The deceptively simple blues was stone-cold country, with its crossover potential well-shrouded in Williams’ mournful, rich singing. “Cold, Cold Heart” was recorded on December 20, 1950, and was – though it might be hard to believe now – initially released as a B-side because that’s where ballads were typically relegated at that point in the country music industry. Though the song was actually written about two months after Audrey’s abortion, according to Williams biographer Colin Escott, the incident is typically credited with inspiring the lament, so relatable to those who might feel like they can’t get anything right. Williams was, according to legend, inspired to riff on the tune after coming back from a tour and finding his wife Audrey in the hospital due to complications from an at-home abortion – and uninterested in his get-well gifts. Texas Tyler called “You’ll Still Be In My Heart,” written by Ted West and Buddy Starcher (their publisher sued Acuff-Rose, the results were never made public, but they were awarded $2,500 in damages). The tune was a spin on a 1945 release by T. Listen to “Cold, Cold Heart” on Hank Williams’ 40 Greatest Hits. Williams’ ode to his wife Audrey and her icy attitude towards him didn’t just become one of his most beloved releases – it secured his place in the American songbook. The plaintive ballad didn’t take long to become a cross-genre hit, in spite of its unabashedly folksy style: a young Tony Bennett released a plush, orchestral take on the tune the same year that nearly matched the original in reach and acclaim, prompting everyone from Louis Armstrong to (much later) Norah Jones to follow suit. ![]() Perhaps Hank Williams’ most covered song, “Cold, Cold Heart” also brought the singer/songwriter huge success soon after it was released in early 1951.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |