Hank Williams was only twenty-nine when he died in 1953, but his influence has endured despite his sadly abbreviated life. He had a huge impact on country music that he literally made country music what it is today. Meanwhile, he’s considered a giant of popular music without whom rock’n’roll might have never existed.
So, it was no surprise when, after his death, countless country performers and artists from every shade of the pop spectrum stepped up to offer their own takes on Williams’ songs, which have long transcended genre to become standards.
Take, for instance, this three-hour 1978 TV special where Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Roy Clark paid homage to one of the greats.
A Celebration Of One Great Man’s Legacy
Dressed to the nines, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Roy Clark gave a short introduction before singing some of Hank Williams‘ most recognizable songs as part of an all-encompassing tribute.
“His star burned brightly, but only for a brief time,” Parton said.
“But he left behind a great legacy,” Campbell added. “And the fruits of his genius is his fantastic music, like this.”
The three country superstars then went on by taking turns in singing Williams’ popular hits but also joined together on a couple of them – which included the upbeat rendition of “I Saw the Light” that only got more fast-paced as the song continued.
Other notable hits the trio performed were “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” among others.
Fortunately, you can watch Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Roy Clark’s performance as many times as you want by playing the video below. Indeed, Hank Williams’ body of work, even though produced over a short lifespan, has continued to be a celebrated treasure in country music throughout the decades.
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Dolly Parton, glen campbell, hank williams, roy clark