A HANK WILLIAMS STORY
“A Hank Williams Story – On the Bayou” takes place in Southwest Louisiana, early November, 1952. Sixteen “Hank” songs, in one hour. There is an ongoing narration between each track. It starts with just Hank and his guitar, and builds, an instrument at a time, as others join in. For a brief time, Hank enjoys himself and his music.
Jim Laing, my Scottish friend and real jet pilot, narrates the story, and Byron Allred, from the Steve Miller Band, records and adds instrumentation. Many thanks to both of them! I do the singing, guitar, and bass. Click on the song title to hear it as you read along. This story is recorded on CD and is for sale, but you can listen for free. Please do.
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A HANK WILLIAMS STORY – ON THE BAYOU – part 1
Part 1
Recently, I saw a TV special on Hank Williams. It reminded me of my meeting him, back in November, 1952. Actually, we both happened to be at the same picnic spot. It was at the Lorraine Bridge on Lacassine Bayou outside the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
A HANK WILLIAMS STORY – ON THE BAYOU – part 2
Part 2
John spoke first. ”I just got to go now. It’s been a pleasure.”
"Same here!” answered Hank, and George. “Be careful, - don’t get lost in the swamp, now.” said Hank.
As John pushed off from the dock, a trumpet fell out of his bag.
A HANK WILLIAMS STORY – ON THE BAYOU – part 3
Part 3
A few “yahoos” went up in the air, and a few laughs. Anna Louise said, “That’s a good one. Who’d you write that song about, Hank?” She was just playing with him. and leading him on.
Hank responded, “You just keep on dancing with that fiddle, Darlin’.”
A HANK WILLIAMS STORY – ON THE BAYOU – part 4
Part 4
No one spoke, but they all nodded in approval. It was suddenly quiet. Even the crickets had stopped their chirping. It was getting darker, now, but through the holes in the clouds, the last rays of the sun could be seen reflecting off of the upper layer of clouds. A dark, pink glow enveloped the area, and the not-too-distant thunder could be felt through the ground. The air itself seemed charged. - -