Time/Date
11-14-2009 10:00 AM
Abstract
Hank Williams is widely considered to be the greatest songwriter in the history of country music. He is also the first country songwriter whose songs were consistently recorded with commercial success by artists in the "pop" field. Tony Bennett's first number-one record, for example, was "Cold, Cold Heart," a Hank Williams composition. In this paper I plan to discuss William's role as a popular songwriter, exploring the differences that his songs highlight between the pop and country genres. I also plan to discuss the ultimate significance of the bridge that Williams built between the two genres. Williams' achievement in breaking through to the mainstream national market has long been celebrated by the country music industry, but, ironically, it might inadvertently have helped lead to the "watering down" of country music that many traditional-minded fans loudly lament today.
Building Bridges: Hank Williams and the Hit Parade
Hank Williams is widely considered to be the greatest songwriter in the history of country music. He is also the first country songwriter whose songs were consistently recorded with commercial success by artists in the "pop" field. Tony Bennett's first number-one record, for example, was "Cold, Cold Heart," a Hank Williams composition. In this paper I plan to discuss William's role as a popular songwriter, exploring the differences that his songs highlight between the pop and country genres. I also plan to discuss the ultimate significance of the bridge that Williams built between the two genres. Williams' achievement in breaking through to the mainstream national market has long been celebrated by the country music industry, but, ironically, it might inadvertently have helped lead to the "watering down" of country music that many traditional-minded fans loudly lament today.
Comments
Presented in the Third Plenary Session: American Popular Music Goes Country Video footage of presentation