When I was growing up, there were two Hanks that you needed to know about: Williams and Snow. I was kind of confused when I realized all the kids at school didn’t know this. I liked both Hanks, but as compelling as Mr. Williams was, I confess I liked Mr. Snow the best.

Here he is with the Rainbow Ranch Boys performing I’m Movin’ On

http://youtu.be/MRz8nXFVegc

Not only were they a great band, they had some fantastic outfits going on, don’t you think? And Hank’s hair was a masterwork.

Here’s a tune I’ve liked since I was a kid, Zeb Turney’s Gal

http://youtu.be/MG7SfCmRSoQ

I’ve Been Everywhere was written by Geoff Mack in 1959 and  popularized by Lucky Starr in ’62. This was not quite the I’ve Been Everywhere we know today – it featured Australian place names. Hank Snow adapted it for American place names. In my opinion Snow did the definitive version of this song until Handsome Ned appeared on the scene in Toronto in the 80’s and breathed new life into this classic country tune.

http://youtu.be/W47c6w46Cgc

Finally, let’s close this post with something we can all sing along to: The Wreck of the Old 97.

http://youtu.be/JFNquNYWlt8

For those who don’t know, Hank Snow wasn’t just the other Hank, he was also the Canadian Hank, born in Nova Scotia.