As I study the history of country music I think it all goes back to Hank Williams n the Carter family.The Carters opened the door.Hank Williams took our music to town.When Hank went to town the pop singers loved it.Hank Williams n the Carters.They are the reason it is big.They were close enough for June to be Hank jrs god mother.Sometimes the stars just line up!

The door got wide open whrn Johnny Cash took them with him on the road.

Svallen I think Cash gave the carter music a rebirth.He took them to a younger audience.Espeacially the folk kids.There is no question about that.Hank Williams did alot in the few yrs he was around.Only 29 yrs old.

Yes you are right.
Several of the gospel songs Hank wrote was not much different than those of The Carter family.I guess Hank used some melodies from The carters on his own songs.

One might pose the question: Did Johnny do more for the Carter Family, or did they do more for him? Through TV and tours, Johnny certainly brought well-deserved recognition to their long and illustrious career. Mother Maybelle and June had seen how Hank Williams had self-destructed, and with their love and support, I believe they helped save and prolong the life of Johnny, the man that still lives in our hearts.

June I could not have said it any better.I believe that the carters seeing Hank Williams self destruct helped them deal with John.We all know how much the carters helped John.I am trying to bring in the Hank Williams angle.I think Hank Williams was huge.From John to Kris to Waylon Hank Williams was a big influence.

I personally don't think that a discussion of country music in mainstream America would be complete without a tip of the hat to Jimmie Rodgers. He and his fellow recording stars/competition, The Carter Family, opened the door for true American music finding it's way onto record players and radio stations within every class of society. And he helped to integrate music in a way, with the inclusion of Louis Armstrong and his wife in his recording sessions.

Even John knew the influence of this pioneer, when he performed Rodger's songs, and even dressed as the Singing Brakeman, in the ill-fated Carnigie Hall show in 1962.

Yes, and JC mentioned Jimmie Rodgers when he (JC) had Louis Armstrong on his TV show - as well as when Merle Haggard was his guest.
With Armstrong, JC did a yoodle song together which Armstrong and Rodgers recorded (or performed) in the early 30s.

Jimmie Rogers n the Carters were the first!Hank Williams took it to the next level.Move it on over was Rock n roll to me.Before it was named rock n roll.

Here is a link to an site with lots of information about the Carte family.
www.bluegrasswest.com
Lokk very interesting and good music here.Link is at the left.

Great thread, and that NPR article is so good...if it raises your intrest, read the WIll You Miss Me book that is referenced, and also check out the PBS American Masterpiece Show available o DVD....great stuff!

Terry it is good to hear from you again.

Here is a video of Anita singing with Hank Williams. I am sure most people have seen it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4e700oABl4

No, I didn't see that before, and I'm grateful you shared it with us on the forum. Thanks.

It is a great video ....very rare video appearance by Hank that is still available. He had a crush on Anita, which was not approved of by her parents ...no surprise there!