The rebel grandson of the great, Hank Williams, Hank Williams III (Hank 3) is one of the most unique artists touring today. While he loves country music, he’s not afraid to push the envelope with hardcore rock music. “Country is in my blood, even though I’m not pure country,” says Hank 3. He is one of the few artists who can feel just as much at home at a punk rock concert as he can on the set of The Marty Stuart Show.
Hank 3 sat down with Music Radar to discuss who he claims are the Ten Essential Country Artists. A name familiar with bluegrass artists appeared on the list, Jimmy Martin! Here’s Hank 3’s list (in alphabetical order).
- Hasil Adkins
- Dock Boggs
- Harry Choates
- David Allan Coe
- Wayne Hancock
- Waylon Jennings
- George Jones
- Jimmy Martin
- Johnny Paycheck
- Hank Williams
Hank 3 had this to say about the King of Bluegrass.
“When you’re talking bluegrass in Tennessee, there’s Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin, two giants. Not only was Jimmy one of the real kings of bluegrass; he was also an incredible person and a true character. A lot of people don’t have the drive that he had. He lived both sides of it, enjoying commercial success but also being the underdog.
All in all, he was very passionate till the day he died about what he did and what he stood for. Being from Tennessee, I could relate to him – the coon dogs and that way of life. My granddad on my momma’s side of the family, that’s what he used to do when he wasn’t farming. He’d run those dogs – that was his hobby.
Songs like Tennessee and Old Pete, I could really latch on to them. He was something else. It was a shame when we lost him. The good come and go, but I was just glad to be around while he was here.”
Strong words from a member of country music royalty. Check out the complete article at Music Radar.
