Quelles ont été les premières influences musicales de Hank Williams ?
Né et élevé en Alabama, Williams apprend la guitare avec le musicien de blues afro-américain Rufus Payne en échange de repas ou d'argent. Payne, ainsi que Roy Acuff et Ernest Tubb, ont eu une influence significative sur le style musical de Williams. Williams commence sa carrière professionnelle à Montgomery en 1937, lorsque la station de radio locale WSFA l'engage pour une émission de 15 minutes. Il forme le groupe Drifting Cowboys, dirigé par sa mère, et abandonne l'école pour se consacrer à sa carrière. Lorsque plusieurs membres de son groupe sont appelés sous les drapeaux pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, il a des problèmes avec leurs remplaçants et la WSFA met fin à son contrat en raison de son alcoolisme.
Enfant, Hank Williams est influencé par des artistes populaires de country tels que Roy Acuff et Earnest Tubb, mais aussi par le musicien de blues afro-américain Rufus Payne. Payne a appris à Williams à jouer de la guitare et a exercé une influence considérable sur son style musical.
Who were Hank Williams early musical influences?
Born and raised in Alabama, Williams learned guitar from African-American blues musician Rufus Payne in exchange for meals or money. Payne, along with Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb, had a significant influence on Williams' musical style. Williams began his professional career in Montgomery in 1937 when local radio station WSFA hired him to perform on a 15-minute program. He formed the Drifting Cowboys backup band, which was managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote his time to his career. When several of his band members were drafted during World War II, he had trouble with their replacements, and WSFA terminated his contract because of his alcoholism.
As a child Hank Williams was influenced by popular country artists such as Roy Acuff and Earnest Tubb, but he was also influenced by African-American blues musician Rufus Payne. Payne taught Williams how to play guitar, and was a significant influence on his musical style.