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If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)
Artist: Hank Williams
Author: Hank Williams
Label: MGM
Year: 1951
B-side of Dear John. Written after visiting his wife Audrey in hospital, recovering from a (self-inflicted) abortion. The flowers he brought her were thrown back in his face. The melody was a rip-off of T Texas Tyler's You'll Still Be In My Heart ('45). There was a legal case still unresolved when Hank died.
Covers:
Tony Bennett [n°1 US, landing Hank his first TV appearance (in the Perry Como Show)]
Fontane Sisters [top 20 US]
Eileen Wilson [top 20 US]
Dinah Washington [top 3 R&B]
Kitty Wells [as My Cold Cold Heart Is Melted Now]
June Webb [same melody in Conscience (Set Me Free)]
Jerry Lee Lewis [and in the 70's in duet with Elvis impersonator Orion]
Bob Dylan [outtake Shot Of Love sessions]
Lucinda Williams [on Hank Williams tribute]
Billy Bob Thornton [idem]
The fact this country song crossed over (with Tony Bennett a.o.) helped country music out of its rural isolation. Meanwhile Patti Page enjoyed a pop hit with Pee Wee King's Tennessee Waltz. Hank Williams and Pee Wee King were the first country artists enjoying national popularity.
If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)