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There are several eternal influencers in the lifeblood of Country music. None more important than Hank Williams. He lived only a short time, but the impact of his songs will never die. As Paul Simon says, \u201cHank Williams is just a freak of nature\u2026Those songs, they last for lifetimes, if not forever.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n
Williams must be considered one of the pillars of popular music in the twentieth century. American news anchor and music historian Dodge Landesman professes, \u201cWilliams\u2019 importance in the music industry cannot be overstated. He was the first rock star before there was rock.\u201d Sadly, Williams passed away in 1953 from heart failure, prompted by years of self-abuse. In true rock star fashion, Hank died in the back of a Cadillac on the way to a gig.<\/p>\n
But even before his death, fellow artists were performing and recording Williams\u2019 tunes. However, his true capacity was never fully realized. Hank was just 29 years old when he passed away. Many believe he was only getting better, improving with each year he was able to endure. There are over a half century of Hank Williams covers but his later songs are some of the most noteworthy. Here are five exceptional examples.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cJambalaya\u201d <\/strong>\u2013 Emmylou Harris<\/strong><\/p>\n This timeless tune was more imaginative than most that Hank had created up to this point. Released in July of 1952, \u201cJambalaya\u201d represents a dynamic melding of styles including Cajun, Creole, Country and Texas Swing. The different approach proved to be successful as the song topped the charts for 14 weeks (nonconsecutively). Genres didn\u2019t apply much to Hank. Much the same way they don\u2019t apply to Emmylou Harris. Once a folk princess, Harris is now considered a foundational piece of Country music; even though much of her music is not considered Country. Emmylou and her Hot Band bring their signature virtuosity to the Williams standard in a blistering 1975 performance. The cover was later included on a live album from the same year. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n