In my mind Hank Williams is still the heart of country music, all these years after he passed away. His songs and voice were full of such real pure emotion that still can touch one's heart today. Dying at the young age of 29, Hank Williams still left behind one of the greatest legacies of American music. He was also still at the height of his popularity so it is no wonder the music industry rose up to pay tribute after he passed.
The following is from a June, 1953 issue of Radio TV Mirror.
"Perhaps the miracle of this form of entertainment is the fact that a man or woman's voice, in spite of death, can go on thrilling millions...
"With Hank Williams tragic passing, at least eight recording companies put out as many memorial record tributes We personally feel his Luke the Drifter recordings are our greatest legacy from him. But the MGM 'In Memory of Hank Williams' record with Sonny Smith reciting a poem by recording star Al Smith is a moving touching testimonial. MGM has also released under one label 'Hank Williams' as Luke the Drifter,' the best of the songs Hank recorded under that name. Included on the album are 'Pictures From Life's Other Side' 'Be Careful of Stones that You Throw,' 'Men With Broken Hearts,' 'The Funeral,' 'Too Many Parties and Too Many Pals,' and 'Beyond the Sunset.'"
This Luke the Drifter album ended up being very influential. In his book Chronicles Volume One, Bob Dylan wrote "The Luke the Drifter record, I just about wore out. That's the one where he sings and recites parables, like the Beatitudes, I could listen to the Luke the Drifter record all day and drift away myself, become totally convinced in the goodness of man."
-Michael J. Ruhland
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