Hank Williams Sr.-A Major Influence On 20th Century Popular Song: Although he died at the early age of 29, Hank Williams Sr. created memorable music across a broad musical spectrum. Country, folk, blues and gospel songs are all part of his song writing talents. " You're Cheatin' Heart" and " Hey,Good Looking"' were major hits and covered by a wide array of other performers.
He paved he way for the wave of other singer/songwriters who would come to dominate popular music for the past 40 years.
One of his gospel songs " House of Gold" is a serious attempt to warn people of the futility of pursuing money and material possessions. In a memorable recording, Kenny Rankin, a versatile singer, guitarist and composer almost pleads for us to heed Williams dire warning unless we " We Get Down On Our Knees and Pray" and abandon the quest for material gain.
I am by no means a religious person but Rankin's genuine poetic singing and playing forces one to sit up and listen. The string arrangement by Don Costa partway through the song only intensifies the musical and lyric message's impact on the complete performance.
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF_nEbQELEw
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