Waylon Sings Hank Williams by Waylon Jennings (CD, Aug-2006, YMC Records)

Like two ghosts galloping in from a legendary and dusty past, Waylon and Hank revisit us in the recently released Waylon sings Hank Williams.

I grew up in the Mississippi Delta region of Southeast Missouri where my uncle used to carry around a guitar and listen to or moan the blues of Hank Williams on a daily basis. For that, I will be forever grateful.

Another uncle wasn't quite so pleased. He used to say to the other, "Turn that redneck music off" so he could play his Three Dog Night. According to my brother, the latter met the hard side of a radio upside his head for trying to turn Hank off one evening.

As a teenager here in Texas, a long haired, country cousin of mine used to raise H, E and double L riding around with Waylon turned up loud and me tagging along.

So, when I was asked if I'd like to review Waylon Sings Hank Williams, I quickly replied, I'd be honored. And I am.

After listening to Loretta's Van Lear Rose recently, and liking it, I honestly didn't know what to expect.

I received the review copy today and listened to it in eager anticipation. WOW!
I can only imagine what the music executives were thinking and feeling when they first heard it.

The clear, lonesome, blue lyrics of Hank shine through with the rugged outlaw voice of Waylon pairing it up. The effect made me want to jump up and say, "Yeah, Wail it!" but, I was trying to drive.

A few of the songs, I had never heard before and Be Careful of the Stones That You Throw was especially touching. This is not a cd where you like only a few of the best songs. The comlete cd is a masterpiece of country music.

If the songs weren't enough, Waylon Speaks at the end shares some deep,personal thoughts and feelings including a tale of him getting expelled from high school music class.

I thought I was getting lucky getting the cd to review. Now, it looks as if I will need to go buy a copy for my uncle and maybe even an extra one for that long haired, country cousin of mine.

Thanks, Waylon.