Hank Williams: The Biography

Hank left little documented about his personal self, outside of what he projected in his songs. Few to none can claim to actually "know" the man in his thoughts and emotions. It is clear to fans of Hank this is where they want to know the real story. I give Escott credit for digging for all the fine detailed facts he could find on Williams. That is what the book reads like, listing rare facts, but leaves a mental picture of Hank only as a simple alcoholic. It lacks the soul or emotion that drove Hank. Nothing was said about his performing magic he had with his audiences. Little is said about the sex appeal body movements that set the stage for the modern performers in the electronic age. Nothing about that revoluntary precise driving forerunning Nashville music sound. Also, not much about Hank being the original hell raiser that few of the following rock stars could keep up with. Little is wrote about his complexity, from rockabilly to gospel, and from honkytonk idolizing to Luke the Drifter moralizing. These stories are missing. Stories that give life to the man. Escott downplayed the impact of Williams had he lived. His death created an instant legend, but trying to predict the what if's is anyones quess. I believe Hank would have continued impacting the modern music age. Not in the role that we know him from 1949 to 53, but I don't believe he would have met the fate of others during the rock and roll era. He had far to much special talent. Especially songwriting with the ability to connect with what people wanted, and not afraid to experiment with new ideas. Escott missed the fact Hank was a folk writer/singer and that they endure. I'll give Escott credit in digging into Hank's death, but a lot was left unsaid, and remains a mystery. From the day Hank died to this day, generations of his fans by past me down word of mouth, feel that Hank was driven to death by the establishment. The establishment he hated. He fought them in a disfunctional and distructive way. It is the age old story of a poor boy with exceptional God given talent used by the greedy until there is nothing physicaly left, then left to die. What could have caused the biggest superstar of the time to travel hundreds of miles alone with just a teenage driver? One can see a mental picture of a dead man being driven to a series of concerts come hell or high water in the hopes of the high mighty dollar. No one cared take him to a hospital when it would have counted. Hank most-likely would not have wanted that anyways. That is the part of the story that should read like a greek tragedy, but doesn't. It is the least credit to Escott to miss the following; the real bond between Hank's fans- past, present and no doubt the future. Escott did not feel the man who pronouced invertation for invitation could survive. He missed the fact. Hank did survive and greatly. This down to earth- direct in your face- realness of Hank is his soul and what is loved about him then and now from Alabama to New York City and from London to Tokyo. His death was just the physical end of the man. The emotion in songs and performances never died. It is yet to be captured in a book. The real Hank is still a mystery.

I have mixed feelings about this bio as a whole. It is obviously very well researched with meticulous details but the overall tone seems overly negative.I have no problem with examining the man's worst traits and shining a light on problems caused by his vices but one could read this book and come away thinking that there was little of value in the man's life and career.Yes, the achievements are documented but the tone suggests that there was little of substance in the man's character.The predictions of what William's career would have become if he had lived longer almost negate the man's talent.Judging by the multitude of "one hit wonders" in the musical landscape it seems shortsighted to suggest that his song writing wouldn't have generated possible hits that may have boosted his following regardless of the advent of rock and roll.The health issues would have precluded a long career if left unchecked but it belittles his ability as a writer to suggest that there was no gas left in the tank.Therein lies my overall criticism of the book, I'm left with the feeling that the author sells the man's talent short. The author's dismissive attitude regarding many of the songs Williams wrote betrays any true appreciation of the artist's ability.Like other music icons Williams was the exception to many of the rules inherent to the business.Hank Williams has proven many times over to be one of if not the most influential writers in the history of country music regardless of the tragedies self inflicted or otherwise. His career was very short-lived but what an impact!I can't tell if this well regarded author fully appreciates that fact. A whitewashed view wouldn't reflect the known facts but focusing over much on the dark side short-changes the artist as well.This examination isn't a disservice akin to Goldman's "Elvis" but at times it dabbles in that territory in my humble opinion.There is very little balance in this version of the story. Well written and researched but lacking in empathy and recognition of the man's talent and legacy of influence. Dying young was not the sole source of the appreciation and following he generated. The man had the goods and delivered time after time!

There have been several books written on the subject of Hank Williams. In my honest opinion this is by far the best of all the books ever written.Mr. Escott has many valuable acquaintances in the country music business and he has sought out the ones who had any information for his subject. The majority of books that have been written before this one were for quick cash and very shallow in real information. There are the books by so-called friends, a disgruntled illegitimate child, and these were all about the $$$.Sure, an author should expect to make money from his/her works but for someone to write half-truths, and even untruths just to make a buck or further their own career is another deal altogether.This book answers many questions that for years have gone unanswered. A great effort has been undertaken to reveal the entire,unbiased,and unrehearsed story of one of the most famous and colorful people in country music. The book has its moments that will sadden the reader to learn just how lonely Hank could be and was for a large part of his life.He was used by many, and assisted in the right way by few. He has been the whipping boy for those that wished to exploit him rather than truly help him. He will long be remembered and thankfully because of this book many of the false rumors have been explained and laid to rest.Was he a saint? absolutely not. Was he a legend? without a doubt. Will he long be remembered for his accomplishments? I think that answer is already well known by true country music fans.Mr. Escott has every reason to be proud of his work on this book and I shall surely recommend it to my friends and acquaintances.

What a read! This book doesn't just cover the subject matter, Hank Williams, but draws you in to the era of the development of Country Music and Rock 'n' Roll. It enlightens with its very graphic descriptions of the pioneering sounds and genius of Ol' Hank. His influential musical creations that helped so many people develop into successful recording artists, and changed the face of Music. Let it never be understated just what a huge, powerful and talented man he was. I began to understand the driving forces behind this man, pain, both emotional and physical, and felt the magnetism I have read about in many reports of people who new him personally and attended his shows inc. band members ' The drifting Cowboys.( He was a latter day Freddie Mercury by all accounts) just oozing charisma. An absolute GREAT read.

Usual story. Struggling musician when he makes it relies on alcohol which ultimately destroys his relationships and ultimately his life dying very young. After watching the film on tv I ordered this book and although it was very factual I found it a little impersonal still a good read on a very talented man of his time

A movingly told story of a super talented but very troubled man. hitherto I had felt that he died too early but this portrayal of the man leaves me to believe he died at the right time - if there is such a thing.

This book paints a very clear picture of what it must've been like to be starting a musical career in the 1940's. Strangely, although the times and music have changed greatly, the greed and indifference to the personal wellbeing of an artist of the industry remains the same, if not worse today.It's amazing that Hank Sr. did as much as he did with what he had to contend with and his cynicism toward those the claimed to want to "help" him seems more than justified. It can be very lonely in a room full of people if the the reason they're there with you is purely for what they can gain from it financially or by association.

This is a superb account of Hank Williams life, and helps now to explain some of his problems, and shows what a great artist he was. It might help get him reinstated in the Oprey Hall Of Fame!