Hank Audiobook By Mark Ribowsky cover art

Hank

The Short Life and Long Country Road of Hank Williams

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Hank

By: Mark Ribowsky
Narrated by: Tom Perkins
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Buy for $27.12

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After he died in the backseat of a Cadillac at the age of 29, Hank Williams - a frail, flawed man who had become country music's first real star - instantly morphed into its first tragic martyr. Having hit the heights with simple songs of despair, depression, and tainted love, he would, with that outlaw swagger, become in death a template for the rock generation to follow.

Six decades later, Mark Ribowsky now weaves together the first fully realized biography of Hank Williams in a generation. Examining his music while also re-creating days and nights choked in booze and desperation, Ribowsky traces the miraculous rise of this music legend - from the dirt roads of rural Alabama to the now-immortal stage of the Grand Ole Opry and finally to a sad, lonely end on New Year's Day 1953. The result is an original work that promises to uncover the real Hank beneath the myths that have long enshrouded his legacy.

©2017 Mark Ribowsky (P)2016 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Emotionally Gripping Music
Detailed Research • Comprehensive Biography • Excellent Narration • Fascinating History • Authentic Portrayal

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The life and rough times of Hank Williams. I was always interested to know how his career went and what his career could have been.

Sad Man Sad Story

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great narration but the story was a slow depressing descent. I wonder how this man managed to fillander and drug so much at such a young age but chronic pain, a greedy medical imposter, and spinal cord damage won out in the end. Hank's talent continues to live on in his music.

interesting history of a country legend

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A cautionary tale for any would-be celebrity, a foolish man destroyed by alcohol and the greed of others. Had Elvis read this book, perhaps he would have lived differently. Deep research and excellent writing, topped off by a perfect narration, make this book a fascinating, heartbreaking listen. Especially if you have access to the songs as they are described.

A Remarkable Tale of Woe

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I enjoyed the book. I thought the narrator did a good job albeit a bit monotone through the boring parts. I can see how some “hardcore” Hank Sr. fans found some issues with it but if you’re just a general fan of old country I think it’s worth it.

Half drunk and hollow eyed

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The book goes into considerable detail;too much detail in fact. The book is as much about the songs of Hank Williams, as it is about the life of Hank. Just too much minutiae. As with all books on this subject, the story of Hank Williams is truly sad, amazing, and disturbing. It’s the prime example of greed, disloyalty, distrust, and an early demise.

The book did have certain details that I had never heard before. So, it’s worth the listen for that. But overall, the book was just too long, and focused on minor details. Finally, THE NARRATOR WAS TERRIBLE. He speaks like a robot and puts no emotion into the characters.

Detailed book; awful narration.

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