The Early Stars of Honky Tonk

Probably one of the most influential styles in country music, showing hints of it even now with some country music stars, is the style known as Honky Tonk. Honky Tonk music is a very casual style of music, reminiscent of both good times and bad, echoing themes of drinking and having fun as well as heartbreaks and loss.

Honky Tonk artists show much respect to Jimmie Rodgers, whose style encapsulates all that is Honky Tonk. The music of Honky Tonk also includes the heavy use of the steel guitar, and the drumming style of Bob Wills and Western Swing.

Perhaps one of the biggest contributors in country music, and one of the most charismatic and influential artists, Hank Williams, had his memorable Opry performance in June 11, 1949, when he encored “Lovesick Blues” numerous times. Noted as one of the greatest moments of his life, it was a moment that is still talked about even up to now.

Before forming the Drifting Cowboys, Hank Williams started his early singing career by winning a $15 singing “WPA Blues” at an amateur singing contest in Montgomery. His career eventually took to the skies years later when he signed with Grand Ole Opry in 1949.

Originally from Crisp, Texas, Ernest Tubb was a regular part of the Opry since 1943 until his untimely demise. The sixth member that was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ernest Tubb grew up listening to Jimmie Rodgers, his greatest influence.

Ernest Tubb only achieved a certain amount of success early in his career during the 1930s. It wasn’t until his recording of “Walking the Floor Over You” did he really become a hit. The recording, made in 1942, became a big hit, allowing him his first ever appearance on the Opry. He became an Opry regular in 1943.

Thanks to his later hits, like “Goodnight Irene”, “I Love You Because”, and “Missing in Action”, Ernest Tubb became one of the biggest country acts of his time.