Last year James and I attended a concert featuring the legends of the Grand Ole Opry as they preformed at a local venue while on their nationwide tour. One of the traveling group was Hank Thompson. With aged hands he gently took my guitar and added his signature. Only the legends get a space on the guitar.
Today it was announced on CMT that Country Music Hall of Fame member Hank Thompson died late Tuesday (Nov. 7) at his home near Fort Worth, Texas, following a battle with lung cancer. The 82-year-old singer, songwriter and bandleader last week canceled all of his tour dates after being hospitalized. He played his last concert on Oct. 8 in his native Waco, Texas, when Hank Thompson Day was declared by Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy.
Neither of his parents even dabbled at music, and Thompson told writer Rich Kienzle that growing up, country was the only music he listened to and the only music that anybody he knew listened to. Radio from Dallas and the Mexican border stations featured such diverse groups and artists as the Light Crust Doughboys, the Carter Family and Cowboy Slim Rhinehart. The records he actually preferred were by country’s more traditional early stars — Carson Robison, Vernon Dalhart and, of course, Jimmie Rodgers. Then movies brought him the thrill of a cowboy who sang like Jimmie Rodgers — the great Gene Autry. Thompson got his first guitar at age 10 and began aping all these musical favorites. Peg Moreland and Ernest Tubb became radio favorites during his years at Waco High School in the early 1940s.
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CAFFEINATED POLITICS 
My deepest sympothy is out to everyone.And may god bless!!!!
Hank Thompson has been one of my favorite singers ever since I first listened to his songs. I also met him at one event. He was a very nice person, and will be missed by many of his beloved fans.
Another country music legend has left us. So sad to hear of Hank’s passing. He, like Porter Wagoner and Buck Owens, was active til the end. Who’s gonna fill their shoes?
My heatfelt sympathy goes out to the Family, I grew up listening to Hank Thompson & have most all his songs, including “I see them everywhere”…….He is a legend……………I certainly will miss him & he gave so much…………..God Bless & sing your heart out in heaven
My deepest sympathy for such a great loss to Hank`s family and to all of us who have suffered such a loss. Like so many others I grew up listening to Hank`s beautiful songs and voice. As one who has recently felt the loss of a lifelong partner and very recently the loss of a young son, my heart aches for those of us left behind. Our loved one`s now sing in a heavenly choir and bring joy to all of God`s Kingdom. We will miss them dearly until that glorious day when they greet us at heaven`s gate.
A few years back my folks and I met Hank at a local Tavern(now closed) called The Beanery(he was doing a show there). What I recall(that I thought was really priceless) was that during his break he was in the mens room taking care of business like the rest of us. When I spotted him in there I said hi and poceeded with business as well(Mr. Thompson was standing next to me). All of a sudden to loud drunks came walking in and stared in my and Mr. Thompsons direction….after a few seconds one said to the other…”Well I’ll be d***ed he p***es like the rest of us too!!!!” Mr. Thompson and I looked at each other and died laughing…..thats when he turned to me and said with a chuckle…”Well partner…I think those two have had enough don’t you.” I just laughed and nodded. He later showed up at our table, talked with my folks for a while and then gave them an autograph on a coaster laying there…..I’ll truly miss him…..
Goodbye Hank. You gave us so much great music. I reckon God needed another voice in heaven.
Donn and Nancy Moyer.
being a 44 year old guy, I grew up on pop music from the 70’s & 80’s. my grandparents listened to WHN in NY (country music) when I was a kid and instantly fell in love with it. I listen to SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse 24/7 and my 2 kids, ages 10 & 8 can sing any Hank Thompson, George Jones, etc song that comes on. by far, its the best music….RIP Hank, get that “Six Pack To Go”