The song “Lovesick Blues” by Hank Williams was considered the one that cemented his name as one of the best country singers of all time. But before the song’s success, Hank needed to fight to release this gem.
Meaning Behind The Song
The song’s roots came from the vaudeville pianist Cliff Friend, who took his inspiration from lovesick troops in World War I. It is a song about the emotions of unrequited love and being so lovesick that one can no longer eat or sleep. The song was once a bluesy Broadway hit before Irving Mills, a bandleader of Russian descent, added his melodic skill and Cliff’s lyrics turned it into a classic of country music.
How Did Hank Williams Discover “Lovesick Blues?”
Many others wanted to record the song, but its potential didn’t start to show in the late 1930s when Rex Griffin’s yodeling rendition with a country influence. Hank Williams paid just $100 for the rights to “Lovesick Blues,” having been tricked into thinking the song was original.
This song became a performance favorite, and the audience would go wild whenever he sang it. Unexpectedly, Fred Rose, the man who had shaped his career from the start, hated the song and saw little potential in it.
For You
Hank’s “Lovesick Blues” performance gained traction despite early skepticism and obstacles, shooting to the top of the charts and solidifying his reputation as a national sensation among with his other top hits. The singer’s enormous popularity made the Grand Ole Opry, which had previously been reluctant because of his difficulties, unavoidable.
The song symbolized Hank’s success and brought him to the pinnacle of stardom. It peaked at number 24 in the pop charts after spending 16 weeks at the top of the Billboard country charts. With all these achievements, “Lovesick Blues” is undoubtedly a hit.
Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues” was honored to be included in the National Recording Registry of The Library of Congress in 2004. The recognition was the cherry on top, proving that Hank is already certainly one of country music’s legends.
Listen to Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues” by watching the video below.
