Unveiling the Journey: Hank Williams Jr.‘s Transformation with “Eleven Roses”
At the tender age of 21, Hank Williams Jr. claimed his first Billboard number one record with “All for the Love of Sunshine.” While he had mostly been encouraged to perform his father’s old hits, Hank showcased his talent with original songs like “It’s All Over but the Crying” and Merle Haggard’s “I’d Rather Be Gone,” which climbed the Top Ten charts.
As Hank matured, he began to forge his own musical path and developed a keen ear for hit songs. It was during this transformative period that he stumbled upon “Eleven Roses,” a song that would shape the course of his career.
Emerging from Hank’s own publishing company, “Eleven Roses” was written by Lamar Morris and Darrell McCall during a tour. They shared the song with Hank, who instantly fell in love with it, declaring it one of his all-time favorites.
Already on a successful trajectory, Hank had earned a place on the Walkway of Stars at the Country Music Hall of Fame at just 20 years old, alongside his father’s star. He had released multiple albums, including the record-breaking “Live at Cobo Hall” in Detroit, headlined by Johnny Cash.
Despite his accomplishments, Hank yearned for more than just emulating his father’s legacy. Determined to carve his own path, he moved to Cullman, Alabama, where he recorded the groundbreaking “Friends” album. Collaborating with the likes of Charlie Daniels, Toy Caldwell, and Chuck Leavell, Hank ventured into new and controversial musical territory. However, the album faced delays before its eventual release.
In the midst of this journey, tragedy struck when Hank suffered a severe fall while mountain-climbing in Montana. Against the odds, he survived, and his doctors reaffirmed his purpose in life. With a renewed sense of direction, Hank found his musical niche and delivered hit after hit throughout the 1980s. His exceptional talent earned him the esteemed “Entertainer of the Year” award from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, solidifying his place in the industry.
Finally, in 2020, Hank Williams Jr. was honored with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of his enduring impact on the genre. The story behind “Eleven Roses” encapsulates Hank’s personal and artistic evolution, serving as a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to charting his own course in the world of music.
- Single by Hank Williams Jr.
- Album- Eleven Roses
- B-side- “Richmond Valley Breeze”
- Released- March 1972
- Recorded- December 9, 1971
- Genre- Country
- Length- 2:40
- Label- MGM K 14371
- Songwriters-Lamar Morris and Darrell McCall
- Producer- Jim Vienneau
Lyrics
I guess you noticed there is only eleven roses
I chose them from our garden where they grew
Take the roses and look into the mirror
And the twelfth rose will be looking back at you
There’s just something about a spray of roses
To a woman, they say more than man can say
After what I’ve done, you may not keep the roses
But I just thought I would send them anyway
There’s just something about a spray of roses
To a woman, they say more than man can say
After what I’ve done, you may not keep the roses
But I just thought I would send them anyway
After what I’ve done, you may not keep my roses
But I just thought I would send them anyway
