New Year’s weekend activities in Montgomery by Ed Guy

Thanks very much to Hank Williams’ authority Ed Guy for sending me his first hand report on the commemorations of Hank Williams’ death held in Montgomery on the New Year’s weekend.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 12-31-12 & NEW YEAR’S DAY 1-1-13

Had an enjoyable trip to Montgomery, AL and visited with many Hank Fans, Beth & Jeff Petty, Braxton Schuffert, Andy Norman, Rick & Marie Angers, and others.

Andy, Beth Cooper, and Tyler Jones (an excellent teenage singer of Hank Songs from Killen, AL) were the performers who stood out.  Braxton was so endearing as he told stories of Hank and sang some of the old songs and explained how they were written on demand (by Fred Rose)

Karo provided the Karaoke Program on NY’s Eve before the live music.

Jeff Petty, as always, was the perfect MC.

An ardent Hank Fan and Fan Club Member – Rabbi Ben Alpert of Boynton Beach, FL – presented an interesting discussion of Hank’s life and music which was well received at both the Gravesite and in the Museum.

Bobby Linzey of Cumming, GA, who was a neighbor of Hank’s in Montgomery, recalled his experiences as a young boy frequenting Miss Lilly’s Boarding House, seeing Hank in life and also his recollections of Hank’s Funeral.  He displayed some interesting photographs.

Terry Faust, “Hank’s Grave Tender” sang a haunting tribute song to Hank at the Gravesite.  Other singers & musicians included T J Bohannon, 10 years old, of Rome, GA; Roger “Hurricane” Wilson of Kennesaw, GA; and
the Slim Pickin’s Band who are scattered throughout Georgia.

Two events…….. the Candlelight Vigil & Singing at Hank’s Statue on Perry Street on NY’s Eve and the Gravesite Service on NY’s Day with music by the Sheppard Family from Banks, AL and fine food both days with a good attendance. (On NY’s Day, Beth Petty and Betty Jackson served the traditional black-eyed peas dinner.

Due to illness, Charles Carr was unable to attend.  Hopefully he will recover soon and have a most Happy & Healthy New Year.

Even had appearances by Mary Margaret McCord, Miss Alabama USA, and Lorin Holcombe, Miss Teen Alabama USA.

Beth Petty, Curator of the HW Museum reminds everyone that there will be an Open House at the Museum in Montgomery on Feb 10, 2013 to celebrate the Museum’s 14th Anniversary.

Ed Guy
Palm Coast, FL