Hank Williams - Gold [Disc 1]

Hank Williams (1923 – 1953) was one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century. During his lifetime, Williams placed 30 songs on Billboard's Top C&W Records, while he had seven number-one hits.

After being signed with the help of Fred Rose to Sterling Records, Williams assisted his debut recording session on December 11, 1946 at Castle Recording Company's studio D in Nashville, Tennessee. The singer cut four songs, returning later on February 13, 1947 to cut four new sides. His first single, "Never Again (Will I Knock on Your Door)" backed with "Calling You" was released in January 1947.

Not satisfied with Sterling, and upon learning of the creation of MGM Records by the Loews Corporation, Fred Rose negotiated a deal for Williams. Rose bought the Sterling masters, became Williams' manager and signed him to the label, agreeing to record all of his sessions in Nashville. By June 1947, Williams debuted on the MGM label with "Move it On Over" backed with "(Last Night) I Heard You Crying in Your Sleep". The release quickly became a hit.

On September 23, 1952, Williams cut his final session, recording "Your Cheatin' Heart", "Kaw-Liga", "I Could Never Be Ashamed of You" and "Take These Chains from My Heart". Williams' last single during his lifetime, "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive" backed with "I Could Never Be Ashamed of You" was released on November 21, 1952.