Health & Happiness Shows

I ordered this through Amazon from a seller named horizons50. They sent a similarly named CD but it was not what Amazon has shown. Amazon describes it as a double-CD with 49 tracks but horizons50 sent a single disc collection with only 37 tracks. The cover is different also.

This 2 CD set features all eight "Health and Happiness" radio shows recorded by Hank Williams. These shows were all recorded in October of 1949, over two succesive Sundays. They were made to advertise the patent medicine "Hadacol", although no mention of the product is made on these CDs. The shows are taken from transcription discs, which were sent to radio stations to play on the air. The eight shows were 15 minutes long with commercials, which aren't included here (the commercials were to be read by a local disc jockey and weren't on the discs). The shows open with Hank's theme song, "Happy Roving Cowboy", during which Hank and the Drifting Cowboys are introduced by announcer Grant Turner. Then Hank plays one of his hits before a commercial break. Back from the break, another song is played before another commercial break. Unfortunately, on the second, third and fourth shows, this song is sung by Hank's wife, Miss Audrey. Audrey was a regular part of Hank's live shows, even though she couldn't sing worth a lick. Back from the second break, Drifting Cowboy Jerry Rivers plays about a half a minute of an old fiddle tune. Then, it's "hymn time" as Hank sings a country gospel song. The show closes with Hank saying, "If the Good Lord's willing, and the creeks don't rise, we'll see you again before long", before Jerry Rivers plays the fiddle tune "Sally Goodin" until the fade out. Hank and his band are excellent throughout these shows, Miss Audrey is not. The shows are a bit scratchy in spots, since they were recorded from very old records. But they are still sure to be enjoyed by any fans of old Hank.

These CDs receive five stars for content, but sound quality unnecessarily pulls them down to four stars.
I. Content
(1) For those of you who are fascinated by this haunted singer and want everything he ever recorded, these shows are essential. Hank's 1948 and 1949 hits never sounded better, and these versions are superior to the better-known, original recordings. This was the only time Hank allowed the electric guitar to predominate, and guitarist Bob McNett gives these versions a pleasing rockabilly quality. "Lovesick Blues" and "Wedding Bells" are far better than the originals. They're also tighter, more serious, and with better sound quality than the Grand Ole Opry versions (which are constantly interrupted by prompted applause). "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "You're Gonna Change" are bluesier than the originals. All Hank's other vocals are more crisp and up to date. Especially outstanding is this version of "I Saw the Light". It has far more vocal inflection than the flatter original version, and it sounds almost like the YOUR CHEATIN' HEART movie soundtrack.
(2) Hank's between-song prattle is fascinating and humorous. Hank's accompaniment on Jerry River's fiddle tunes is a hoot, with Hank singing regularly in a falsetto voice. On Show 3's fiddle tune, Hank really gets carried away in voice and laughter.
(3) The folksy CD packaging is the best of the Mercury series. The CD holders actually protect the CDs, for a change. The booklet is fascinating, with several photos I've seen nowhere else.
II. Sound quality
(1) Mercury unwisely decided against using noise reduction on these tracks. As a result, the popping and crackling on several of the songs is unpleasant, distracting, and annoying. This is especially true on the first few shows, as well as on all the "Happy Rovin' Cowboy" intros. When Mercury stripped several of the gospel songs to use on THE COMPLETE HANK WILLIAMS box set, they belatedly used noise reduction, with pleasing results.
(2) All isn't lost, however! If you want Hank's Health and Happiness vocals, with noise reduction and startlingly good sound quality, buy the inexpensive little British CD, LOST HIGHWAY (Delta, UK, 2000).

In conclusion, buy this set to complete your collection. Then, buy the Delta CD to actually LISTEN to. Mercury records, it's amazing how close you came to doing this one right.

This is actually the first and only release in history of the complete Health & Happiness Shows. The recordings were mastered from transcription discs from the Country Music Foundation and the surface noise is left intact for the authenticity, plus you don't hear any of the commercials aired at the time these were broadcast on the radio. The shows were about a half hour each and for the most part ended with a hymn, the phrase, "If the Good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise, we'll be sure to hear from you again" and the fiddle tune "Sally Goodin'" while the start of each show is done with Hank singing the cowboy tune "Happy Rovin' Cowboy." The shows were recorded at WSM radio and were broadcast nationwide. As a plus, the liner notes are great as well. Old time radio buffs, country music collectors, and Hank fans must have this set in their collection.

This one is long overdue to be released. For once, I have an opportunity to compliment Mercury Nashville on a Hank release. You have the complete H & H shows here, folks. This is well worth the buy!