Introduction:
“Honky Tonkin'” is a seminal country music song written and performed by Hank Williams in 1947. The term “honky tonk” refers to bars in the Southern United States where patrons gather to enjoy live country music, dance, and socialize. These establishments were central to the cultural and musical landscape of the South, providing a backdrop for the themes Williams often explored in his music.
Williams recorded two distinct versions of “Honky Tonkin’.” The first was on February 13, 1947, during his final session with Sterling Records. This recording featured Tommy Jackson on fiddle, Dale “Smokey” Lohman on steel guitar, Zeke Turner on electric guitar, and Louis Innis on bass. Producer Fred Rose selected “Honky Tonkin'” as the B-side to “Pan American,” following Williams’ success with previous singles. Musically, the song is notable for its unconventional structure, with a chorus comprising three ten-beat phrases and two measures of four beats, resulting in a unique thirty-eight-beat section. Interestingly, the entire song is played over a single chord, except for a brief touch on the dominant in the chorus. Initially, the lyrics included the line, “We’ll get a quart of whiskey and get up in the air,” which Rose advised Williams to modify for broader appeal.
Following the positive reception of his early work, Williams secured a contract with MGM Records on April 1, 1947. He re-recorded “Honky Tonkin'” on November 6, 1947, at Castle Studio in Nashville. This session included Robert “Chubby” Wise on fiddle, Jerry Byrd on steel guitar, Zeke Turner on lead guitar, and likely Louis Innis on bass, with either Owen Bradley or Fred Rose on piano. The improved recording facilities and the developing rapport between Williams and Rose contributed to a more vibrant rendition. To prevent market confusion, Rose purchased all existing Sterling singles of “Honky Tonkin'” and transferred them to MGM. Despite the success of Williams’ earlier hit “Move It on Over,” this version of “Honky Tonkin'” peaked at #14 on the Billboard country music chart in 1948.
The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its numerous cover versions. Notably, Hank Williams Jr. recorded it for his 1982 album “High Notes,” achieving a #1 spot on the Billboard country music charts. Other artists, including Townes Van Zandt, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Waylon Jennings, have also offered their interpretations, showcasing the song’s versatility and its significant influence on the country music genre.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the original 1947 Sterling Records recording of “Honky Tonkin'” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. This honor underscores the song’s lasting impact and its role in shaping the honky-tonk style that became a hallmark of country music.