There are a variety of moments packed into Hank Williams’ too-brief profession when the singer and songwriter would change nation music eternally. However the first, the one which divides the style (and American music historical past) into its pre- and post-Hank eras, occurred on April 21, 1947, when Williams recorded “Transfer It On Over,” his debut single for MGM.
The addictive observe, which seamlessly blended a velvety Western swing with the visceral Deep South blues that fashioned Williams’ musical spine, would change into Williams’ first hit quickly after it was launched in June of that very same 12 months. In addition to bringing Williams his first style of success, the tune additionally anticipated and influenced what would change into rock and roll whereas immediately remodeling the period’s “folks” sound.
Hearken to “Transfer It On Over” on Hank Williams’ 40 Biggest Hits.
“Transfer It On Over” has the contours of a novelty tune – in spite of everything, it’s about asking one’s canine to make room after one has been despatched to the proverbial doghouse. Apocryphally, although, its inspiration was fairly literal: Williams’ spouse and supervisor Audrey would lock him out of the home after one too many late nights. Additionally apocryphal is the oft-told story that this was the tune that made Fred Rose, prolific songwriter and co-founder of Acuff-Rose publishing, promote Williams from his publishing contract to a bona fide report deal.
The recording
Much less mythic are the tune’s musical sources, which stretch again to the daybreak of the recorded blues. The precise melody Williams makes use of over a basic 12-bar blues kind has its roots in “one of many first hits in recorded Black music,” as critic and historian David Hajdu describes it in his e book Love For Sale. That hit was “Jim Jackson’s Kansas Metropolis Blues,” recorded by Jim Jackson in 1927. It might be remodeled by blues pioneer Charley Patton into “Going To Transfer To Alabama” in 1929 after which ten years later by bandleader and composer Depend Basie into “Your Purple Wagon” earlier than Williams discovered success along with his personal interpretation — which gleaned only a trace of the Basie take’s cosmopolitan slickness to shine up its decidedly relatable lyrics and Williams’ bluesy inflection.
The sleek sound got here courtesy of Purple Foley’s backing band, who had been introduced into Williams’ first session for the label after his personal band proved to be a bit of extra prepared for a roadhouse than that period’s Nashville recording studios. The ensuing single, nonetheless placing many years later, is impeccable in virtually each regard, from its tempo – someway rollicking and sultry without delay – to its big-band-inspired name and response, to its jazzy guitar solo and pedal metal filigree, to – after all – Williams’ easy swing with a barely detectable pressure of blue yodel.
The reception
“Transfer It On Over” was a near-instant hit, reportedly promoting over 100,000 copies inside just a few months. It solely reached No. 4 on Billboard’s nation chart (then known as “Most Performed Jukebox People Data”), however its success was sufficient to deliver Williams each his first press and his first substantive paychecks: he quickly put a down cost on a home, purchased himself a automobile and his spouse her first fur coat. It was the primary tune he performed when he joined the Louisiana Hayride in 1948, and remained his signature hit till he recorded “Lovesick Blues” in 1949.
The tune has been recorded quite a few instances (notably just a few many years later by George Thorogood and the Destroyers) however its actual legacy might be in 1955 single “Rock Round The Clock” – the primary mainstream rock tune, during which Invoice Haley & His Comets retooled that very same arpeggiated blues melody that Williams used to such nice impact right here.
Hearken to “Transfer It On Over” on Hank Williams’ 40 Biggest Hits.