JIMMY FORTUNE TALKS ABOUT HANK

   “Hank Williams was the pioneer that put country music on the map,” said Jimmy.

   “He was the greatest singer and songwriter of all time. Not only was he a legend, he was a household name.

   “And he still is. His music is as popular now as it was when he was alive. And think, he died in his 20’s. Just think what he could have done if he had lived on.

   “I would love to be able to write like him. I think any Nashville songwriter feels the same.”

   Jimmy grew up in Virginia. He was the 7th of 9 children in his family.

   “If you ever watched the “Waltons” on television, then you saw what my family was like,” he continued. “The entire family sang, and we all went to church. I started singing when I was real young, but I was 12 years-old before I got my first guitar.

   “At first, I played in a high school band. Then I went to playing in Moose Lodge’s and Elk’s Clubs in our local area. Before long I was playing in the Holiday Inn.”

   Jimmy’s career really took off when he received an invitation to audition for the Statler Brothers.

   “I was playing at a ski lodge in Virginia when one of the Statler Brothers approached me,” said Jimmy. “This member had to have an operation, and he felt like I could fit in with the rest of the group.

   “I was the first person they called for an audition, but they didn’t pick me right away. Instead, they held another audition in Nashville. But I did picked and went to work for them right away.

   “The original job was only for six months, or until the other member came back. He did come back after his illness, but he only lasted two weeks. He couldn’t take the strain of touring with the group. They offered me a full-time job and I took it.

   “I’ve never regretted it. They are a fabulous group of guys and entertainers. But they called it quits in 2002, and I had to start all over.”

   Jimmy did find out that he could make it on his own.

   “Like the song, “When One Door Closes,” that’s what happened. I went back on my own, and it’s been great ever since. I’ve toured the U.S., Canada, and lots of other places.

   “I’ve never performed in Georgiana, but I think it will be a wonderful experience. Anytime you have a group of Hank Williams fans, that’s a great place to be. We’re going to sing the same songs, which includes some gospel ones.

   “One of my favorite songs is “How Great Thou Art.” That tells about my faith, and where I am.

   “God Bless you and I hope to see and meet all of you in Georgiana”

Jimmy Fortune, March 29, 2011