Info on Hank Thompson

Dick Phillips · Post by **Dick Phillips** » 29 Jul 2004 10:01 pm

I would like some up to date info on Hank Thompson. I'm also curious to know who played steel on his early records, such as Wild side of life, etc.
Thank You,
Dick Phillips

Jussi Huhtakangas · Post by **Jussi Huhtakangas** » 30 Jul 2004 12:22 am

Hank is till performing, you can find his show dates and other info at www.hankthompson.net
As for the steel players on his classic recordings, Lefty Nason was on the earliest hits, such as Humpty Dumpty Heart, Whoa Sailor, etc. Curley Chalker was on Wild Side Of Life. After Curley was drafted, Pee Wee Whitewing took the seat ( though he played standing up

). Then Bob White joined and for awhile played twin steels with Pee Wee. Pee Wee left somewhere around -55 ( don't remember exactly )and Bob White held the duties until late 50's. Pee Wee came back for a short period until Bobby Garrett replaced him in -60. Garrett stayed until -63 and Curley Chalker came back. He stayed only a few months and Bert Rivera became the steel player for the rest of the 60's.

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 30 Jul 2004 4:37 am

I find it interesting, that band members change sooooo much behind given singers. I am sure there is a myriad of reasons. But the thought does occur to me that in more than a few cases, it might have something to do with the temperamental egoes of singers.

Course come to think about it, some players fall into that category about as much

Then I wonder about singer/players like Merle and Norm; or Hank and Kayton; or Lester/Earl and Josh or Eddy and Little Roy. What about Mark and Slim and George Straight (can't recall his steeler).

Watcha think?

carl[This message was edited by C Dixon on 30 July 2004 at 05:49 AM.]

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 30 Jul 2004 5:20 am

Carl, the two reasons that jump out in front of my mind are SECURITY AND $$$$$$$$$. If the band is not booked constantly, the guys can't pay their bills and must look elsewhere for money.
If the pay is good and also steady, the musicians tend to stick with the band.
As you mentioned, there can be personality conflicts. In that case, you usually can't pay a musician enough to hang around and be miserable. ....... JD

Larry King · Post by **Larry King** » 30 Jul 2004 5:58 am

Carl....that would be Mike Dailey. It's an established fact..some of those stars were temperamental, fickle, had the big I, little U problem and I know of one who would get drunk and fire everyone...one who liked to discharge his pistol on the bus. Better to leave the names out don'tcha know.[This message was edited by Larry King on 30 July 2004 at 06:59 AM.]

Jussi Huhtakangas · Post by **Jussi Huhtakangas** » 30 Jul 2004 9:03 am

Well, in Hank's case I doubt it was never because of singer's ego ( I've met the man and played a show with him ). Bands like Brazos Valley Boys toured a lot in the 50's with a bus, no freeways, no air conditioning or other luxuries. It wears you out and pretty soon you want to jump off the bandwagon, at least for awhile. Also, I doubt money was the issue. From what I've heard, Hank always payed the guys pretty well and tried to treat them well. Curley's first stint ended because he was drafted, second time he chose the life in Vegas instead of touring. Pee Wee was in the band for two years, Bob White for four years, Bobbie Garret three years. How many one-nighters and miles in the bus you can squeeze into those years? No wonder you want to hop off and try something else for a change.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 30 Jul 2004 9:18 am

Who played steel on Oklahoma HIlls? I got one of those Marlboro country tapes several years ago, you know the ones you see at truck stops and gas stations that have several artists. Anyhow, it's obviously a cut from several years back and the steel ride is short but has amazing big, sweet tone and the Classic Western swing wah-wah-wah-uh finish.
I'm constantly rewinding and replaying that ride when playing that tape.
Sounds like no pedal C6. Just as good as anything you hear today. Love Hank Thompson's style and choice of material.

Jussi Huhtakangas · Post by **Jussi Huhtakangas** » 30 Jul 2004 10:05 am

Bobby Garrett played on the original Capitol version of Oklahoma Hills and it was a Sho Bud through a Standel amp. [This message was edited by Jussi Huhtakangas on 30 July 2004 at 11:07 AM.]

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 30 Jul 2004 11:28 am

Thanks Jussi, 'member them big ol' Super 400's Hank used to play? Man, I'd love to have one of them.

Jussi Huhtakangas · Post by **Jussi Huhtakangas** » 30 Jul 2004 11:04 pm

Yep Jerry, he still has it, but doesn't take it out on the road too much ( for obvious reasons ). He mostly uses a Heritage made version of the Super 400, I think they call it a Golden Eagle or something.