Death Site of Hank Williams: My Emotional Pilgrimage to Oak Hill, WV
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2018
- Death Site of Hank Williams: My Emotional Pilgrimage to Oak Hill, WV.
This video, shot on May 9, 2018, shows the Skyline Drive-In, where Hank's driver, Charles Carr, first discovered that Hank was unresponsive. The video then travels up "Legends Highway," named for Hank, en route to emergency medical treatment in nearby Oak Hill. We then turn onto Hank Williams, Sr. Memorial Highway, which takes us to the former site of Burdette's Pure Oil Filling Station, where police were summoned. We read an historical plaque honoring Hank, placed directly across the street from the filling station. The video then progresses to the hospital where Hank was rushed, then called Oak Hill Hospital, now called Plateau Medical Center. Across the street from the hospital, we see the former location of Tyree Funeral Home, where Hank's body was sent after the hospital pronounced him dead. Finally, we visit another historical monument next to the hospital detailing Hank's life and his final journey into Oak Hill, West Virginia. This trip was an emotional pilgrimage for me and a highly rewarding experience. I hope you'll join me on this adventure.
Further details about Hank's death are revealed in a fascinating article published by Tyree Funeral Home itself, which quotes original sources and eyewitnesses to the events surrounding Hank's death, including the funeral home's own participation in receiving and preparing the body for the arrival of Hank's mother from Montgomery, Alabama.
www.tyreefuneralhome.com/who-w...
Mr. Mills, I appreciate this so much! And your heartfelt reading of the plaque, especially toward the end ("including me") was wonderful. Thank you!
I just drove up there a few weeks ago. I live in Boone North Carolina so it’s only about three hours away. I listened to Hank non stop on the way, and made the exact same route you have. I have no shame in saying it chilled me to the bone and made me cry for what seemed the whole way back. I appreciate you uploading this. I haven’t had a lot in this world but at least I know one man who seems to have felt the same way.
My name is Eric vines I am also from Boone north Carolina love Hank Williams senior awesome songwriter
Hank, the one and only, wrote and sang songs from his heart and soul. He walked the walk of a lonely man and you can hear it in his songs. He drank to hide his broken heart and to ease the pain in his body from Spina Bifida.
In the early Eighties I was a caretaker of Tyree Funeral Home in Mt Hope- the sister funeral home of Tyree's Funeral Home in Oak Hill. I don't think Joe Tyree or Sanford McNeely would object to my sharing their remembrances of the death of Hank Sr. The only two things they would say to me is firstly their being so impressed at the extraordinary centered strength of Hank Williams' mother as she made the arrangements, and that she had remarked that somehow she knew that he would die young, and that all he had ever wanted to do was write songs. Secondly, Sanford McNeely, assisting Joe Tyree in the transportation, remarked that the highways were both lined and at times scattered with mourners, both White and Black, starting at the Alabama state line along the highway to Montgomery. Thank you for this heartfelt video history, Sir.
" to be young again "
The biggest and most reliable source of comfort I have from the untimely passing of Hank Sr. is the fact that he wrote and sang "I Saw the Light". He certainly was a man who had an earthly addiction, but no doubt, his heart and mind belonged to the Lord. Keep in mind that Satan is the Prince of the World, but God Almighty is the Creator, and all who accept Christ as their Savior will certainly enter the Kingdom of Heaven. No one will ever convince me that even though Hank was a drinker, he didn't enter Heaven when he passed. I truly believe with all my heart that he's in Heaven now. No one can pen those words without it being straight from the heart, and no one knows that better than God Almighty!
I guess she did know he would die young, he was an addict!
Sanford McNeely was my neighbor in Mount Hope.
I am Hispanic and in our home I grew grew up hearing Hank Williams,Bob Owens ,Dolly Parton,Loretta ,Roy Clark love all Hank Williams and Owens songs...RIP Hank
David, Thank You for this. I'm in England with no hope of making the journey. I also had tears in my eyes at the end of your tribute. Hank's music reaches many people around the world. He was and still is a universal legend.
That building needs to be made an historic landmark and preserved. There aren't many entertainers to have had that much of an EPIC influence on the world of music, not only Country music but all genre's of music. His songs are still being performed and recorded today nearly 7 decades after his untimely passing. I have a huge collection of autographed traditional country music related memorabilia, signed posters, photo's, albums etc... I just love the music so much. You name a legend of country music and I have something signed by them- many of which I was lucky enough to have met in person- George Jones, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, Charley Pride, Hag, Waylon Jennings and some others... and those that I wasn't lucky enough to have met in person I would write letters to, send them things to sign- I had been good friends with a well known country DJ which is how I got to meet all of those folks, and those that I didn't get to meet in person he would give me their home addresses. I just was so lucky. For someone like me who loves the music so much having a friendship with someone like him who shared that same love for the music (and actually KNEW many of the artists) was almost like a dream!! Anyway, even though I have something by just about every legend of country music that you could possibly think of, the gem of my collection and my favorite piece by far is a Grand Ole Opry program from 1950 signed by none other than Hank Williams Sr! To have something that was touched and signed by ol' Hank just sends chills up my spine every time I look at it! My other two favorite signed items that I have are Lefty Frizzell, and Mother Maybelle Carter.
@J Oh A little thing called MONEY. I struggle just to preserve my own house, let alone somewhere else. Not saying that I wouldn't contribute, but what difference could a middle class working stiff such as myself make? None
@J Oh You could help get the ball rolling. Takes money and you could give and that would get the ball rolling!
The building has been reopened!
I am thankful that God puts people in our lives that bring us joy . I am often reminded that these people are just mere humans and have all the frailties that come with the human experience . I have taught my children that the only worship is to be done of our lord and savior and not to any performer / artist / athlete etc . In 100 yrs from now no one will know the names of these mortals but the name of our savior will last forever .
Yes I live twenty minutes from hilltop they reopened the restaurant it is up and running I went to oak hill last week great time and place oak hill puts on a hank sr show acts vendors the streets shut down great time !!!
I lived in dark times where I had given up on life. Traveling, lost, I discovered a profound connection with Hank Williams and his voice and from then on, I've been living with a vision to leave this world a Legend like Hank.
Great video. It's a shame the gas station was torn down. Today being the 70th anniversary of Hank's death, we fans of Hank reflect on his short life and successful career. Hank was just a kid. It's so sad that he couldn't overcome the demons in his life. RIP Hank.
David Mills, I’m writing this from Shropshire UK. I came upon your film by accident. This was a very measured, well made film. It was also made with respect. 👍👍
Thanks for doing this and sharing it with others. Old Hank mean a whole lot to the people of the south.
Hank means a lot to us yankees too...Legend
100% i live in Arkansas
Thank you David for putting this together for all of us. I live too far from WV to make this trip myself, so I appreciated the chance to join you on your pilgrimage. I didn't expect this route to cover such an obscure road and town. A sad & surprising last environment for one of the greatest of all time.
You have to consider the year. It was before interstate highways (Dwight Eisenhower had just been elected) and there were very few 4 lane highways at that time. Hank came right by where I live on his last ride but at that time, even it was a two lane road. Its now a 4 lane.
Thank you so much. Well done.
So glad you went and made these trips and shared these with us.
My dad and us were stationed on Guam about 1968.
Dad had a console of wood. One end was for playing records, other end was for taping and playing reel to reel.
Middle was radio and an area for albums.
While on Guam, my Dad taped from over the radio, on reel to reel The History of Country Music.
Never forget that and being introduced to Hank Williams Sr.
Very touching. Thank you for posting your pilgrimage.
Excellent, heartfelt video David. This is CZcams at its best - an "ordinary" person telling, in an emotional way, a story of interest to many other people
~ Ironical, Hank Williams last public performance was at the Skyline Club in Austin, Texas on December 19th, 1952. thanx ~
Hell yea!! Ol hank was the first “REAL COUNTRY” singer! He went out with his boots on! Thanks for making this video brother!!
Still listen to him and other old country stars every night. It seems really strange that Hank could have written so many songs and rose to such heights before the age of 30. what's more is that he is still so fondly remembered.
This was a great tribute to Mr. Williams..no one has forgotten him..I never will. Thank you❤️
Thank you so so much for sharing this video. I have often wondered about all of these things about HANK, and the places that I have read about all of my life.
Some legends live a short life , Hank was one.
I ♥️ Atheists
The greatest country singer and songwriter there ever was or ever will be.
Great video tribute to Hank. Very moving. Thanks a lot for posting. Greetings from Germany.
Thank you so much for this video, brother. Huge fan of Hank Williams, Sr. and the amazing legacy he left behind.
EXCELLENT video tour, THANKS.
Hank's last singng engagement was at the SKYLINE CLUB in Austin, TX..
"On Dec. 19, 1952, Warren Stark, the proprietor of the Skyline Club in Austin, Texas, paced the floor of his nightclub. The biggest name in country music was scheduled to appear that night. But given Hank Williams' reputation for showing up dead drunk to his shows, Stark was understandably tense. Stark had personally driven Hank from Dallas to Austin to make sure the singer showed up at all.
The Skyline Club, which was located at 11306 North Lamar Blvd., opened in 1946. The historic venue hosted Webb Pierce, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow and Bob Wills, among many others. Elvis Presley even played the club in 1955.
But the Dec. 19 show at the Skyline was one for the record books. Over 800 people crowded into the venue to watch Williams deliver a fiery three-hour set. A child prodigy by the name of Doug Sahm, who later rose to fame for his "Tex-Mex" music and work in the Sir Douglas Quintet, joined Hank onstage. Williams, while not completely sober, was at his best. But the crowd had no idea they were witnessing the icon's final show.
Just days later, Williams was riding in the back of a baby-blue Cadillac driven by college freshman Charles Carr. He was on his way to a show in Canton, Ohio but he never made it. Somewhere along the dark, winding Appalachian roads between Tennessee and Virginia, Hank Williams died of heart failure. Williams was pronounced dead on Jan. 1, 1953. He was 29 years old."
Too drunk too fish
Baskerville22 Doug Sahm was there? I did not know that
He’s gone now too
@therockkkkher Johnny Horton's last gig was also at the Skyline Club. He was killed in a car-crash soon after in Nov. 1960. He was married to Hank Williams widow, Billie Jean.
@@faborwick5887
I think it was a similar fate to Tom Petty's recent demise. Accidental overdose likely caused by acclimation to the Rx from long term use for his chronic spinal pain. Can you imagine enduring those long drives with an aching back and body in the back seat of a car on those old, bumpy, country roads night after night? He needed relief. From his unhappy wife, demands of his profession, heavy drinking, and the fame was a beast, too.
Sir, you did a wonderful job with this
David Mills, thank you for sharing your respectful journey. Although I was born and grew up in WV, life relocated me in my twenties, 1989, and it’s still a nice place to visit.
Very good job putting this video together ole hanks lookin down on you playing his songs I’m sure he is in a better place GONE.BUT.NOT.FORGOTTEN rest in piece ole hank .🎙🎸
Hey Dave, I was amazed to find this video. My pilgrimage also took me up there to Oak Hill later in the summer of "18. It was a powerful experience for me too to say the least. You could FEEL THE SOUL of true country music, Oak Hill is like no other place I have ever been. Hope to go back again and spend some time there when I can.
Here in Alabama Hank is regarded as an icon and deservedly so.RIP Hank Williams.
Jeff Harrison he’s iconic me
That is for DAMN sure.... I grew up loving Hank Williams' wonderful music, and will til I die.
Hank should be an icon anywhere
@Greg Gregory what the hell you talking about? No one cares. Get off of here! Go to Russia. Or hell. I don't care.
@Greg Gregory You're so FOS. Psychotic too. You seem like it. So out of touch with reality.
Thank you for taking your time to not only make such a fantastic video, But also for sharing with everyone such an emotional journey.
From fans all around the globe, I'm sure I am only one of the greatful.
Thank you so much for your very kind comments. I’m honored that you enjoyed the video. David Mills
David Mills Thank you for uploading this video. My Step Dad was a HUGE fan of Hank Williams Sr. I remember so clearly him putting a record of Hank's on as years went on I new a lot of Hank"s songs by heart. I'm 38 now and if you saw me you would NEVER believe I listened to country music let alone classic country western music...why?? I am what people call a Goth....BUT I grew up listening old country music. Hank along with so many other country music legends can not be match. Hank Williams Sr is my all time favorite Male Country Artist as for female Country Artist HANDS DOWN The coal miners Daughter Loretta Lynn. I fell in love with her around the age of 7yrso. I have always wanted to meet Loretta. Sadly with her being so weak and her having that stroke awhile back I do not think I will ever fulfill my Dream. Country music during the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's & he 60's just by hearing the artist voice you new who was singing unlike this so called crap they say is county pfft😂😂😂 I don't think so! I LOVE country music and always will until the day ai die.
Very nicely put, Davonna!!!
THANK YOU. HE WILL NEVER REPLACED. NO MATTER HOW HE LIVED.
Thank you David. Well done! I hope to make that trip myself one of these days.
I've lived in Raleigh county for 10 years now about 20 min from that place and had no idea.. it's one of my favorite motorcycle roads to ride around my area. Thanks for making this video. I'll have some Hank in my heart every time I ride by it.
Hank was gone before my time but I was raised on that kind of music and still listen to him today. He was a great performer and this was a great tribute you made. I've really enjoyed it. Thank you very much for making it. You did an awesome job of it.
Thanks for this Dave.
I really enjoyed your video.Im a big fan of Hank Williams.Thanks For This Tribute.
Thanks for making a video of hank William last moments that’s so awesome of you
Fascinating footage ! THANK YOU so much for sharing with us ! Kudos ! Two thumbs up ! :-)
raised 30 minutes from there,still live fairly close to oak hill.Hank Williams has been one of my favorites.Thanks for the video.
Bless your heart!! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks David, from a dedicated Hank devotee over here in Australia. A really great homage through this visual disclosure of the great man's last earthly journey. Again, many thanks..........
Very good video brother.
And great music.
I'm a huge fan of Hank too.
God bless you brother.
Thank you for sharing this. RIP Hank
Videos and stories like these fascinate me. Thanks for sharing.
I was born at oak hill hospital and raised in oak hill during the 80s and I remember tyree funeral home . My grandfather , who basically raised me until I was 10 year old was a local preacher that a lot of local people knew in oak hill.
Tyree's funeral home is on Jones Avenue now. It has been since before you were born. I can barely remember it being where it is in this video, and my family moved to Oak Hill in 1958 when I was 5 years old. Who was your grandfather btw. I may know him.
Perhaps you're thinking of my father, Harry Mills, who used to be the square dance caller on WSAZ's Saturday Night Jamboree.
@@don0533 >
Thank you for sharing this.
Very interesting video. I've always heard this story but its definitely interesting to see the actual buildings and the town.
Thanks David for putting so much effort and genuine feeling into this video. Learned so much about Hank Williams and brought his memory back to life for me.
Thank you for sharing this
Thank you for this❤
I am only 51 years old but I grew up listening to his music thanks to my sweet mom . I really liked his music . You really did great with this video . THANK YOU very much . 👍
Thank you for your very kind words, Robert. I'm happy you enjoyed the video.
Beautifully presented. Thank you for making this video.
Thank you so very much for this treasure.
Thanks so much for this video. A golden voice that is hard to beat.
Nice job, David. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the video. It's so interesting to think of how long distance trips like Hank's last ride were once undertaken on 2-lane roads back before the interstate system was complete and travel became much easier and safer. You did a great job documenting the area and the last moments of the journey.
Mr Mills thank you for sharing. I learned of Hank senior through Hank Williams Junior's music. The video was well done and very respectful. God bless sir.
Thank You for this video!
Thank you Mr. Mills for this heart-felt video...
Please mr Mills don't give up ur day job,,, Singing is not ur thingy !!! lol
Great video. Gone but never forgotten.
Thanks for the video .
Great video and moving tribute! Thanks!
Sadly, many thousands have followed to an untimely death due to alcohol and drugs. Thank you for posting the video.
500000 deaths related to tobacco; 90,000 due to alcohol, and "only" 70,000 drug-related.
Mental illness is the root cause.Addiction is a real disease.I lost my son on Dec 1, 2018 at the young age of 22 to this awful disease.
@@adspur I am sorry for the loss of your son.
I’ve watched this excellent mini documentary a few times.. loved Hank he inspired me to write, thanks for sharing a wonderful video
Excellent video and narration. Appreciate it. Hank was the best.
I really enjoyed this video and information I never knew about Hank Williams. Thanks for posting and great job.
THANK YOU David....nice work.
Thank you for this. Genuine heart felt. :(
Thank you for the detail I had never heard of Hill Top you bring out this story better than what I have heard
Hey man I can feel in your heart and dedication you had presenting this video. Thank you and at one point even brought me to tears. The older I get the more of a country music fan I become and I appreciate and respect all the musicians They made country music on it yesterday.. Being a musician myself it’s hard to imagine the great talent laying in the back of a car Dead on the way to a concert. Again thank you for this video you did a great job!
Thx
He passed four years before I was born. He's the reason I started listening to his style of playing.
I always listen for the lyrics that go along with the music. Hank Williams Sr had both of those and charm to top it all off. And he always succeeded. He ranks at the top of classic country -- which for me is the only country there is. His legacy lives forever.
You did a wonderful job presenting the information on video. Interesting to learn that the highway, his final travel, was named after him. Your admiration for the legend is transmitted through your presentation of material and work. Great job!!!!
Awesome video, what a legend, thank you David.
Thanks for the very important information.
Mr. Mills, Thanks for documenting this is such a fine manner, beautiful countryside, nice little town.
Great tribute to a legend. I teared up too when you read that inscription.
Really liked your video David. I live about 250 miles N of Oak Hill so it would take me from 8am one morning to Noon to get there. but someday I hope to make the drive.
Thank you very much, stude1953. I'm happy that you liked the video and took time to write such a kind comment.
Thanks for sharing this.
I'm a big country music fan & enjoy all videos about the singers.
NICELY DONE, THANK YOU FOR POSTING =]
Thank You!
Thanks David great job my friend
Knoxville was the last place anyone saw him alive. A quack doctor came to the hotel room and gave him a shot of painkillers and it was over.
This was a blessing thank you for more info and video
Great video, David.
My aunt who passed away at the age of 92 in 2008 saw Hank Williams and his driver when they stopped in front of Bon Bon's in Mount Hope. They were on their way to Oak Hill in January 1953. My neighbor's late husband was the mortician who worked on the body of Hank Williams.
Got
There needs to be a plaque on that site!!!
This is such an awesome video David mills I have watched this before!! Months ago an it has popped up on my feed again. An couldnt help but watch again!! Thanks so very much for this!! Just awesome. New Sub Here⭐❤🤠🤙🤘🤟🎼🎵🎶👍
There Will Never Be Another Hank Ever. 🙏. The old Possum said it best. " Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes, Who's Gonna stand That Tall. !!
RIP HANK , God bless you Sir:. 🙏 🇺🇸
Thank you for this video and greetings from Finland.
Thank you for the beautiful details gone but won't be forgotten god bless you for the lovely music.
I was in oak hill for the 4th anniversary of hank sr music n life last week !!! I had a great time and loved that oak hill is keeping his memory and music alive !!!
Loved the video sir. Have you ever heard of country singer/songwriter Jack Curtis? He has spent his life performing all over the country and sounds so much like ole Hank. He has written thousands of songs. One is "Hank Williams Live on thru his Songs" which consists of a number of Hank's hit songs making up one great song!
Thank you very much for sharing. I am a huge Hank Williams fan !! I am also a big fan of Hank 11 and Hank 111. RIP Hank
This would make a good road trip for me & my father to take before he passes away. I live in Lexington, Ky & my Dad is the biggest Hank Sr. fan I know. He still has his music on reel to reel. He has since put it on to his computer, but prefers to listen to it the old way. Anyhow, he once told me Country music died, the day Hank Sr. died. I'm beginning to agree. I enjoy Hank Sr as well as a lot of country from the 60's - 90's, but I've never felt the authenticity, I feel when I hear his music. He had a way to tug at your heart. He was easy to relate to. My father's dad was an alcoholic & died at the age of 41. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I think my dad saw a lot of Hank in his own dad. Luckily for me, my dad never became a drinker.
Hank was the best. I'm so sad that he died so young. He influenced so many. Rip man and thank you for all the beautiful music.
Thank you for documenting this these last actions of our dear Hank Williams.