Covering Hank Williams: 5 Late Classics

There are several eternal influencers in the lifeblood of Country music. None more important than Hank Williams. He lived only a short time, but the impact of his songs will never die. As Paul Simon says, “Hank Williams is just a freak of nature…Those songs, they last for lifetimes, if not forever.”  

Williams must be considered one of the pillars of popular music in the twentieth century. American news anchor and music historian Dodge Landesman professes, “Williams’ importance in the music industry cannot be overstated. He was the first rock star before there was rock.” Sadly, Williams passed away in 1953 from heart failure, prompted by years of self-abuse. In true rock star fashion, Hank died in the back of a Cadillac on the way to a gig.

But even before his death, fellow artists were performing and recording Williams’ tunes. However, his true capacity was never fully realized. Hank was just 29 years old when he passed away. Many believe he was only getting better, improving with each year he was able to endure. There are over a half century of Hank Williams covers but his later songs are some of the most noteworthy. Here are five exceptional examples.     

“Jambalaya” – Emmylou Harris

This timeless tune was more imaginative than most that Hank had created up to this point. Released in July of 1952, “Jambalaya” represents a dynamic melding of styles including Cajun, Creole, Country and Texas Swing. The different approach proved to be successful as the song topped the charts for 14 weeks (nonconsecutively). Genres didn’t apply much to Hank. Much the same way they don’t apply to Emmylou Harris. Once a folk princess, Harris is now considered a foundational piece of Country music; even though much of her music is not considered Country. Emmylou and her Hot Band bring their signature virtuosity to the Williams standard in a blistering 1975 performance. The cover was later included on a live album from the same year.          

“You Win Again” – Jerry Lee Lewis

Good Country music often uses an element of self-loathing. Nobody ever used it better than Hank Williams. A prime source of Williams’ woe was his relationship with his first wife, Audrey Sheppard. “You Win Again” portrays a broken man, a man who can no longer keep up the fight. It was recorded in July of 1952, one day after Hank’s divorce from Audrey was finalized. Nearly five years later, rocker Jerry Lee Lewis released the song as the B-side to a little ditty called “Great Balls of Fire.” Jerry Lee’s 1957 cover was a top five hit on the Country charts. The tune fits Lewis perfectly, as he was no stranger to hard times. He continued to perform the song until his death in 2022 at age 87.

“Kwaliga” – Charley Pride

When Hank got on a creative roll, it was hard to stop him. Case in point, his final recording session at Castle Studio in Nashville. The date was September 23, 1952. Several masterworks were captured during this legendary last session, but none standout as much as “Kwaliga.” Cowritten with Fred Rose, this complex tune cleverly relates the parable of fruitless infatuation. Also, the up-tempo departure can easily classify as primitive Rockabilly, if not early Rock and Roll. Released within weeks of Hank’s death; this cut spent 14 weeks in the #1 spot. Charley Pride included the song on his historic 1969 live album, In Person. Pride’s intense version peaked at #3. The album itself paved the way for countless country artists.

 

“Your Cheating Heart” – James Brown

Also recorded on September 23, the immortal “Your Cheating Heart.” With this number, Williams seamlessly captures the realities of a doomed marriage, and he did it in one take.  Supposedly Hank dictated the lines to his second wife while behind the wheel of his car. The lyrics describe the first wife. The posthumously released track spent six weeks atop the Country charts and remains one of Hank’s most covered tunes. Without a doubt, one of the most interesting of those comes from the Godfather of Soul himself. In 1970, James Brown recorded the Williams classic for his funk fusion album, Soul on Top. Stylistically it is a beautiful deviation from Hank’s original, but JB still conveys the soul of the song as only he can do.  

“Take These Chains” – Ray Charles

A rare classic that was not written by Williams, but a classic, nonetheless. “Take These Chains” was penned by Fred Rose and Hy Heath and is yet another masterpiece spawned from the fateful September 23 session. Released four months after Hank’s passing, this tune easily seized the top spot on the charts. It was his last #1 for MGM Records. Nearly ten years later, The Genius came calling. In March of 1963, Ray Charles released Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volume Two. It features two Williams covers including a moving version of “Chains.” It is a prime example of Ray’s gospel inspired dynamism as he somehow captures Hank’s despondent sentiment. The cut is a true testament to both artists.