The Intriguing Tale Behind Charley Pride‘s Hit Song “Honky Tonk Blues”
In the realm of paying tribute to legendary artists, recording albums featuring their iconic songs is not a novel concept. Before Charley Pride‘s release of “There’s a Little Bit of Hank in Me” in 1980, notable performers like Hank Williams Jr., Ray Price, and Glen Campbell had already honored Hank Williams in similar fashion. Even Moe Bandy had embarked on his own Hank tribute album prior to Pride’s venture.
Given the saturation of such projects, Pride sought out material that hadn’t been excessively covered, aiming to steer clear of popular choices like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” or “Cold, Cold Heart.” Alongside his somewhat skeptical producer, Jerry Bradley, Pride arranged a meeting with Ronnie Gant at Acuff-Rose Publishing, the company responsible for managing Hank’s catalog.
As the trio perused the collection, Pride’s attention was caught by “Honky Tonk Blues.” Familiar with the tune, which had achieved #2 on the charts in 1952, he spontaneously started singing it right there in the office. In that moment, Bradley realized, for the first time, that the project might come to fruition and find success.
To infuse an authentic touch, Pride enlisted several members of Hank’s former band, “The Drifting Cowboys,” who were still active at the time, for the recording sessions. The goal was to capture the original sound and essence, and once the final track was completed, Pride was convinced that they had accomplished just that.
For the album’s title track, “There’s a Little Bit of Hank in Me,” Pride commissioned John Schweers to write a cohesive musical piece that tied the project together. In addition to the well-known classics like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Mind Your Own Business,” Pride also included lesser-known gems such as “Low Down Blues” and “I Could Never Be Ashamed of You.” The energetic and lively “Honky Tonk Blues,” featuring the harmonious backing vocals of The Jordanaires, was chosen as the album’s lead single.
When Charley Pride‘s rendition of “Honky Tonk Blues” reached the pinnacle of the charts on April 12, 1980, it became a historic moment. It marked the first time that a cover version of one of Hank’s songs had claimed the #1 spot on Billboard’s country chart. Linda Ronstadt had come close in 1975, peaking at #2 with her interpretation of “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You).” However, the pop realm told a different story, as Tony Bennett had famously taken Hank’s “Cold, Cold Heart” to the top of Billboard’s pop chart for six weeks, even while Williams’ original version remained a staple on the country playlists of 1951.
Three months later, in July 1980, the second and final single from “There’s a Little Bit of Hank in Me” was released. Titled “You Win Again,” it was another of Williams’ lesser-known songs. Surpassing Hank’s original, which reached #10, Charley Pride’s version climbed all the way to #1, solidifying his connection to the iconic Hank Williams.
Charley Pride’s decision to delve into the Hank Williams catalog was not without its challenges, but his dedication to authenticity and unique song choices ultimately paid off, solidifying his place in the country music pantheon while preserving the legacy of a true legend.
Artist: Charley Pride
Album: There’s a Little Bit of Hank in Me
Released: 1980
Lyrics
Well I left my home down on a rural route I told my folks I’m goin’ steppin’ out
Forget the honky tonk blues hey the honky tonk blues
Yeah Lord I got ’em I got the honky tonk blues
Well I went to a dance and wore out my shoes
Woke up this mornin’ wishin’ I could lose
That jumpin’ honky tonk blues that weary honky tonk blues
Yeah Lord I got ’em I got the honky tonk blues
Well I stopped into every place in town this city life has really got me down
I got the honky tonk blues yeah the honky tonk blues
Yeah Lord I got ’em I got the honky tonk blues
Gonna tuck my worries underneath my arm get right back to my pappy’s farm
Forget the honky tonk blues yeah the honky tonk blues
Yeah Lord I got ’em I got the honky tonk blues
Don’t want to be bothered with the honky tonk blues
