Drifting Cowboys
| The Drifting Cowboys | |
|---|---|
|
Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys performing on WSM | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | Country, Honky Tonk |
| Instruments |
Guitar Bass Steel Guitar |
| Years active | 1938–1953 |
| Associated acts | Hank Williams |
The Drifting Cowboys were the backing group for American music singer-songwriter Hank Williams. The band went through several lineups during Williams's career. The original lineup was formed in 1938, changing musicians from show to show until Williams signed with Sterling Records.
The lineup was further modified in the following years, with the most famous version of the group formed in 1949 for Williams appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Although the Drifting Cowboys were credited on Williams' records, until 1950 Williams was backed by session musicians on recordings, with the label crediting the Cowboys. In 1951 Williams disbanded the group. After his death, the band was used for a short time by Ray Price. Former members later toured under the name of the band.
History
The original Drifting Cowboys band was formed by Williams between 1937 and 1938 in Montgomery, Alabama. The name was derived of Williams' like of western films, with him and the band wearing cowboy outfits, including hats and boots.[1] The original line-up consisted of Braxton Schuffert (guitar), Freddie Beach (fiddle), and the comedian Smith "Hezzy" Adair. The youngest member of the band was thirteen-year-old steel guitar player James E. Porter.[2] During the 1930s, the Drifting Cowboys varied from one show to another, with members playing a few shows before leaving and being replaced. In 1944, Don Helms joined the band playing the steel guitar, and Sammy Pruett on guitar, however both left the band after a year.[1]
When Williams signed with Sterling Records, he formed a new band: R.D Norred (steel guitar), Joe Pennington (guitar), Herbert "Lum" York (bass) and Winston Todd (guitar). Hank and Audrey Williams requested a loan to buy the band matching outfits that they wore on performances.[3] The band was renewed by Williams for his first appearance on the Louisiana Hayride in 1948, with: Bob McNett (guitar), "Lum" York (bass), Tony Francini (fiddle), Felton Pruett (steel guitar) and Dent Holmes (guitar).[4]
For his June 1949 debut at the Grand Ole Opry, Williams formed the most famous version of the Drifting Cowboys: Bob McNett (guitar), Hillous Butrum (bass), Jerry Rivers (fiddle) and Don Helms (steel guitar).[5] Up until 1950, the releases of Hank Williams were recorded with session musicians, with the label crediting the backing to the Drifting Cowboys Band.[1] In 1950, McNett and Butrum left the band, being replaced by Sammy Pruett and Cedric Rainwater respectively.[1] In 1951, before undergoing back surgery and not knowing the time of his return, Williams disbanded the group. During 1952 he was not backed again by the Drifting Cowboys.[6] After his death, the band was used for a short time by Ray Price. Band members would later tour as the Drifting Cowboys throughout the years.[1]
Members
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Other members
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Kingsbury, Paul (1998). The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 143. ISBN 978-0-19-517608-7.
- ↑ Koon, George William (1983). Hank Williams, So Lonesome. Westport CT: Greenwood Press. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-57806-283-6.
- ↑ Masino, Susan (2011). Family Tradition - Three Generations of Hank Williams. Milwaukee: Backbeat Books. p. 32. ISBN 978-1-617-13107-3.
- ↑ Williams, Lycrecia; Vinicur, Dale (1989). Still in Love with You: The Story of Hank and Audrey Williams. Nashville: Rutledge Hill. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-558-53048-5.
- ↑ Escott, Colin (1994/2008). Hank Williams: The Biography. New York: Little, Brown & Co. p. 149. ISBN 0-316-24986-6. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ Escott, Hank Williams, p. 284.