When I joined the army at age 17 in 1949 I knew very little about country music, and I had never heard of Hank Williams, who at the time was the current favorite writer and singer of country songs.

However, when I arrived at Fort Ord, California for Basic Training most of my barracks mates were from the South — and country music was the only kind they listened to. At the time, their favorite song was "Lovesick Blues" sung by Hank Williams.

After hearing the song for 500 times or so, I found myself beginning to like it, and found myself enjoying Hank singing many other songs as well (the vast majority of which he also wrote).

I've been a big fan of Hank Williams ever since.