♫The Drifting Cowboy♫

Upon reading the title, first thoughts might be a question. The title itself mentions cowboy while the musical notes indicate a theme focusing on some form of music. What does a cowboy and music have in common? The American cowboy has captured the hearts, minds and souls of millions of people. Many songs have been written and sung to the tune of the Ol' West with much of what is included in the genre of "cowboy music" being "traditional". Today's spotlight is anything by traditional who went on to become country music's first superstar.

Today in Music History: June 11

Hank Williams, Audrey Sheppard Williams and the Drifting Cowboys band

Hank Williams, Sr. A tragically short life left an indelible mark on country music. When 25-year old Hank Williams, Sr. took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry on June 11, 1949, the microphone resounded like never before. His performance was so electrifying Williams was called out for six encores, unheard of at the time. 

First hit record with "Move It On Over" (1947)

Monumental popular hit record "Lovesick Blues"(1949)

1949 Hank Williams made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and received an unprecedented total of six encores

 Williams recorded 'Your Cheatin' Heart' in 1952.
It was released after his death in 1953.

All Hank Williams, Sr. wanted to do was sing blues. He seemed to identify with a world of musical sounds that poured out of the radio and emanated from church choirs. Williams learned to play folk, country and, from an African-American street musician, Rufus Payne, the blues. By the young age of 14, Williams was already performing in the honky-tonks of the Deep South.

There were no recordings made by Rufus Payne. However, Payne made his important mark on country music history by mentoring and teaching a young boy from the deep south how to play the guitar, and perhaps especially by teaching that boy to appreciate the hillbilly and blues musical influences from the surrounding regions.
Source: The Man Who Taught Hank Williams How to Play Guitar

The passing of Hank Williams, Sr. did not bring about the end to his stardom, however. It could be argued, in fact, that his early death only enhanced his legend. If Williams had lived, it's not entirely certain that the Nashville music community, so eager to shed its hillbilly roots, would have continued to embrace Williams' music. In the years since his death, Williams' impact has only grown, with artists as varied as Perry Como, Dinah Washington, Norah Jones and Bob Dylan all covering his work.
Source: Hank Williams Biography

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...