Hank Williams - Hey Good Lookin': The Hits 1949-53 (2023)

Hank Williams was one of the single most important and influential artists in the history of country music, providing a template for which a host of country stars successfully followed during the decades after his tragically premature death in 1953 at the age of 29. He was a recording artist for just six years, yet he had around thirty-five country chart hits, including eleven No. 1s. His songs have been recorded by, and provided hits for, dozens of artists across just about every genre over the years.

This 16-track collection features all Hanks chart toppers alongside the majority of his 2nd place finishes and provides a great snapshot of country music’s biggest icon. It is not only a showcase for his unique talent but an insight into a song writing and performing style which was central to the development of country music. Included in this collection are the massive chart toppers Lovesick Blues, Long Gone Lonesome Blues, Why Don’t You Love Me, Moanin’ The Blues, Cold, Cold Heart, Hey Good Lookin’, Jambalaya, I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive, Kaw Liga, Your Cheating Heart and Take These Chains From My Heart.

With broken marriage, alcohol dependence and drug addiction featuring heavily in his life, he skilfully captured these personal demons in his song writing and performance creating the template for country acts to follow paving the way for others to articulate their own intimate feelings.