Hank Williams’ Five Most Haunting Performances
I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle” (1951): Listen to the way Williams stretches out “lo-o-onesome” in this 1951 single — like the titular whistle losing steam in the distance.
Moanin’ the Blues” (1950: Much like he does in “Lonesome Whistle,” Williams lets his voice off the leash in the chorus to this more up-tempo weeper.
On the Banks of the Old Pontchartrain” (1947: Released at the beginning of Williams’ recording career, in 1947, this lament tells the tale of a convict on the lam who meets what, in another life.
I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” (1952: Released in 1952, this cleverly titled single would prove to be tragically prescient: Williams died the following year.
Lovesick Blues” (1949): Williams’ first-ever Number One single is also the Alabama native at his most quavering.