Hank Williams Jr. Is a BMI Icon – And an American Icon
BMI will be honoring Hank Williams Jr. as an icon on Nov. 11 at the 56th annual Country Awards. The performing rights organization says their icons must be artists that have had a "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." That fits because as great as his songs were, it was what they stood for that mattered. But no matter what reasons BMI has for this now, Bocephus is already an icon in the eyes of country music fans. His music and style have touched everyone who has ever aspired to play or enjoy country music.
I can remember singing along to "Country Boy Can Survive" with my friends and family in a hunting cabin long before I knew what Beech Nut was. And I remember my grandmother being, well, less than enthusiastic when I played "Family Tradition" at Christmas one year. But the response to those songs is what I remember. It helped shaped my musical tastes and to a certain extent my personality ... and I'm just some guy. Many artists could share similar stories. Just look at <B>CMT</B>.com today: Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Gretchen Wilson - without Hank Jr., we may not be able to enjoy some of our favorites.
He certainly is an icon, but not just of country music. To me, he's an American icon that proved you could be your own man and still carry on the family legacy. So thanks, Hank, and dust off the tux, it's time to take another bow.
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RedMaZ says:
Even though I admire Hank JR. a lot, (He’s certainly put out some great albums, especially early in his career). He’s had his share of Pop Country clunkers too. Personally if I had a choice overall, I think I prefer the music of his Dad, and his Son.
Hank Williams Jr. is Officially an American Icon » Right Music says:
[...] to win this award include that the artist has a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Bocephus [...]
Richard D. Fox says:
I think it’s great that Hank Jr. is receiving BMI Icon award, it’s long overdue. What I can’t understand is why he is not being considered for the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s a joke that george strait and vince gill have been elected into the hall of fame ahead of Hank, Jr. What is wrong with the academey?
At least Hank, Jr. is elected into the Song Writers Hall of Fame, which george strait and vince gill will never be elected into.
Kevin Taggerty says:
To write good songs that have a unique flavor requires that you live out or at least around the situations that you write about. Hank has had his share. Song writers do better writing when they are uninhibited. To be tied down to one steady thing only leads to stagnation in thought. I am a believer that living through a lot of challenging times and good times with a hell raising attitude can produce a good song. I also would add that you should never compromise your intentions just to follow mainstream logic (even if it is profitable). Hank does not. Following personal intuition makes you a better writer, but a good heart is what makes you a success. Hank has a good heart and has been a hell raiser along the way. A little bit of volatility is good for you.
Congratulations to YOU on your AWARD. YOU deserve it…I wish I could be there! More will follow!
I love the McCain/Palin tradition by the way!
I wish I could write a good country song but I am from Miami.
Kevin T.
Mildenhall, UK
todd says:
shame on you! say hi to joe mccarthy. this liberal industry has been pretty good to you! p.s. the miss spelling is just for you.
Janet says:
Hank Williams Jr has always stood in a league of his own. And when he makes noise he sounds like an eagle taking flight through the wind on his strong wings. I have never been more prouder of him in his stand for American. Most country singers want to sing about how great America, country, patriotism, freedom, and mom’s apple pie, but when the reality of wheel against pavement comes into play they gear down to low, lower, and stop. If you are a red, white, and blue cheerleader then why are you not taking of the cause of true conservatism and free capital enterprise. You have made your wealth and fame on the backs of the hard working American people and a God that honors truth and liberty, now give back the voice of let freedom ring to this nation. If you hide you light under a bushel, it will never be seem by the youth of the future. Don’t allow your sons and daughters freedom of speech, capitalism, and democracy become moot. Start a movement of America wins today only if I become her voice campaign and give back to the fans the support your fans
have given you throughout your careers.
Speak now or forever hold your peace. Don’t just sing about the greatness of American and Country, take action and make it greater.
Once I was a great fan of country music…now I sit on the sidelines wondering Who’s Cheating Who.