Hank Williams: Lovesick Blues - His 58 Finest 1946-1952

To celebrate his centenary, here is a great double album covering all the hits of the immortal Hank Williams, country music’s biggest star: 11 No.1s and 36 Top Ten classics. Hiram “Hank” Williams (1923-1953) was without doubt the biggest star in the history of country music, and one of its most charismatic figures. Influenced by Roy Acuff, and belonging to the blues tradition of Jimmie Rodgers, his songs and his passionate performances of them communicated with extraordinary sympathy the texture of everyday emotional life. But he ran a hedonistic race to death; problems with drink and drugs killed him before he reached 30.  20 million records were sold in the ten years after he died.

Disc One of Lovesick Blues (the title of his million-selling breakthrough hit) covers the first four years of Hank Williams’ brief but spectacular career. Disc Two covers his few remaining years – a golden period of even greater success. Here are no fewer than 25 Top Ten Country hits, including nine Number Ones  between them covering the gamut of emotions from heartrending blues to joyous celebration.