ROMANCE

Hank: The Short Life and Long Country Road of Hank Williams

by Mark Ribowsky
13 CDs. 16 hrs. HighBridge Audio. Nov. 2016. ISBN 9781681683300. $39.99. MUSIC
COPY ISBN
This biography of the young doomed king of country music delves deep into his roots in small-town Depression-era Alabama, following him through his compulsive drive to headline at the Grand Ole Opry (from which he was eventually fired) to his sad death from alcohol and drug abuse. Williams (1923–53) lived a contentious and passionate life, and Ribowsky takes the reader along for the ride through marriage, divorce, the chronic pain that left him vulnerable to quack doctors' prescription painkillers, battles over song rights, and the aftermath of his confused family legacy. The narration by Tom Perkins is comfortable, charming, and frank, inviting the listener to settle in and enjoy the roller-coaster ride.
VERDICT Recommended for fans of the artist, of course, and readers interested in a story that defined the rock and roll lifestyle of excess before rock and roll. ["Improves upon I Saw the Light and is probably the greatest biography yet. Highly recommended for all popular music collections": LJ 11/15/16 starred review of the Liveright: Norton hc.]
Reviewed by Jason Puckett, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta , Feb 24, 2017
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The 7-10 Split: A Romantic Comedy
by Lee, Karmen
FICTION

Out of Office
by Cunningham, A.H.
FICTION

Fake Flame
by Buck, Adele
FICTION

Swap and Smell the Roses: A Romantic Comedy
by Booth, Karen
FICTION

A Novel Love Story
by Poston, Ashley
FICTION

Summer Romance
by Monaghan, Annabel
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?