This long-awaited autobiography of Hank Snow traces his life from humble beginnings, through his emergence as an entertainer in Canada, the United States, and throughout the world, to his stature as one of the most influential figures in country music today. But more than a rags-to-riches memoir, this book presents Hank's life and career in his own voice, with remarkable candor and incredible detail. It provides the first extensive look at the early development of country music in Canada, reveals the inner workings of the music industry (including Hank's vital and unsung role in launching Elvis Presley's career), frankly discusses the nonglamorous side of stardom, and offers the reflections of an outspoken artist who has been professionally involved with country music for nearly sixty years.
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Even those familiar with Snow's all-time hit "I'm Movin' On" may not realize that his early Canadian life was full of dreadful emotional and physical abuse. As a way of getting away, Snow joined up with a fishing schooner at the age of 12. He had become interested in music playing his mother's mail-order guitar and soon purchased one for himself. After listening to Jimmie Rodgers records, Snow decided to pursue music as a career. His first big break was landing a radio show, and Snow began entertaining throughout Canada. Eventually, he entered the United States and realized a popularity that spun him toward world attention. Of particular interest is a chapter covering his association with Elvis Presley; it was Snow who helped get Presley signed on at his agency and secured an RCA Victor recording contract for the King. For a time, Presley served as Snow's warmup act. An engrossing story; recommended for collections that emphasize country music.
Kathleen Sparkman, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Kathleen Sparkman, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
It was a long, hard climb indeed for Snow, who, admiring Gene Autry, even tried his hand as a singing cowboy with an acrobatic horse. After countless appearances in Canadian music halls and on small-town radio stations, he got his first really big break--when Ernest Tubb put him on the Opry in 1950. Snow seemed not to go over, but shortly afterward recorded his own song, "I'm Movin' On," which topped the charts. Snow was a big star for the next two decades with his sentimental ballads, train songs, and "tales" of the Yukon. When one considers how much material Snow must capture here, his story is forgivably discursive; he recalls his brutal, impoverished childhood in Nova Scotia and innumerable personalities, and he weighs in on the big issues facing his industry, such as the slick top-forty system that keeps new talent from emerging. In at least one instance, Snow covers new territory: his friendship and business dealings with Elvis. One of the King's first gigs was to close for Snow, and Snow got Elvis on the Opry. He claims with considerable documentation that both he and Elvis were bamboozled by Tom ("Colonel") Parker, "the most egotistical, obnoxious human I have ever had dealings with." An essential purchase for country-and-western collections, even though Hank Snow recordings are hard to find. John Mort
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating book about a fascinating man.,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Hank Snow Story (Music in American Life) (Hardcover)
A terrific book about a fine man, a great singer, and a great great guitar player. A must read for any true country music fan!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
a satisfactory read,
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This review is from: The Hank Snow Story (Music in American Life) (Hardcover)
if you like hank snow you should enjoy this. its a good read but does not give anything away i wish he would have named a few names,but otherwise ok cheers
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I could not put the book down . . .,
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This review is from: The Hank Snow Story (Music in American Life) (Hardcover)
After I started reading, I could not put the book down. It is a story told in raw truth . . . a heart-wrenching story of a boy out of Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, abused by a step-father, Hank left home at age 12 and travelled a tough trail growing up to be a man, He became a hard worker, driven and determined, and eventually made his way into country music entertainment. It's an amazing story how he formed his own entertainment troupe and travelled town to town throughout eastern Canada. Of course, there's all the intrigue of his eventual move to the United States, his many hit songs, even a contact with Elvis! What a tale he has to share!
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