Top Ten Hank Williams Songs

True fans of classic country music look to Hank Williams as one of the grand old masters of the country music field. Although Williams has been dead for more than fifty years and despite the fact that he died young at the age of 29, Williams fans number in the millions today. Something about this tall, lean cowboy’s plaintative music has endured through the decades and still resonates in the hearts of many today. He recorded many songs during his all too short career which took him from his native Alabama to the stage of the Louisiana Hayride and the Grand Old Opry but these songs are the top ten, the ultimate Hank Williams tunes that every country music lover must have in his or her collection.

“Lovesick Blues” must rank in at number one because it was Williams’ first major hit, a song that brought his name and voice to the notice of music fans across the nation. The tune dates to 1949 – the same year that the next song in the top ten lineup was recorded and soared up the charts to Number One.

Number two on this list is the poignant “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, a quiet ballad that somehow conveys some of Williams own emotions to the listener. This second number one hit secured Williams a spot on the upcoming country music lineup of artists who are now ranked among the field’s most beloved. The original 45 record was backed with the popular tune “My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It” which was later covered by another Louisiana Hayride artist, Johnny Horton. Although it didn’t chart as high as many of Williams’ other tunes, the ditty remains popular today among many country fans.

At three, “Cold, Cold Heart” was another lovesick ballad that made women weep and long to comfort Hank. Still considered a classic today, “Cold, Cold Heart” remains popular and poignant today.

The number four slot is reserved for the upbeat “Jambalaya (On the Bayou), a rocking rollicking song that brought the Cajun culture of Louisiana to national attention. Gumbo, pirogues, and other Cajun terms went national with this very popular song that has been covered by a number of other recording artists both in the country music field and outside of it.

Numbers five and six were released together as the A and B sides of a single 45. Kaw Liga”, the delightful story of a wooden Indian’s love life still delights listeners today with its’ rhythms that evoked Native American sounds and another woeful love ballad, “Your Cheating Heart. Both tunes only added to Williams’ increasing popularity and remain favorites today. Both are industry standards in country music. These songs were released after his untimely death which also added to the almost instant popularity.

At number seven, the bouncy and upbeat “Hey, Good Lookin'” is another perennial favorite. This song is made for singing along and even dancing to the tune. It remains a favorite of lovers of all ages with the come on line “How’s about cookin’ something up with me?”

“I’ll Never Get Out of this World Alive” takes the number eight position. The song – that seemed almost prophetic after Hank’s early death – was his last number one tune before his death which gives it a haunting feel that adds to the overall mystique.

At number nine, the playful “Why Don’t You Love Me?” is another long standing favorite and one of many songs that leave the listener wondering just how Hank’s love life was when he was at home. With long time wife Audrey and recent bride Billie Jean battling after his death, his love life seems to have been complex!

Last but far from least would have to be one of Williams’ gospel tunes, one he penned himself while on tour. “I Saw The Light” is a song beloved by many and one that is sung in churches across the country as a standard. Although Williams’ life often reflected the honky tonk lifestyle of his other songs, he was a spiritual man as well and this song reflects that.

Ten songs are far too few to gain a true taste or real appreciation of Williams’ music but these songs are the absolute must-have, rock bottom of his tunes.
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