PANEL TO DISCUSS HANK WILLIAMS’ INFLUENCE ON AMERICAN SINGER/SONGWRITERS SET FOR JUNE 20TH IN NEW YORK CITY

New movie about Williams’ last days to be previewed at free event

New York, NY (June 8, 2012) – Hank Williams wasn’t just an influence in country music, he influenced all American music. The New School, with special thanks to Oxford American Magazine, will present a free screening of The Last Ride, the new film about the mysterious final days of Hank Williams. Following the screening, a panel will discuss Hank Williams and his historic place in American music.The event will be held at The New School’s Tishman Auditorium, Alvin Johnson / J.M. Kaplan Hall, 66 West 12th Street in New York, NY at 6 pm on June 20th. The screening and panel discussion are free. No tickets or reservations required.

Many of today’s legendary singer/songwriters have already declared the significant influence Williams played in their music.

Years before Bill Haley recorded “Rock Around the Clock,” Hank created “Move It On Over” - the first song using the rhythms Haley would use - rhythms that would become the main stays of Rock and Roll!

The Rolling Stones have said, “(Hank Williams) influenced our music, throughout our careers.”

Bruce Springsteen remembers “…sitting in my apartment listening to Hank Williams over and over.”

The late Ray Charles said, “Hank saved a lot of careers including mine.”

Bob Dylan says, “I started writing songs when I heard Hank Williams sing.”

The Last Ride begins a one week exclusive engagement June 22nd in the Cinema Village Theater, 22 East 12th St, to be followed by a national showcase theatrical release. Starring Henry Thomas, Jesse James and Kaley Cuoco, with Fred Dalton Thompson, The Last Ride has been described by Oxford American Magazine editor, Mark Smirnoff as, “A hypnotic romp about what is possibly country music’s most tantalizing true story.” Terry Stewart, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says,“Finally, we get a compelling glimpse of both the man and the legend” and Hank’s daughter, Jett Williams muses, “It rattles around in your head for days after you see it.”

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the legendary, Pulitzer Prize winner, Hank Williams and his historic place in American music.

Panelists include, Harry Thomason, director of The Last Ride, award winning director/producer of TV series, including Designing Women, mini-series such as The Blue and the Grey and director of events including both Presidential Inaugurals of President William Clinton. Also appearing will be Hank Williams’ daughter, Jett Williams, singer/songwriter with four songs on the film track and the award winning author of, Ain’t Nothin’ As Sweet As My Baby: The Story of Hank Williams’ Lost Daughter plus one of the film producers, Benjy Gaither, son of the Gospel legends, Bill and Gloria Gaither and creator of The Last Ride sound track/album. Other panelists will be announced later in the week.

The movie’s soundtrack, to be released by Curb Records on June 19th, plays an integral role in the telling of this story. It contains some of the best-known Hank Williams songs as well as new material written specifically for the film. Performers include Jett Williams, Michael English,The Isaacs, the late Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings plus numerous country and gospel artists.

For more information, please visit www.thelastridefilm.com or www.curb.com.