Born in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama, Williams moved to Georgiana, where he met Rufus Payne, a black street performer who gave him 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. After moving to Montgomery, Williams began his career in 1937 when WSFA radio station producers hired him to perform and host 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.
When several of his band members were conscripted to military service during World War II, Williams had trouble with their replacements and started drinking heavily, causing WSFA to dismiss him. Williams eventually married Audrey Sheppard, who became his manager for nearly a decade. 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, and also joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program. In 1949, he released a cover of "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 notate music to any significant degree. Among the hits he wrote were "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."
During his last years Williams's consumption of alcohol, morphine and other painkillers severely compromised his professional and personal life. He divorced his wife and was dismissed by the Grand Ole Opry due to frequent drunkenness. Williams died suddenly in the early morning hours of New Years Day in 1953 at the age of 29. Despite his short life, Williams has had a major influence on country music. The songs he wrote and recorded have been covered by numerous artists, many of whom have also had hits with the tunes, in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles.
Alabama governor Gordon Persons officially proclaimed September 21 "Hank Williams Day". The first celebration, in 1954 featured the unveiling of a monument at the Cramton Bowl, that was later placed in the grave site of Williams. The ceremony featured Ferlin Husky interpreting "I Saw the Light".[70]
Williams had 11 number one hits in his career ("Lovesick Blues," "Long Gone Lonesome Blues," "Why Don't You Love Me," "Moanin' the Blues," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)," "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive," "Kaw-Liga," "Your Cheatin' Heart," and "Take These Chains from My Heart"), as well as many other top ten hits.[71]
In 1961, Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he was inducted in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1987, he was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the category Early Influence. He was ranked second in CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music in 2003, behind only Johnny Cash. His son, Hank Jr., was ranked on the same list. In 2004 Rolling Stone ranked him number 74 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The website Acclaimedmusic, which collates recommendations of albums and recording artists, has a year-by-year recommendation for top artists. Hank Williams is ranked first for the decade 1940–1949 for his song "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Many rock and roll pioneers of the 1950s, such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded Williams songs early in their careers.
Pan American
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But now I'll tell you about one all the southern folks have seen
She's the beauty of the southlands listen to that whistle scream
It's that Pan American on her way to New Orleans.
She leaves Cincinnati headin' down that Dixie line
When she passes that Nashville tower you can hear that whistle whine
Stick your head out the window and feel that southern breeze
Ohio and Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabam
The delta state of Mississippi, she's Louisina bound
Of the trains in the southland this one is the queen
All the way from Cincinnati down to New Orleans.
If your ever in the south lands and want to see the scenes
Just get your self a ticket on that Pan American Queen
Louiville, Nashville, Montgomery the cap'tal of Alabam
You pass right through then all when your New Orleans bound.
She leaves Cincinnati headin' down that Dixie line
When she passes that Nashville tower you can hear that whistle whine
Stick your head out the window and feel that southern breeze
your on that Pan American on her way to New Orleans...
Hank Williams's 1953 hit "Pan American" is a tribute to one of the most famous trains in the United States, the Pan American Southern. The lyrics are a celebration of the beauty and speed of the train as it speeds through the southern states on its way to New Orleans. The song highlights the Southern pride in this train and also paints a picture of the South as a charming, peaceful place.
The song starts by acknowledging the stories of other trains, but the Pan American is different, as it is the "beauty of the Southlands." The train's whistle is highlighted, and its speed is emphasized when Hank declares that you can "feel that southern breeze" when you stick your head out of the window as the Pan American flies by. The route of the train is also vital to the lyrics as it travels through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and finally Louisiana, which is the state of its destination.
The lyrics make the song alluring and make you want to experience the journey yourself. The beauty of the southern states is showcased, and the train is the instrument that makes the experience complete. Hank's lyrics inspire a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of travel, as he describes the train's path to New Orleans, a place known for its vibrant music scene and historic significance.
Line by Line Meaning
I have heard your stories about your fast trains
I am familiar with the tales about the swift locomotives you speak of.
But now I'll tell you about one all the southern folks have seen
Allow me to describe a train that the people of the southern states are well acquainted with.
She's the beauty of the southlands listen to that whistle scream
The train in question is the epitome of Southern elegance and can be identified by the piercing sound of its whistle.
It's that Pan American on her way to New Orleans.
The train is the Pan American, en route to its final stop in New Orleans.
She leaves Cincinnati headin' down that Dixie line
The journey commences in Cincinnati and continues along the Dixie route.
When she passes that Nashville tower you can hear that whistle whine
When the train passes by the Nashville tower, the high-pitched sound of the whistle can be clearly heard.
Stick your head out the window and feel that southern breeze
If you lean out the window, you can feel the warm southern air rushing past your face.
your on that Pan American on her way to New Orleans.
You are a passenger aboard the Pan American, traveling to the final destination of New Orleans.
Ohio and Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabam
The train passes through the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.
The delta state of Mississippi, she's Louisina bound
After passing through Mississippi, the train continues on its way to Louisiana.
Of the trains in the southland this one is the queen
Among all the trains in the Southern states, the Pan American is the most impressive and noteworthy.
All the way from Cincinnati down to New Orleans.
The train journey stretches from Cincinnati, all the way to the final destination of New Orleans.
If your ever in the south lands and want to see the scenes
If you ever find yourself in the Southern region and wish to take in the sights,
Just get your self a ticket on that Pan American Queen
all you need to do is obtain a ticket for the Pan American, the reigning queen of Southern trains.
Louiville, Nashville, Montgomery the cap'tal of Alabam
As the train makes its way to New Orleans, it passes through several cities, including Louisville, Nashville, and Montgomery which is the capital of Alabama.
You pass right through then all when your New Orleans bound.
As the Pan American transports you to New Orleans, you will pass right through these cities.
She leaves Cincinnati headin' down that Dixie line
The journey begins in Cincinnati and follows the path of the Dixie line.
When she passes that Nashville tower you can hear that whistle whine
As the train reaches Nashville, the distinct sound of its whistle can be heard from miles away.
Stick your head out the window and feel that southern breeze
For a true Southern experience, stick your head out the window and feel the warm breeze as you travel by rail.
your on that Pan American on her way to New Orleans.
You are on board the Pan American as it makes its way to the final destination of New Orleans.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Glenn Johnson
Glenn Johnson Have the original album and can`t get enough of Hank`s early demos.Brilliant stuff!Thanks.
mrblindfreddy9999
about 100 more
Sue Davis
Thank you for posting these video’s.. Love them! My dad was a huge fan bet he never heard these songs..
mrblindfreddy9999
i've never heard them until i make the video
Gary
I love hank williams....
Adam Nicholson
God bless the internet