PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MUSIC FROM HANK WILLIAMS SURFACES IN THE GARDEN SPOT PROGRAMS, 1950

On May 20, Omnivore Recordings will issue 24 songs and jingles

recorded in Nashville, and last heard generations ago

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 17, 2014) — Omnivore Recordings will soon release the full-length version of The Garden Spot Programs, 1950, featuring 24 performances, unheard for 64 years, from country music legend Hank Williams. Rescued from obscurity, these shows originally aired more than six decades ago; The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 collects material from the four episodes now known to exist. Due out May 20, 2014, the set follows the release of Omnivore’s collectible 10” vinyl Record Store Day EP sampler.

From hits to standards to songs rarely (if ever) performed, this is pure Hank Williams, including playful between-song banter. Featuring fully restored audio, The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 is an exceptional listening experience. Painstakingly transferred, restored and mastered from original transcription discs by Grammy Award winning engineer Michael Graves. Williams’ daughter, Jett, is excited that her father’s lost material is not only seeing the light of day decades later, but will be available on CD, digital and LP.

The CD packaging contains rare photos and liner notes from the collection of set co-producer and Williams biographer Colin Escott. Also available on LP, the first pressing will be on limited edition, translucent red vinyl (with black vinyl to follow), containing Escott’s informative notes and a download card.

Escott writes in his notes: “Set the time machine for early morning on KSIB-AM, Creston, Iowa. February 1950. Country radio was beginning its slow transition from live music to DJ shows. Live music and DJ shows were augmented by transcribed shows. After buying 15 minutes of airtime on small-market stations, sponsors would prerecord shows with well known artists, duplicate them, and ship them out on 12 or 16-inch transcribed discs.”

“That’s how Hank Williams came to be on KSIB in February 1950. Sandwiched between the local ‘live’ acts, it was almost as if he were visiting with Skeets and those Radio Rascals. His sponsor was one of the nation’s largest plant nurseries, Naughton Farms, seven hundred miles south in Waxahachie, Texas. Given that Naughton was a big player in the nursery business, Hank’s shows were almost certainly shipped to many small stations, but only KSIB’s copies survived. Those of us who have studied Hank’s life and career had no idea that these recordings existed.”

Any music from Hank Williams is worth celebrating. Discovering material that has been unheard for generations is monumental.

“It’s incredible to me that we’re still finding new recordings by my dad — great ones at that,” says Jett Williams. “No one even suspected that these recordings existed. We partnered with Omnivore Recordings for this release, and I especially love it that they're taking my dad back to vinyl.”

Track Listing:

1. The Garden Spot Jingle

2. Lovesick Blues

3. A Mansion On The Hill

4. Fiddle Tune

5. I've Just Told Mama Goodbye

6. Closing/Oh! Susanna

7. The Garden Spot Jingle

8. Mind Your Own Business

9. Lovesick Blues

10. Fiddle Tune

11. At The First Fall Of Snow

12. Closing/Oh! Susanna

13. The Garden Spot Jingle

14. I Can't Get You Off Of My Mind

15. I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)

16. Fiddle Tune

17. Farther Along

18. Closing/Oh! Susanna

19. The Garden Spot Jingle

20. I’ll Be A Bachelor ’Til I Die

21. Wedding Bells

22. Fiddle Tune

23. Jesus Remembered Me

24. Closing/Oh! Susanna

Tracks 1 - 6 taken from Naughton Farms Garden Spot Show #4

Tracks 7 - 12 taken from Naughton Farms Garden Spot Show #9

Tracks 13 - 18 taken from Naughton Farms Garden Spot Show #10

Tracks 19 - 24 taken from Naughton Farms Garden Spot Show #11

Time Life To Release Hank Williams: The Lost Concerts Limited Collector’s Edition on October 2, 2012

The Only Known Live Recordings of Country Music Icon Hank Williams
Includes Onstage Banter, Offering A Genuine View Of His Concerts Were Like.
Collection Also Features Rare Radio Interview

Nashville, Tenn. (July 16, 2012) -- Live albums are commonplace today, but tape recording was in its infancy during country music legend Hank Williams’ lifetime. The equipment was cumbersome and tape was expensive, so very little live recording was done back then. Incredibly, two concerts performed by Williams were recorded in the months before his death and will be released for the first time as Hank Williams: The Lost Concerts Limited Collector’s Edition on October 2nd (Time Life). The collection includes 19 tracks as well as Hank’s revealing conversations with the audience, introducing songs and telling anecdotes about his life. As a bonus feature, a radio interview Williams did in 1951 has been added to the CD, one of very few in existence.

"Just when you thought you had discovered and heard everything my dad ever did, along comes these bonus jewels in the crown of The Great One, as we sometimes refer to Hank around here,” says Hank’s daughter, Jett Williams. “I got to know my dad first and best in the Mother's Best sponsored early morning radio shows that aired in the early '50's on WSM radio. I was so captivated with his wit and humor on these many shows. He came alive to me. But these were structured shows with commercial breaks while he extolled the virtues of his favorite flour miller. In these live performances -- the only two known to exist -- and in this warm and in-depth radio interview, he truly springs to life. When they were given to me and my husband, Keith Adkinson, we knew they would find a place in our ongoing partnership with Time Life...and they have.”

No live concert recordings of Hank Williams have been released until now. In fact, the two shows on Hank Williams: The Lost Concerts Limited Collector’s Editionwere recorded by chance. A radio DJ in Buffalo, New York, taped one of Hank’s local concerts to play back on the air. Just a few weeks later, another performance was recorded by the promoter to play to his wife, who was too sick to attend, this time in Pennsylvania. The two concerts capture Hank Williams as he’s never been heard before: live and unscripted, giving insight into the legend as an engaging, riveting performer. They were recorded just six weeks apart in May and July 1952, and reveal Williams at the peak of his career. His biggest hits “Hey Good Looking”,” Jambalaya,” “I Saw the Light,” “Lovesick Blues,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” and “I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You)” are performed with a far more vibrant and intimate feel that the studio recordings, peppered by personal stories about his band members, himself, and his songs. The album also includes the only known live recording of “Are You Walking and A Talking.” In addition, the CD also features an extremely rare radio interview with Williams made in 1951. It was conducted with Mack Sanders for KFBI in Wichita, Kan. on September 14, 1951.

“These late night performances of full concerts allow him to dominate the stage and the crowd in a way previously unheard and unknown,” Jett Williams explains. “He exudes the wit, extraordinary charisma and awesome talent that made him our first superstar. He is at the top of his game and clearly demonstrates why those in attendance never forgot the occasion. That he was at full throttle and in complete control within months of his untimely death pretty much says it all regarding his dominating entertaining capabilities. The studio recordings and juke box masters can't touch the reality of his genius as manifested in these shows. He was so far ahead of every other entertainer, singer and songwriter that he didn't even know they were behind him."

Since his death in 1953, Williams has risen in popularity to become one of most iconic figures in all of American music. In 2009, Time Life partnered with Jett Williams to release a series of vintage recordings, most of which had never been available on CD before. The GRAMMY-nominated Mother’s Best recordings included 143 recordings released as installments over a three year period, increasing the number of known Williams’ recordings by fifty percent. Time Life also issued tapes from his syndicated radio series, "The Health And Happiness Show".

Hank Williams: The Lost Concerts
Limited Collector’s Edition

Tracklisting:

Niagara Falls, New York: April 25, 1952.
1. Comedy with Hank and the Drifting Cowboys
2. I Can't Help It
3. Jerry Rivers and the Drifting Cowboys: Orange Blossom Special
4. Why Don't You Love Me
5. Are You Walking and A Talking
6. The Funeral
7. Hey Good Looking
8. Cold, Cold Heart
9. Lovesick Blues

Sunset Park, West Grove, PA: July 13, 1952.
10. Introductions
11. Hey Good Looking
12. Comedy with Hank and the Drifting Cowboys
13. Jerry Rivers and the Drifting Cowboys: Fire On The Mountain
14. Lonesome Whistle
15. Jambalaya
16. Long Gone Lonesome Blues
17. Half As Much
18. I Saw The Light
19. Lovesick Blues
20. Interview: Hank interviewed by Mack Sanders, KFBI, Wichita, Kansas, September 14, 1951.

“THE LAST RIDE” The Movie of Hank Williams' Last 72 Hours Earns Early Acclaim

Movie called “fascinating”, “engaging” and “deeply interesting”

Nashville, Tenn. (June 29, 2012) – The early reviews are in for The Last Ride, a new film about the final days in the life of country music icon Hank Williams.Variety called it “an engaging road trip” and said Hank Williams is “persuasively played by Henry Thomas.”

The New York Daily News described Williams’ music as“eloquent” and “mesmerizing”.

New York Observer said, “It’s a fascinating film that I enjoyed thoroughly.”

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette called it “A deeply interesting movie.”

Oxford American Magazine editor, Mark Smirnoff, says the The Last Ride is “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”

The movie, starring Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Dalton Thompson and Kaley Cuoco, focuses on the period when Williams was getting his life back in order after drugs, alcohol, and two failed marriages had nearly ruined his career. In late 1952, Williams had arranged several shows in West Virginia and Ohio. But, he never got there. Somewhere on that last highway, the country music legend passed away on New Year’s Day, in 1953, in the back of his Cadillac, carrying only his guitar and a notebook full of unfinished songs. He was 29.

The Last Ride was inspired by those mysterious last days of Williams’ life.

The movie’s soundtrack adds to the character of the film with songs from the era sung by popular artists of today, including Jett Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams.

Jett Williams, Benjy Gaither (the producer of the soundtrack) and Harry Thomason (the film’s director) will appear on Gov. Mike Huckabee’s syndicated radio show June 30th and July 1st at 8 pm Eastern / 7 pm Central and again on July 1st at 11 pm Eastern / 10 pm Central.

Jett and Benjy appeared on HUCKABEE on the Fox News Channel on Saturday, June 30th and performed the Hank Williams classic “Hey Good Looking” with Governor Huckabee.

The Last Ride is currently in a one week exclusive engagement at the Cinema Village Theater in New York, to be followed by a national showcase theatrical release.

The Curb Records release of The Last Ride soundtrack is now available at www.amazonmp3.com or on iTunes.

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.

Curb Records To Release Soundtrack to “The Last Ride”, A New Movie About the Life of Hank Williams

Music by Jett Williams, Johnny Cash, Michael English, The Isaacs and many more

Nashville, Tenn. (May 25, 2012) – Curb Records is proud to announce the release of the soundtrack to “The Last Ride”, a new independent movie about the life of Hank Williams.The movie, starring Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Dalton Thompson and Kaley Cuoco, focuses on the period when Williams was getting his life back in order after drugs, alcohol, two failed marriages and a hair-trigger temper had nearly ruined Williams’ legendary career. In late 1952, he had arranged several New Year’s shows in West Virginia and Ohio. Hank Williams never got there. Somewhere on that last highway, the country music legend passed away on New Years Day, in 1953, in the back of his powder blue Cadillac, carrying only his guitar and a notebook full of unfinished songs. He was 29.

Inspired by the mysterious final days of Hank Williams’ life, The Last Ride is the story of that final drive through the bleak Appalachian countryside of 1950’s America.

The movie’s soundtrack 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 this project.

Performers include Jett Williams (Hank Williams’ daughter), the late Johnny Cash and numerous country and gospel artists.

Jett Williams had this to say about the film, “In the movie, my dad doesn’t sing a note or strum a chord. This movie captures the essence of a man who, until recently, had become one-dimensional due to the myths, the lies, the fiction and vultures who surrounded him. Sure, it’s fictionalized from a factual point of view, but it is right on from a human emotional point of view.”

Tracks on The Last Ride soundtrack:

The Last Ride Theme – Benjy Gaither
Hey Good Lookin’ – Jett Williams
Honky Tonk Man – Russ Taff
Keep on the Sunny Side – Rebecca Frasier
I Will Marry You – Wes Hampton
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels – Sarah Johns
Cold, Cold Heart – Doug Anderson
The Swing Low Sweet Chariot – Clyde Wright & The Incredible Golden Gates
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry – Michael English
Longing – Jett Williams
Footprints – Benjy Gaither
I’m Winging My Way Back Home – The Blackwood Brothers
Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You – Jett Williams
On I Down The Road – Val Storey
Chino – Nathan Young
Ilene – Nathan Young
What Ya Gonna Do – Nathan Young
Tennessee Waltz – Nathan Young
O Come Angel Band – The Isaacs
Hank Williams’ Blues – Jett Williams
The Night Hank Williams Came To Town – Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings
The Last Ride – Tony Ramey

The platform release of The Last Ride will commence June 29th in New York and Los Angeles. The theatrical release will be supported by major radio promotion to Country, Americana, NPR and Triple A stations across the country.

In 2013, The Last Ride will be available on DVD and Video On Demand through Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

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