Since the mid-1960s, Hank Williams Jr.'s musical output has comprised some 50 studio albums and several career-spanning compilations. But according to Hank, his most recent disc, '127 Rose Avenue,' is also "one of the most special albums I've ever made" -- and one of the easiest to put together.
"A lot of the songs got written when I was out with my two Labradors and a hickory stick at 7:30 in the morning," says the legendary performer. "I don't think I've ever had a whole album where it came together this well and this quickly. It was, 'Here's the melody, here are the words -- bam! There it is.' There's a lot of magic here."
In addition to the topical single, 'Red, White and Pink-Slip Blues,' the disc features a collaboration with bluegrass band the Grascals on 'All the Roads.' Hank also reflects on his musical heroes and family legacy with songs such as 'Mighty Oak Trees' and 'Last Driftin' Cowboy,' a tune dedicated to the late musician Don Helms, best known as the steel guitar player in Hank Williams Sr.'s Drifting Cowboys band.
The album's ghostly title track is a reference to the boyhood home of Hank Sr., in Georgiana, Ala. -- although it's actually on Rose Street. Open to tourists, there are a number of the country legend's personal items on display. The town also hosts an annual festival at the Hank Williams Music Park, with Hank Sr.'s daughter, Jett Williams among the performers this year.
And speaking of daughters, on the same day Hank Jr. released his album, his daughter, Holly Williams released her latest, titled 'Here with Me.' And in August, Holly's half-brother Hank Williams III will unleash the latest album from his band Assjack.
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