Hank

The Short Life and Long Country Road of Hank Williams

By: Mark Ribowsky

Narrated by: Tom Perkins

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

After he died in the backseat of a Cadillac at the age of 29, Hank Williams - a frail, flawed man who had become country music's first real star - instantly morphed into its first tragic martyr. Having hit the heights with simple songs of despair, depression, and tainted love, he would, with that outlaw swagger, become in death a template for the rock generation to follow.

Six decades later, Mark Ribowsky now weaves together the first fully realized biography of Hank Williams in a generation. Examining his music while also re-creating days and nights choked in booze and desperation, Ribowsky traces the miraculous rise of this music legend - from the dirt roads of rural Alabama to the now-immortal stage of the Grand Ole Opry and finally to a sad, lonely end on New Year's Day 1953. The result is an original work that promises to uncover the real Hank beneath the myths that have long enshrouded his legacy.

©2017 Mark Ribowsky (P)2016 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

interesting history of a country legend

great narration but the story was a slow depressing descent. I wonder how this man managed to fillander and drug so much at such a young age but chronic pain, a greedy medical imposter, and spinal cord damage won out in the end. Hank's talent continues to live on in his music.

Sad Man Sad Story

The life and rough times of Hank Williams. I was always interested to know how his career went and what his career could have been.

The best Hank Williams bio

Well written and entertaining. The book moves quickly does not drag. The reader is excellent I want to find more titles read by him.

Are you sure Hank done it this way?

Well read and pretty thorough. I get the sense that the author dug up enough to form some conclusions about Mr. Williams. All in all it’s a great listen for Hank fans, or country music fans in general.

Leaves nothing out, except Hank III

It’s a great story; tells the whole story pretty much of a man who was way more of a myth and a legend to me. Fascinating! Narrator was playing it more like a “Mutual of Omaha” voiceover? Could have used a real character like Sam Elliot, but that would have been expensive. Great book though? Was hoping they would have at least mentioned Sheldon (Hank III), as he really looks and sounds like his grand daddy.

Good book, bad subject

I thought this was a well written, well performed book. I can’t say I came away with much affection for Hank Williams after this story though. While he was indeed a great songwriter and performer he was not a great person. With his substance abuse and general disregard for most anyone or anything made for an interesting companion to his public image. That is how humans are though and I was happy to listen to what I think is a fine audio book.

From beginning to end Hank’s life

Usually a book this long loses my interest. This one didn’t. It went into a bit much detail about every song but other than that I considered it a fantastic read. Lots and lots of details I never knew about Hank. I came away with an entirely different perspective of the Hank Williams I grew up listening to. He was definitely a unique individual.

A Remarkable Tale of Woe

A cautionary tale for any would-be celebrity, a foolish man destroyed by alcohol and the greed of others. Had Elvis read this book, perhaps he would have lived differently. Deep research and excellent writing, topped off by a perfect narration, make this book a fascinating, heartbreaking listen. Especially if you have access to the songs as they are described.

Detailed book; awful narration.

The book goes into considerable detail;too much detail in fact. The book is as much about the songs of Hank Williams, as it is about the life of Hank. Just too much minutiae. As with all books on this subject, the story of Hank Williams is truly sad, amazing, and disturbing. It’s the prime example of greed, disloyalty, distrust, and an early demise.

The book did have certain details that I had never heard before. So, it’s worth the listen for that. But overall, the book was just too long, and focused on minor details. Finally, THE NARRATOR WAS TERRIBLE. He speaks like a robot and puts no emotion into the characters.

Half drunk and hollow eyed

I enjoyed the book. I thought the narrator did a good job albeit a bit monotone through the boring parts. I can see how some “hardcore” Hank Sr. fans found some issues with it but if you’re just a general fan of old country I think it’s worth it.