Hank Williams: The Biography by Colin Escott, George Merritt, William MacEwen
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Book Reviews of Hank Williams: The Biography
Book Review: Well researched biography of a tragic/brilliant career.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is quite simply a well written and researched biography. Colin Escot all but introduced me to Hank Williams. I really knew nothing about the man other than some of his legendary songs and that he had died young. There is a lot of praise for Hank's brilliance in this book and also a lot of harrowing honesty about how Hank almost single handedly destroyed his health. We find out how poor Hank and his family really were. We see the dark side of Lilly Williams and also later of Audrey Williams. Audrey is graphically called a blank, blank, blued eyed bitch by one of Hank's pickers, and she really must have been. We get to read about how two ex's one Hanks and one Billie Jean's could have tried to stop their wedding. And then the wedding was a pay per view sort of affair. Things certainly got wild and wooley in this true life biography of Hank's life. We read how Hank fathered one and perhaps two children. We read about Audrey's ABORTION. And in the END Audrey got the better of Hank and Hank kept on getting the best of HANK as he completely succombed to alcoholism and heart disease. And then enter the corrupt and fake doctor who became Hank's personal physician, the man who most certainly hastened Hank's death. A spinal defect, alcoholism, a wife who wanted to be a singer, aborted babies, illegitemate babies. Hank had a rough ride up to the end when he died at the age of 29. This book is often SO SAD. Just when things look the best for Hank his star of celebrity began to fall. There's some heartwrenching stuff here folks. Rest in Peace Hank Williams Sr.
Book Review: The real Hank
Summary: 4 Stars
Hank left very little documented about his personal self, outside of what was projected in his songs. Also, few to none can or could claim to actually "know" the man, his deepest thoughts and emotions. It is clear to fans of Hank that this is where his story is. I give Escott much credit for digging for all the fine detailed facts he could find on Williams, and that is what the books reads like, a cognitive listing of scarce facts, and leaves a mental picture of Hank only as a simple alcoholic. No soul or emotion that drove Hank. Nothing was said about his performing presence. The magic he had with his audiences. Nothing about the precursor sex appeal and body movements that set the stage for the modern performers in the electronic age that followed him. Nothing about that revoluntary precise driving sound. Escrow downplayed the impact of Williams had he lived. His death created a legend, but trying to predict the what if's is anyones quess. I personaly believe Hank would have impacted the rock and roll age. Maybe 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 his time, when rock and roll took over. He had far to much talent for that. I'll give Escott credit in digging into the circumstances of Hank's death and acknowledging there are things missing, but a lot was left unsaid. From the day Hank died to this day, generations of his fans, only by past me down word of mouth, feel that Hank was driven to death by the establishment. 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 rich or greedy until there is nothing physicaly left, then left to die. One can get a picture of a dead man being driven to a concert come hell or high water in the hopes of the high dollar. No one cared to say to take him to a hospital when it would have counted. Don't misunderstand, Hank did not want help then or before, and that was the part of the story that should read like a greek tragedy, but doesn't. Also, Hank was the original hell raiser that few of the following rock stars could dare to keep up with. These stories are missing. It is the least credit to Escott to miss the following; the real bond between his 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. 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 a cognitive detail. The emotion never died. It is yet to be captured in a book. The real Hank is still a mystery.Book Review: hank unvarnished
Summary: 4 Stars
this is a comprehensive and unflinching account of the life of one of our truly seminal singer/songwriters.
a very great deal of research went into this, the density of which is sometimes daunting, but always rewarding.
but the work is not a treatise, and it's as gut wrenching as it is thought provoking. i found myself thinking about the nature of destiny and the nature of enduring greatness, as embodied in the songs of this flawed and conflicted man. i read it in two days and it will stay with me in one way or another for the rest of my life. as will hank's music. 4 stars if you've never heard of hank williams, 5 if you have.
Book Review: Very detailed biography!
Summary: 4 Stars
I am a HUGE Hank Williams fan! The emotion and heartbreak that is portrayed through his voice and song will never be beat in country music.
I was excited to get this book, but surprised at just how detailed it is. It is a great read, well researched, and very informative. I learned a lot about the legend, probably more than I wanted to know in some aspects. The added pictures were a plus.
Overall, a recommended read!
Book Review: Answers the questions
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a thorough and thoroughly-engaging biography, which will introduce newcomers to Hank's genius, and will answer the questions for those who have followed/loved Hank for years. A great read.
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