Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Five Most Covered Hank Williams Songs + Review of "The Last Ride" Now Available on DVD and Blu-Ray


Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this movie from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.



Five Most Covered Hank Williams Songs


Available Now on Blu-ray and DVD 

"Ride off into the sunset with the most legendary country artist of all-time in THE LAST RIDE, which arrived on Blu-ray and DVD June 4 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Featuring an all-star cast including Henry Thomas (E.T.), Jesse James (Jumper), Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”), Fred Dalton Thompson (“Law & Order”) and Stephen Tobolowsky (“Californication”), this powerful film retraces the final days of a true American icon.

Hank Williams stands tall as one of country music’s giants. The Alabama native was more than just a troubled Grand Ole Opry star; he turned out to be one of the great composers in country music history. This list of Hank Williams songs is quite impressive when you realize how many of them have been covered by artists from all genres. "

Some of Hank’s most popular songs that have been covered include:

·         “I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry” – This song seems to have been officially covered the most of any Hank Williams song! It has been covered at least 19 times, by artists such as Elvis, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Al Green and Keb' Mo'
·         “Jambalaya” – Coming in second place, “Jambalaya” has been covered at least 16 times, but such greats as Jerry Lee Lewis, Emmylou Harris and The Carpenters and Lucinda Williams
·         “Your Cheatin' Heart” – This song has been covered at least 10 different times! Artists like Beck, Elvis, Ray Charles, LeAnn Rimes and Fats Domino have all covered this classic
·         “Hey Good Lookin'” – “Hey Good Lookin’” has also been covered at least 10 times by musicians like Jimmy Buffett, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash!
·         “Honky Tonk Blues” – This song has been covered a respectable nine times by artists including Joe Ely, The The and Gary Stewart.

Honorable Mentions

·         “Lost Highway” – Covered 9 or more times!
·         “You Win Again” – At least 8 covers!
·         “Lovesick Blues” and  “Cold, Cold Heart” – Both covered 7 or more times!
·         “Ramblin' Man” and  “Alone & Forsaken” – Each covered at least 6 times!


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      My Thoughts:

      I have been a fan of Hank Williams since I first heard his music back in my teens.  So, when I heard that a movie was being made about this life, "The Last Ride," I had to get my hands on a review copy.  No matter what your age, you have probably heard Hank Williams' music sung by the man himself, or a cover of his amazing work.  My favorite song of his which has been covered at least 19 times is "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."  I loved Elvis' cover of this popular song.  How about you?  Any of the above songs from the most covered feature of Hank Williams a favorite of yours?

As for the movie, I received a copy this past weekend to review, and was happy to see Henry Thomas playing Hank Williams.  Who is Henry Thomas?  He is the little boy from E.T.  He has come a long way from riding on a bike with E.T.  While I have seen Henry Thomas in other films since her most popular and remembered role in E.T., I have to say that his portrayal of Hank Williams made me sit up and take notice. I can't believe he is in his 40's.  Sure does make me feel old. :-)

Watching this movie, and the story between and his driver, Silas, made me think about the other country music movie that also became a big hit, "Walk the Line."  Both of these movies death with redemption and trying to show the ups and downs of famed country music stars of years gone by.  While I was not even born when Hank Williams was in his glory, this movie really struck a cord, and made me feel like I was taking a backseat ride of his crazed life, and eve though I know the outcome of Hank Williams, you can't help but want to see him make a comeback.

The music alone will have you glued to the television, while tapping your feet. But, what will really get you is the acting by young Jesse James (Silas) and Henry Thomas (Williams).  This is definitely one movie I will find myself watching over and over again.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this movie from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

1 comment :

  1. this is a great review i love hanks music i remember listening to it as a kid and would love to see this movie thanks for sharing the great review....

    ReplyDelete