Jambalaya: The Mix of Music that Made Hank Williams Page 3

Just as Hank was widely affected by different genres, his influence spans many styles of music. From rock&rollers and bluegrass players to country artists and blues musicians, Hank Williams' music is always inspiring someone new. For example, country star Waylon Jennings recorded his ode to Hank in his 1975 recording of "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?". He starts by singing, "It's the same old tune, Fiddle and guitar, Where do we take it from here?", accompanied by fiddle and guitar backing reminiscent of may of Hank's recordings (Jennings, 1975). Jennings' song then talks about his own rise to fame and questions if it is similar to the rode Hank took: "Somebody told me when I first got to Nashville, Son you've finally got it made, Old Hank made it here, were all sure that you will, But I don't think done it this way" (Jennings, 1975). He goes on to say, "Singing my songs and one of his now and then", literally stating his admiration for Hank Williams (Jennings, 1975).

It is easy to see why Hank is influential to country artists such as Waylon Jennings, but his music transcends just country. Along with bringing country music into the modern era, "his influence spilled over into the folk and rock arenas as well" (www.rockhall.com). Legendary rocker John Fogerty recorded an entire album of Williams' songs after leaving Creedence Clearwater Revival, and newer bands such as Uncle Tupelo adapted element's of Hank's music to develop a roots rock sound labeled No Depresion. In effect, Hank Williams is one of the few entertainers inducted into both the Country Music and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1961 and 1987 respectively.

Hank's significant contribution to music can be seen in the blues as well. Artists such as Taj Mahal have cited Hank Williams as a key influence. To see that he has influenced musicians such as blues purist Taj Mahal helps show the universality of his work. In 1997, Mahal recorded Hank Williams' 1949 song "Mind Your Own Business". Mahal, who has a recognizably thick voice, contorts his voice into a hillbilly tone that is directly a tribute to Hank's voice. The song starts out with a sparse country-like accompaniment and eventually Mahal adds his own touch, building into a city blues song full with horns and piano. This song fits into the context of the record incredibly well despite the fact that the rest of the album is a catalogue of African-American roots music. Because of Hank's ability to incorporate his wide array of influences, his diverse music has been able to affect a population that has little relation to country music.

By analyzing songs such as "Jambalaya (on the bayou)", we can see that Hank Williams was more than just a country music entertainer. He had a knowledge and appreciation for all kinds of music and used this passion to influences his own creativity. Hank had a knack for stepping into the shoes of the common man and telling a story as effectively as anyone ever has, and his varied musical ability made his tales believable and more real. His musical background and influences were as diverse as the performers he affected, and in turn, we can conclude that Hank Williams is a driving force in American music, not just country music.

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