A petition to reinstate Hank Williams

Subject: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 07:07 AM

There is an e-petition to reinstate Hank Williams to the Grand Ole Opry. It can be found here There is an article explaining all about it and the petition form is at the bottom of that.

With all the things that are accepted as normal in todays entertainment world the reasons for his dismissal from the Opry seem almost miniscule. Take a moment, if you can, to look at this petition!

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 08:26 AM

Thanks Banj.....That really does seem kinda' silly doesn't it, considering all the other tributes, awards, Hall of Fame stuff that he's been awarded posthumously.

I also signed the SpongeBob petition while I was there.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 11:40 AM

I signed. But I am still debating about pro-anorexia websites especially since they wish to "exsist". Can't support them until I know exsactly what they mean.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Mark Clark
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 03:35 PM

I'm a big Hank Williams fan but, reinstate? Does that mean I'll be hearing Hank when I tune in to the Grand Ole Opry? Whose segment will he be on, or will he get his own segment?

Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise…

      - Mark

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 08:25 PM

Talk about silly. I'm not reinstating Hank Williams unless I am assured that it means that he will come back on the Grand Ole Opry stage- and given the facts, I doubt we want that... Surely they don't mean 'reinstate'? Making him a Hall of Fame figure should do it.

Losing his Opry gig doesn't signify the worst tragedy of Hank's life. Addictions did that. Just think- if it weren't for his addictions he could still have been alive today . He could be music's grand old man today (just 80 years old!) if he'd been able to successfully combat his demons.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 09:17 PM

I signed. Thanks, Banj.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 10:52 PM

No Ebbie, he won't ever come back in person, but I think it would be a nice gesture to list him among Opry members again after all these years. This is the 50th Anniversary of his death, after all. It may be silly, but then so is awarding diplomas or awards posthumously. The gesture is more for the living than those gone on. It's just the thought that he and the Opry finally came to terms I guess.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 11:22 PM

Hank doesn't need reinstatement. His contributions speak for themselves. The Opry needs him much more than he needs it.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: khandu
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 11:39 PM

One bad thing about Hank, was that he sired Hank, Jr.

I have much respect for Hank Original, but none for the son. Heck, I prefer Hank the Third to Bo-syphilis!

SpongeBob????

K

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 12:39 AM

Yeah - I sent my responce

Proud to know that one-from-the-mainstream will count as three from the fringe.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

The little bugger never belonged there in the first place.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 12:41 AM

Just because it is accepted today does not mean that IT is right....

He made some serious mistakes...and HE WAS wrong!!!

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 12:45 AM

Let me guess - Banjer

You bought out his agent - and you plan to begin his "resurection" right here...within the MudCat|?????

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Why you still hangin' 'round this pathetic cess-pool?

Subject: Are you sure Hank woulda done it this a way?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 01:13 AM

Yeah Ol Hank Sired Hank II, but Hank III is pretty good and he needed to have a daddy.

Hank Williams was one of the finest songwriters who ever lived and a template for country. Hank has been on the Grand Ole Opry stage for all of those fifty years, through his songs and his imitators. Hank Williams legacy dwarfs the Grand Ole Opry. Gathering a petition for reinstatement is like begging their forgiveness. F*** the Grand Ole Opry.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 10:53 AM

Hi Garg, in response to your query:

Why you still hangin' 'round this pathetic cess-pool?



The only answer I can give is that I just can't wait to see what happens next. Kind of a morbid curiousity. That and I have made some valued friends on tis forum over the years, and depsite the changes that have occured, still like it!

Of course the other question that begs to be asked is: Why are you still hanging on??

As for your thoughts:

Just because it is accepted today does not mean that IT is right....

He made some serious mistakes...and HE WAS wrong!!!

You're are probably right, but he was sort of an icon of the era and his legacy still lives today. We all do something wrong in our life and thankfully in most cases there is forgiveness in the hearts of others. I think I can overlook his shortcomings (aka: being human) in light of all he has contributed to the music world in his short and tragic life.

Pinetop Slim, right of course, but it would be nice if the folks at the Opry recognize the fact that many of his admirers still think of his contributions and perhaps that may guide them in seeing what the public wants as opposed to what they are trying to pass off as country music today!

Khandu, Yes, I have NO RESPECT at all for Hank Jr. He is nothing more than a boil on the ass of humanity. His song, Family Tradition, killed any respect I may have ever had for him!

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 11:12 AM

Banjer, I'm with you on Junior. "Family Tradition" was exploitive and celebrates substance abuse at its sickest. Junior is a flat-singing buffoon stuck on himself and reliant on family name-dropping to pay his bills. As to Senior, it seems important to me that he was removed from the Opry temporarily, in order that he might get help and then return. Fate had other plans, of course. The Opry is no more qualified to sit in moral judgement than the Baseball Hall of Fame (or me, for that matter), but it seems to me that a man in constant, chronic back pain who becomes addicted to pain killers and the resultant lowered alcohol tolerance is on a different level than another who gets snotted regularly for the sake of self-indulgence. Besides, the Opry could use the publicity of reinstating its finest voice to counteract their continued assault on authentic country music.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 12:19 PM

There was supposed to have been a conversation that went something like this:
( Hank to Lefty) "I sure wish that we could get on the Opry!"
( Lefty to Hank) " Right now I have the #1 & #4 hit in the nation.
                   You have #'s 2&3. What the Hell do we need the                     Opry for?"
( Hank to Lefty) " You got a point there buddy!"

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 12:30 PM

I am a lifelong fan of Ol'Hank but not of Lil'Bosephus. However, in his defense I would point you to his own song "Standing in the Shadow".
From the time he was a small child a domineering mother tried to turn him into a clone of his dad. It is little wonder that he would rebel.
There was only one Ol'Hank but I like Jett, and Hank(111) sure looks like granpa.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 04:26 PM

Guess I'm confused/ill informed. Is everyone who died in good standing on the Opry still listed as being a member? If that's the case, then yes, I'd agree that Hank should be on the list.

As for his being 'reinstated' making a difference in people's reaction to him and his talent, I doubt it. There's probably no one on that stage - and for a long time to come - who is not aware of his legacy...

The other night at music we were talking about that very thing. One of us sang "I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight' and it struck us how everyone hearing that line knows exactly what is being said. What a legacy.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: gnu
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 05:26 PM

Well, ain't ol' Hank just a country song himself ? Walk a mile in his shoes, sing a few songs in his mind. And judge ye not, lest...

Now, as far as his youngun... you may not like s***kickin rockin country, but someone must. He ain't standin in any bread lines. And he didn't get where he is because he's WHO he is. He got there because he's who HE is.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 07:47 PM

But I honestly believe if he hadn't had Hank Sr as a daddy he would not be anybody.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 12:29 AM

The point may be, Banjer- what's he supposed to do about it? Hank Williams was his daddy; he can't change that.

Hank Jr's music is certainly not to my taste, or his lifestyle- and if his lyrics and his website are anything to go by Hank III may be going the same way as his grandpa.

What I admire Junior for is the chances he has taken in his whole professional career. He has experimented with songs and kinds of music that could have fallen off the cliff with him over and over again.

Frankly I have always felt Jr. is a bit of a lost, hurt child.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 06:09 AM

No, he can't change that, but my point is that if Hank Sr had NOT been his daddy, Jr would be just another twobit wanna be rock musician. Which website are you refering to. Can you post it? Please?? Of course as pointed out earlier, his mom had a lot to do with his becoming who he is, always trying to exploit him for her own personal gain.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 09:27 AM

I am not sure why Hank was booted off the opery roster. I presume, booze, drugs and lifestyle. Given the mores of the time it seems justified. As to the Baseball anology., I guess you mean Pete Rose. Mr. Rose behaved like a small time hood, bet on games in which his team played and gambled on other games. He should not be in the Hall of Fame. I hear the Cdn. sports hall of fame is thinking of inducting him, though I have no idea why.These are always difficult questions but ultimately people are respnsible for their actions.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Fortunato
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 09:35 AM

The following is a dramatization:


Fan: Hello, central give Heaven, I'd like to speak to Hank Williams, please.

Central: Go ahead, please.

Hank: Hello?

Fan: Hank, is that you?
Hank: Yeah, more or less, who's this?
Fan: Well, you don't know me but I'm a big fan of yours...

Hank: Son, don't you ya'll have any live singers down there?

Fan: Well,...

Hank: Ok. What can I do for you?

Fan: Well, they've got this petition up, see, to reinstate you to the Grand Ol' Opry.

Hank: Yeah, I know. Acuff called me. I didn't know they had phones down there. So, what about it?

Fan: Well, I just wondered how you felt about it.

Hank: I don't give a shit. Damn, I said it again. That'll cost me my whisky ration for another month. Look, pal, I couldn't care less what happens down there, I've been dead a long time. After a while you just lose interest, you understand.

Fan: Ok. One more question. Did you ever hear Emmett Miller sing?

(LOUD CLICK)

Fan: Hello? Hello?

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: gnu
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 04:30 PM

Okay then. Is the story about Jr. working for a number of years under the name Bosephus to AVOID the Daddy thing and prove his own worth a myth ? BTW, I kinda like some of Jr.'s tunes, and his Daddy didn't write them.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Willie-O
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 04:41 PM

Bit late now. Nuff said.

W-O

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 12:48 AM

THIS IS AN OPINION!

I know I said in another thread that I had decided to quit having opinions. I LIED!

The Grand Ole Opry has a long tradition of backbiting and internal politics. Johnny Cash was black-balled until he married June Carter. After that, they had to make him a member or it would have been a snub to the whole Carter family. Otherwise, he might have been denied membership for years.

For many years, the organization has been about promoting its own musical agenda, not the music itself. Hank Williams needs the approval of The Opry about as much as John Lennon or Jimi Hendrix does.

Bruce

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 01:47 PM

Banjer, I can't open that clicky. It seems to work at first, but then the screen goes to black and stays black. I've tried both yesterday and today.

I know the Mudcat gods frown on posting things like this that can be linked to, but since I can't get the link to work, would it be OK to post the petition here? (Is it really long?)

Or, at least, briefly explain why Hank was 'excommunicated' in the first place. The discussion here seems to talk around the issue(s) without ever stating it (them).

Thanks,

Genie

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 03:14 PM

To Gnu:

Bocephus was a name Hank Jr. was a nickname given by his daddy. It stuck. I have many recordings by Hank Jr and he never billed himself as Bocephus. It's just a nickname.

To modify an old and wonderful phrase:

"If you don't like Hank Williams, Jr., you can just kiss my ass."

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 08:11 PM

Genie, here is the petition, but you must go to the website to sign it. Do you have java enabled? I think that is what it takes, I don't know for sure.

This petition calls for the reinstatement of Opry legend, and country music star, Hank Williams. Fifty years have passed since the tragic and untimely death of country music's greatest performer, who made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 11th, 1949. A few years later, in 1952, Hiram Hank Williams was asked to leave the Opry -- with the intention that he would sober up and make a return to the stage that he loved so much. Before he could make that return, he passed on, in the back seat of a car on the way to an Ohio show. It's now 2003, and Hank Williams has yet to be reinstated to the Opry.

Hank Williams has been one of the most influential artists to ever record; changing the face of music, and the way that we view country music. Since his passing in 1953, he has posthumously achieved numerous rewards and achievements. In 1961, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a few years later, he was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame Walkway of Stars. In 1973, he was the recipient of the Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music. He received a Grammy for 'Your Cheatin' Heart' in 1983, and was then inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. That same year he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Life Magazine even ranked Hank Williams #1 on the 'Most Important People in Country Music' list. Within his short years with us on earth, he had 11 #1 singles, including 'Lovesick Blues,' 'Kaw-Liga,' as well as 25 other Top 10 Singles.

We, the undersigned, feel that it is past due for Hank Williams' reinstatement to the Grand Ole Opry. Hank Williams was one of the most influential people to ever record or write music, and his untimely death made it impossible for his to 'redeem' himself in the Opry's eyes, but after 50 years we feel that his legacy has more than made up for any objections that the Opry may have had about his personal life. His lyrics and music helped create everything traditional country music became.

Sincerely,
The fans of Hank Williams, Sr.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 08:37 PM

I am not sure that there was ever a snub of Hank by the Opry. To be fair to them Hank was a major problem , a no show or showing up too drunk to play. Hank was the big draw and when he was on the bill and couldn't or wouldn't play, they had to deal with irate fans.
Roy Acuff had a great influence on the Opry and he was also (along with Fred Rose ) Hank's music publisher. Fred Rose wrote the score for almost all Hank's songs. They had a big money stake in seeing Hank maintain a high profile. They were also his friends.
I rate Hank as the greatest of all time but that is in spite of many faults.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 09:27 PM

Thanks, Banjer.

Yes, it does seem that Hank's reinstatement is overdue. Others in the Opry have had feet no less made of clay than Hank's.

Genie

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: CRANKY YANKEE
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 10:02 PM

thanks Banjer, I signed it.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 10:09 PM

I still don't know- are Grand Ole Opry artists considered 'members' even after death?

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: gnu
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 07:11 AM

Thank you GUEST, Martin Gibson. I was under the impression that Jr. had toured extensively in disguise, under the name Bosephus, and had "earned" his reputation and success by doing so. I believe this impression came from Jr. himself in a documentary. However, I am going by memory and it's just not to be trusted for accuracy. Like I always say, I've got a memory like a steel trap... rusted open.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Banjer
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 03:40 PM

That's better than being rusted shut, at least you have an open mind!! **BG**

I have a memory like one of those steel 'whatchamacalits' myself!!

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Dead Horse
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 03:57 PM

If Hank was booted out of the Opry for drugs, booze and lifestyle, then how come anybody else is a member?
F**k the Opry, Im sure nobody gives a shit when buying a record or singing a song if the singer is a member or not.
Fame is fame, whether your picture is hanging on the wall, or in the minds of the people.
Jambalaya, I say.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 05:05 PM

To Dead Horse

F**k the Opry?

F**k you.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Kim C
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 05:13 PM

I hate SpongeBob. Long live the PowerPuff Girls!

Hank Jr isn't even really a Jr as his name isn't exactly the same name as his daddy's. And Hank III is named Shelton. He used to be a Nashville skater punk.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 05:13 PM

I can assure you, Hank III's son could be called Bartholomew or Jedidiah and he'll still be known as Hank Williams IV.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Kim C
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 05:17 PM

Yeah, I know. That still don't make it right! ;-)

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,G.P
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 10:53 AM

Reinstating Hank williams into the Grand Ole Opry is not a pardon in terms of why he was kicked off in the first place. If the contributions to the history of the Grand Ole Opry is to be recorded accuratly then that means including Hank williams as member. Having Hank dismissed was worth more in publicity to the Opry than the trouble it caused.
By the way, ever hear of "No Show Jones"
He's hasn't exactly toed the line but I'll bet he won't be kicked of The Opry, He's worth far to much as an Opry Icon.
Anyway, Hank Williams didn't make the impression on the music industry that he did because he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He didn't need them then and obivously he doesn'need them now.
Reinstating him would do a lot more for the Grand Ole Opry than it will for Hank Williams.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: GUEST,Duncan the Drifter
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 08:06 PM

I agree with Guest,G.P, old Hank didn't need the Opry then & he certainly doesn't need them now.One can't go to a country music event where at least a couple of Hank songs are heard. I was at a hoedown just the other night & no less than six songs of Hanks were sung in a three hour period & that time period included a half hour break. Old Hank Lives on !!!!!

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Genie
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 06:51 PM

So was Hank ever reinstated?
If not, I think it makes the Opry look like arses.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 07:14 PM

Frankly, this whole thing strikes me as silly. To 'reinstate' something implies bringing it back. Hank Williams cannot be reinstated.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 08:20 PM

"Hank Williams cannot be reinstated."
True I'm afraid, but could he be reincarnated? His music was far above the shit that they call country on today's radio!

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Beer
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 09:23 PM

Love you Sandy. Dead on.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: frogprince
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 10:08 PM

As to Hank Jr.; any respect I had for him went out the window when I accidentally caught just a few moments of him campaigning with Sarah Palin. "Now we're going to sing that song that Barak Obama doesn't like very much: The Star Spangled Banner". I don't think I've ever come closer to throwing something at the television.

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Beer
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 10:20 PM

With my $15.00 Axe I learned to play and sing your Cheating Heart, Jambalaya,Mind Your Own Business, I Can't Help it if I'm Still in Love With You and the list goes on and on. 29 years of age with over 500 songs to his name, one of the greatest.
Adrien

Subject: RE: A petition to reinstate Hank Williams
From: Gweltas
Date: 23 Aug 09 - 10:48 PM

I've signed. Thanks Banjer.