By Ken Paulson
Historical documents rarely sound this good.
The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 is an extraordinary treat, capturing Hank Williams in his prime in performances that have gone unheard for 64 years.
The recordings stem from discs distributed to a number of radio stations across the country, and in this case, aired by KSIB in Creston, Iowa in February 1950. Stations created the illusion of a star in their studios, a sponsor received valuable exposure and the artist managed to “visit” far-flung communities without leaving Nashville.
These recordings were intended to be heard just once in each community and never listened to again. Instead, we now have vibrant versions of “Lovesick Blues,” “Mansion on the hill” and “Mind Your Own Business,” among others. Highly recommended.
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