The Essential Hank Snow

Hank Snow

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 29, 1997)
• Original Release Date: April 29, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000002WZE
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,965 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #21 in	Music > Country > Cowboy
  #30 in	Music > Country > Roadhouse Country
  #64 in	Music > World Music > North America

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Tender ballads, urgent travel songs, infectious boogies--Canadian Hank Snow not only handled them all, but he handled them quite well and rode them all to the top of the country charts. His music was a logical extension of his idol Jimmie Rodgers's style, and Snow's letter-perfect, prudently effective vocal delivery and crisp, tasteful acoustic-guitar runs graced countless (actually, 36) top 10 country hits. This 20-song collection provides a nice introduction to his various styles and captures all of his best-known songs. His own compositions "I'm Movin' On" and "Rhumba Boogie" plus covers like "I've Been Everywhere" and "I Don't Hurt Anymore" were not only hugely dominant hits (Shania wasn't the first Canadian country phenom), but they remain cornerstones of country. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent music, great sound, but........., August 31, 2000

By	Ronald George Reagan (Steele, MO) - See all my reviews

Hank Snow. One of the most important people in country music history no doubt. I've been a Hank Snow fan for many of my 27 years and while this is a good set and serves as a decent intro to his music, there's a little bit lacking here. First of all, BMG misses all of his early, early hits from Canada that would've made for nice listening. Also, they fail to represent Hank's undying love for the music of Jimmie Rodgers (he released 2 LP's of Jimmie's music) or his love for gospel music. It's not that they didn't have enough room for it either as the CD only runs around 55 minutes and a CD can hold up to around 75-80 minutes of playing time. Yes, this works as a great intro to Hank's music, but BMG could've given a bit more such as "The Next Voice You Hear" or "Merry Go Round of Love" which are minor hits in comparison to "I'm Movin' On", "Hello, Love" and others, but are still first rate cuts.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far and away the best collection of "The Singing Ranger", February 18, 2005

By	Paul Tognetti "The real world is so much more... (Cranston, RI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

He was a star in his native Canada for quite a few years before he exploded onto the American country music scene in early 1950 with his debut single "Marriage Vow". American audiences just loved him and before that incredible year was over Hank Snow would become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and his recording of "I'm Moving On" would top the Billboard "Top Country Singles" chart for a record-setting 21 weeks! Hank Snow would go on to become one of the biggest country acts of the 1950's and would ultimately be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979.
"The Essential Hank Snow" chronicles his 30 year run at RCA records. This disc features 20 of his all-time best digitally remastered for your enjoyment. There are so many outstanding tunes in this collection that it is difficult to choose a favorite. I have been always partial to Hank's incredible 1962 hit "I've Been Everywhere". I also thoroughly enjoyed the rollicking "The Gal Who Invented Kissin'" from 1952, an odd mix of country and calypso that works just perfectly. Also included is "I Don't Hurt Anymore" which topped the charts for 20 weeks in 1954. Incredibly, every single one of the 20 tracks in this collection were Top Ten country hits. I enjoyed all of them.
After perusing the available options on amazon.com I have come to the conclusion that this is by far the best Hank Snow collection available. The collection comes with extremely interesting liner notes and as I mentioned earlier the remastering job is terrific. If you are a fan or a student of American popular music like I am, this disc is an absolute "must have" for your collection. Highly recommended.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely! One of THE BEST, November 28, 1999

By A Customer

I am 49 years old and was raised on this fine gentlemans' music. I love and buy all types of music. But ya know what? I listen to this CD at least once a week. Why? Because it makes me feel good!