Beth Petty of the Hank Williams Museum Interview on The Paul Leslie Hour

The Beth Petty of the Hank Williams Museum Interview is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour. Interview originally broadcast in 2009.Show more

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Thank you for being here, tuned in to The Paul Leslie Hour. We are pleased to present the Beth Petty interview as we say “Hats off to Hank!” You see Beth Petty is something of a Hank Williams expert, as you’ll soon find out.

The year 2023 is the Centennial year of Hank Williams, 100 years since his birth and well…let me tell you a bit more.

On this episode we’re taking you to Montgomery, Alabama for an interview focusing on the great Hank Williams considered the Father of Contemporary Country Music. Born on September 17, 1923 in Mount Olive, Alabama, Hank Williams began playing music after his mother gave him a guitar at 8 years old. Hank Williams learned his singing style in part from a blues street singer named Rufus “Teetot” Payne.

Williams went on to perform across the United States. He had many hit songs and was a favorite on radio and television. Hank Williams was and perhaps is the greatest country star of all times. Hank Williams passed away on January 1, 1953 at 29 years old.

Yet Hank Williams music continues to get new fans. His songs are known by everyone. You cannot get much more “American” in music than Hank Williams. His songs were covered by countless musicians from Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson. Patsy Cline to Jimmy Buffett. George Strait. George Jones. They all recorded his songs.

Even when people do not know the name Hank Williams, people from around the globe know the songs…”Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “There’s a Tear in My Beer,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Jambalaya,” “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive,” and of course “Hey Good Lookin’.”

Hank Williams’ legacy lives on at the Hank Williams Museum in beautiful Montgomery, Alabama where this interview was recorded. On this episode we are joined by Beth Petty. She’s the manager of the Hank Williams Museum. It is a museum filled with photographs, press clippings, and numerous personal artifacts belonging to the late Hank Williams including his personal Nudie suits, instruments and many fascinating exhibits.

We want you to be sure to go to http://www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net There will be some upcoming event for Hank 100. You’ll find out about it there.

Please also consider supporting The Paul Leslie Hour – yes, keep us going and proudly independent. Go right here: http://www.thepaulleslie.com/support and give yourself and others the gift of stories.

I think everyone’s ready to hear the interview with Beth Petty, all about one of the most important figures of music – for all times. Let’s listen. Together.