The Steel Guitar Forum

Is there anything to the story that at Hank's funeral when the minister said there will never be another like Hank Williams, Jerry Byrd said "Thank God !" ?

Never heard that one before.........

Those of us that know Jerry can not believe he would say that. He might think it but as far as uttering something bad about someone I can't believe it. I known Jerry for about 50 yrs and I have never heard him say anything bad about any performer. CC

I'm thinking I read something akin to this in a Hank Williams bio book I saw at a library some years ago. I think the jist of Jerry's comment addressed the negative impact Hank's behavior was having on the country music scene.
You can't believe everything you read.

I am not speaking for Jerry Byrd nor anyone else but I read about that “story” in a book years ago so please do not take what I write as total fact for it is from a distant memory. What was written in the book told of a group of musicians talking backstage at the Grand Old Opry after Hank Williams death. One musician made the comment about Hank Williams “there will never be another like him” and Jerry Byrd replied “good”. George Morgan (I believe) made the comment “I’m with Byrd”. The context of Jerry Byrd’s and George Morgan’s comments were written in a way to disapprove of the personal behavioral problems and negative impact Hank Williams was having on the Opry and Country Music (this is also my personal opinion). Due to Hank’s personal problems he had missed several shows and was eventually fired from the Opry by Jim Denny which left a negative impression on numerous people.

Colin Escott is certainly one of the most reliable popular music scholars. In his excellent Hank Williams biography he confirms the story by quoting Byrd's own version of what took place:

"There was a bunch of us in the hallway at WSM on January 1. George Morgan, Ken Marvin, Jim Denny, and me. Jim Denny said, 'We'll never see his likes again.' I said, 'I hope not.' Everybody looked at me like I'd blasphemed, and I said, 'You're trying to put a halo on him that won't fit.' He had a great chance and he blew it. He did as much to hurt country music as he did to help it - doing shows drunk as hell and insulting the audience. Everyone forgets that. They have short memories."

Escott adds that "George Morgan, who had been the butt of some of Hank's arrogance, broke the awkward silence. 'I'm with Byrd,' he said."

Thank you Ian,

I believe those are very close (if not dead on) to the facts. My question today is, in this world of condoning and flaunting sin, how many of us would add an "amen" to what Jerry said,

carl

Does it really make a difference what Jerry said? It was 51 years ago. Let it go

Roger <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Roger Shackelton on 19 June 2004 at 01:29 PM.]</p></FONT>

Moved to Music from No Peddlers.

Often the choice with people is like at some restaurants. If you want a Denver Omelette with cheese, then it's not a Denver Omelette...

Besides. I think it's something to do with Sevens..

Seven Major Scale Notes.

Seven Days of the Week.

Seven Primary Colors.

Seven Dwarves.

Seven Deadly Sins.

Can anybody name them?



EJL


Damn, I'm hungry again.....

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Eric West on 19 June 2004 at 06:12 PM.]</p></FONT>

<SMALL> I think it's something to do with Sevens</SMALL>

Yep....make 7 UP yours....

<SMALL>Can anybody name them?</SMALL>

All seven? Sure! Let's see...there was Dopey, Cupid, Sleepy, Prancer, Blitzen, Sneezy, and Bambi!

Doc, Dopey, Droopy, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy and Sleepy.

Anger, Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth and Vanity.

I know then all by heart.

My favorite?

Vanity, of course..



EJL

Besides, You don't have to nor should you be expected to like the people you play for.

With few exceptions, such as child molesters, I choose somebody that works, and hires me, over someone that sits home.

I try not to let too many people know what I really think of them outside of my circle of fellows, but I also don't really care too much if it slips out. Especially if I'm out of economic dependence for my Harley Chrome Fund, or lately my Marrs Rebuild Fund. ( One more thing in this world that has no concience..)

Just cause somebody sings good, or is famous, doesn't mean they aren't shitbirds..

Can I say that?



EJL

I drink Diet 7Up..is this still a 7UP ?

I don't think Hank Sr. drank Diet 7Up..

t

I'm about half through watching a DVD on Hank Williams. It is very good with a lot of personal interviews with people who knew him, band members and extensive input by Don Helms. Hank really wanted to be a song writer more so than a singer. Do you know where he got a lot of his inspirations for songs? From reading comic books! And also, every time he and Audrey had a fight, it resulted in a new, sad song.
For all of us that enjoy Jim Reeves, he was sort of a rascal also!
Erv<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Erv Niehaus on 21 June 2004 at 07:28 AM.]</p></FONT>

I have received some emails about my above post so I'll attempt to clarify. Again, those of us that know Jerry well know that he has no inhibitions about speaking his mind. If he thought he needed to say something he would. However I have never heard him public criticize any performer. I did not want to leave the impression that Jerry is a shrinking violet.

I think we all know the truth hurts sometimes, but that doesn't mean we should avoid it. I certainly don't think less of Jerry if he said that. There are other living performers that aren't to proud of some of the things they have done. We know who they are, no use naming them. It is how they live the rest of their lives that count, not what they did yesterday.

Eric, Eric, Eric...This makes TWICE I've had to correct you---first was the good Dr. Thompson's quote, and now---there are only Three primary colors, none of which is Harley Orange, sunburst, or black.
Feel free to consult with me before posting, that's what I'm here for.