams married Audrey Sheppard who, besides singing duets with him in his act, became his manager. After recording "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin'" with Sterling Records, he signed a contract with MGM Records. In 1948, he released "Move it on Over," which became a hit. The same year, he joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program. In 1949, he released "Lovesick Blues," which carried him into the mainstream of music. After an initial rejection, Williams joined the Grand Ole Opry. He had 11 number one songs between 1948 and 1953, though he was unable to read or write music to any significant degree. His hits include "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."
In 1952, Williams's consumption of alcohol, morphine and other painkillers to ease the pain resulting from his back condition caused problems in his personal and professional life. He divorced his wife and was fired by the Grand Ole Opry due to frequent drunkenness. On January 1, 1953, on the way to a concert, he had a doctor inject him with a combination of vitamin B12 and morphine, which, added to the alcohol and chloral hydrate that Williams had consumed earlier, caused him to have a fatal heart attack. He was only 29. Despite his short life, Hank Williams has had a major influence on country music.
His songs have been recorded by numerous artists, many of whom have also had hits with the tunes, in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles. Williams has been covered by performers such as Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cake, Kenny Rankin, Beck Hansen, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, The Residents, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Isaac Hayes, and Tom Waits. He has received numerous honors and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.
Hank Williams : Hank Williams Complete Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 - January 1, 1953) was an American singer and songwriter and musician who has become an icon of country music and one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. A leading pioneer of the honky tonk style, he had numerous hit records, and his charismatic performances and succinct compositions increased his fame. His songbook is one of the backbones of country music, and several of his songs are pop standards as well. He has been covered in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles. Here is the definitive collection of his songs and a must for fans of classic American songs. Songlist: The Alabama Waltz, Alone And Forsaken, Angel Of Death, Are You Lonely Too, Are You Walkin' And A-Talkin' For The Lord, Baby, We're Really In Love, Bayou Pon Pon, The Blues Come Around, Cajun Baby, California Zephyr, Calling You, Cold, Cold Heart, Countryfied, Dear Brother, Everything's Okay, For Me There Is No Place, Forever's A Long Long Time, The Funeral, Help Me Understand, Hey, Good Lookin', A Home In Heaven, Homesick, Honey, Do You Love Me, Huh, Honky Tonk Blues, Honky Tonkin', House Of Gold, A House Without Love, How Can You Refuse Him Now, Howlin' At The Moon, I Ain't Got Nothing But Time, and more 
Hank Williams : Pro Vocal Series  Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 - January 1, 1953) was an American singer and songwriter and musician who has become an icon of country music and one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. A leading pioneer of the honky tonk style, he had numerous hit records, and his charismatic performances and succinct compositions increased his fame. His songbook is one of the backbones of country music, and several of his songs are pop standards as well. He has been covered in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles. Here is the definitive collection of his songs and a must for fans of classic American songs. This Pro Vocal series contains the lyrics, melody, and chord symbols for eight of his hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening, and then separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD, but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal, parties, auditions, corporate events, and gigs without a backup band. Or for singing just for the fun of it! Songlist: Cold, Cold Heart, Hey, Good Lookin', Honky Tonkin', I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love With You), Jambalaya (on the Bayou), Kaw-Liga, Take These Chains From My Heart, Your Cheatin' Heart
Hank Williams : Gospel Songs of Hank Williams 20 soul-stirring songs, including: Are You Walkin' and A-Talkin' for the Lord - A Home in Heaven - How Can You Refuse Him Now - I Saw the Light - Jesus Is Calling - Wealth Won't Save Your Soul - When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels - and more. Songlist: I Saw The Light, Message To My Mother, (I'm Praying For The Day That) Peace Will Come, Last Night I Dreamed Of Heaven, Mother Is Gone, Ready To Go Home, We're Getting Closer To The Grave Each Day, Angel Of Death, Are You Walkin' And A-Talkin' For The Lord, House Of Gold, Jesus Died For Me, Dear Brother, Jesus Is Calling, Help Me Understand, A Home In Heaven, How Can You Refuse Him Now, Jesus Remembered Me, Wealth Won't Save Your Soul, When God Comes And Gathers His Jewels, When The Book Of Life Is Read
Hank Williams : The Best of Hank Williams - 2nd Edition 38 classics arranged for piano and voice with guitar chord frames: The Alabama Waltz - Baby, We're Really in Love - Calling You - Cold, Cold Heart - Countryfied - Dear Brother - Half as Much - Help Me Understand - Hey, Good Lookin' - Honky Tonk Blues - Honky Tonkin' - A House Without Love - How Can You Refuse Him Now - I Ain't Got Nothing but Time - I Can't Get You Off of My Mind - I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You) - I Saw the Light - I Wish You Didn't Love Me So Much - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive - I'm a Long Gone Daddy - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Jambalaya (On the Bayou) - Kaw-Liga - The Little House We Built - Long Gone Lonesome Blues - Lovesick Blues - A Mansion on the Hill - Mind Your Own Business - Moanin' the Blues - Move It on Over - My Son Calls Another Man Daddy - Ramblin' Man - Take These Chains from My Heart - There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight - There's a Tear in My Beer - Why Don't You Love Me - You Win Again - Your Cheatin' Heart. |
Hank Williams Harmony Arrangements
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