Rating: 
Summary: Slim Pickings
Review: It is true that this is the apex of the study of Hank Williams, and Colin Escott did an outstanding job turning over every stone that might still be in existence. However, Escott's writing style is a little clumbsy and I often had to revert to re-reading the text to follow his structure. Great research, but the writing could have been better.
Rating: 
Summary: Sad, but true!
Review: Just finished this book after recently getting into Hank's music. Colin Escott nails it, a wonderful work that explores the tragedy that was Hank Williams. I remember growing up in the late 20th century northern America, whenever I heard the term "country music", I always pictured some tall, lanky "hillbilly" that spoke and sang with a twang - the stereotype, or so I thought. Hank Williams created the stereotype I had in my head, but Escott tells us so much more that he did.
From his trouble with woman, including, and especially his mother, to his dalliances with the bottle and prescription drugs - from his horrible fiscal skills, right on through to his final day, a day clouded in just as much mystery as the man himself, Escott takes us on a 29-year ride so packed with detail you could not help but feel that Hank was 70 on that fatefull 1st day of 1953. You know he felt that old.
For anyone getting into Hank's music, this is the book for you. I'd also recommend it as a very insightful look into the early days of the music business, perhaps an Intro the Music Business texbook. And for all the "what if he had lived" arguments out there, Escott does a great job showing his readers how this genius' untimely demise may have, in fact, been very timely in preserving his legacy & country music.
The book culminates with 3 wonderful appendices. One lists every Hank Williams song title, any of which could have served as one of many chapter titles in this book. Excellent work, Mr. Escott.
Rating:
Summary: As good as it can get...
Review: There are a few passages in the book where Colin Escott explains the dilemma of writing a book on Hank Williams: Even the people who were close to him said that they didn't know him very well (and a lot of people claimed to know him). And, a good majority of the people in the book have passed away, so Escott is left to interpret the facts. The obvious problem with that is that you never feel like you know what Hank was going through or how he felt. So what happens is that there's a lot of "Hank did this" or "Hank did that." He never let anyone know what he was thinking or how he felt. He left that for his songs. The book doesn't paint Hank as a saint, but nor does it trash him (most biographers would be tempted to go either way). Escott mostly stuck with the facts, and for the most part leaves it up to you to form your own opinion. I enjoyed reading this book and it only took me two days. I'm a relatively new listener of Hank Williams, but when I saw that Colin Escott wrote this book, I didn't hesitate to buy it. I presumed, and correctly, that Escott would give an authoritative biography. I also knew that Escott was an avid fan of the music, so it would be loaded with the type of stuff that fans want to know, such as first recording dates, sessions, important concerts, last appearances, etc. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Only Hank Williams Biography Worth Reading
Review: This is the only biography of Hank Williams ( other than that by his daughter, Lycretia, and DAle Vinnicur) to come out in the last decade of so that doesn't reek of "only in it for the money." It is well researched (Mr. Escott managed to interview nearly everyone still living who knew Hank Williams, and the unedited interviews would probably make for a great book on their own) and, fortunately, puts the music ahead of the personal life while discussing the man. Also, there is little of the smugness that one frequently finds in books written about country performers, for which fans can be grateful. A well structured, readable book that contains enough new information to keep all but the most well-versed (bad joke, I know) Hank Williams fans entertained.
Rating:
Summary: Only Hank Williams Biography Worth Reading
Review: This is the only biography of Hank Williams ( other than that by his daughter, Lycretia, and DAle Vinnicur) to come out in the last decade of so that doesn't reek of "only in it for the money." It is well researched (Mr. Escott managed to interview nearly everyone still living who knew Hank Williams, and the unedited interviews would probably make for a great book on their own) and, fortunately, puts the music ahead of the personal life while discussing the man. Also, there is little of the smugness that one frequently finds in books written about country performers, for which fans can be grateful. A well structured, readable book that contains enough new information to keep all but the most well-versed (bad joke, I know) Hank Williams fans entertained.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent biography
Review: Well-balanced and packed with good information about Hank Williams. I feel I know him now as well as anyone could. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Hank Williams: The Biography
Review: Wonderful biography of ole Hank! Not to harsh and not to patronizing. Editors notes were great. I couldn't wait to get to the next page. Even if your not a big reader, this book will hook you, and you won't put it down until its finished, then you'll read it again. Great pictures. The history of "ole Hank's" family, really explains why he was so great and had such a tragic departure from life. Great book. FIVE STARS to the author!!! Highly recommended reading.
Rating:
Summary: Hank Williams: The Biography
Review: Wonderful biography of ole Hank! Not to harsh and not to patronizing. Editors notes were great. I couldn't wait to get to the next page. Even if your not a big reader, this book will hook you, and you won't put it down until its finished, then you'll read it again. Great pictures. The history of "ole Hank's" family, really explains why he was so great and had such a tragic departure from life. Great book. FIVE STARS to the author!!! Highly recommended reading.
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