I’m back.
I’ve been corresponding with Amy Garland, Hank Garland’s sister-in-law. I learnt from her that Steve Vai, other than being the Executive Produce of the move “Crazy”, will also be playing Hank Williams Snr. I wrote about the movie here. The post has a comment from Amy Garland! Also see this post on the movie from the The Practice Room.
Another interesting piece of trivia I learnt from Amy Garland: Steve Vai was born on 6th June and Amy on 7th June, which is the same day as Tal Farlow. Happy belated birthdays to all!
Hank Garland’s life is tragic. I’ve linked to this article before and am doing it again because it really deserves to be read. It’s a long article. The following paragraph gives a quick summary.
Hank was a well respected musician that much in demand in Nashville. He wrote music (e.g. Jingle Bell Rock) but never received any royalty for it. He received death threats after he started a music publishing company with country singer Eddy Arnold (who, according to Amy, also ripped off Hank). Hank did this as he believed record company executives ripped him off and refused to sign long-term contracts with any of the Nashville labels. Billy Garland, Hank’s brother, believes that record company executives feared Garland’s company would lure away from them the best in the business and thus targeted him. Hank later got involved in an automobile accident that his family believe was a result of foul play by the music industry. The accident resulted in Hank going into a coma for three weeks. Less than two weeks after his recovery from coma, Hank Garland was dropped off into a sanitarium and received insulin treatments, chemotherapy and 77 shock treatments that damaged his brain. When released, he was like a two-year old who was unable to tie his shoe laces.
In Amy’s words (and with some editing from me):
“That is when my husband took him out of there and hid him for over twenty years. The local Publishing end of the Music Biz “Acuff Rose” owned the sanitarium. Hank wrote a song about the place called “The Hut”. They also forced Don Gibson and Tommy Jackson(fiddle player on Sugarfoor Rag”) into the sanitarium to CONTROL these guys.It is undoubtedly the most unjust cruelty put on a human being. I also have full documentation of the sanitarium reports as well as an affidavit from a young boy that was sent there for acting up in school….he was Hank’s roommate there and told how they dragged Hank screaming down the hall and tortured him. The record execs brought in a turn table and play his song and ask Hank, “Do you remember this?” They let him go after they finished him off.
My husband worked with him every night when he would get home from being a Government contractor at Cape Kennedy Space Center, Titus ville Florida. Billy retaught Hank guitar where he gained back control of his ability to play guitar. This movie is the story about the love between two brothers. Billy lived in Nashville while Hank was there and Hank tried to get Billy to be his manager and open their own publishing Company but after the death threats were made against them, Billy left. After a fight with Billy, Hank told him he would never see him alive! Two weeks later Billy ended up by Hank’s bed side after Hank’s car was shot up and Hank left for dead!That was a nightmare for the mob biz as there were two witness’s of the gun shots. ”
Amy Garland, also told me that Sugarfoot Rag was recorded and written by Hank when his was only 17 years old, his first million dollar hit. She informed me that Hank was taken advantage of by Decca,which did not pay Hank a penny for any of his written music as well as “Jingle Bell Rock” which he wrote and they stole it from him and added two dead mens’ SSN’s. The Garlands have fought against Warner Chappell Music in Federal Court in Jacksonville , Florida. A lawyer had turned up at their home offering assistance after Billy Garland filed a 2 billlion dollar lawsuit against the company for fraud. Amy believes that this lawyer took a pay off and Hank was awarded three years of royalty instead of the forty seven years Amy and Billy believed were due Hank. According to Amy, this meant that the Garlands only received $20.00 royalty.
I learnt that Hank passed away as the lst motion was filed in Fed. Court in Jacksonville. Hank’s parting request to Bill was “Bill, go get them and make them pay for what they have done”. The Garlands are still fighting. And from what I gather, it’s been eleven years.
Thank so much. They only paid Hank two years back support while he lay passing away. Hank William’s Sr. Is the one that refered to “Th Hut” in one of his songs. Yes, this is an Injustice. We all have to pay BMI ASCAP but they don’t pay the artist anyting except the ones that kiss their tails and reside in Nashville. Hank became too powerful for them and had looked into a recording studio two weeks before his care was shot up. He was going to take all the artist with him and offer them justice and the truth.Hank had a publishign company alread called CIMGA with songs in it like “Big Bad John” and other’s and they stole that too! We have fought them for 43 years but when Big money can pay off Judges, it leaves you oweing them >Does that shed the light on who gets what & why and how far it goes. It goes all they way to the ones that lobby in Washington. I thank you so much. We are still fighting for Hank Garland’s rights! Tahnk you! Amy & Billy Garland
it is http://www.myspace.com/hankgarland
or http://www.hankgarland.com
or http://www.crazy-themovie.com
Stand Up and Fight The Good Fight. It all belongs to God anyway!
I’m sorry, I have to speak up on this one.
I was there! Someday you’ll pay for the vicious lies you spread about my Mother and my Father. My Mother was NOT involved with Dad’s accident and she definately was not decapitated in Chicago. I WAS THERE! This was part of MY life! You people have NO clue what went on.
Dad lived with us until 1965 when he went to live with his parents in South Carolina. I was there helping to take care of my Dad. I lived the struggle every day as a child. For you to do this to MY family is just plain evil.
This whole thing does such a great dis-service to Dad’s parents who took very good care of him for so many years. That is overlooked by pure ego.
You will find out, if you ever get to face God.
You will have to answer yourself. I never was so embarraced as you sabotaged the site of http://www.IMDB.com I was completly amazed at the hate towards the ones that took care of Hank. This was told by Hank Garland on film , every piece of it because you were not here or around him when his mind was restored by God. He had six months to tell the story. The doctors said it was a Miracle.This is also Documeted. A circle of the best friends and our loved ones were around his bed side when this Miracle occurred. We had many friends and mainly Preachers that came over everyday and played Hank’s music to him. Hank was very a happy man, very thankful., very greatful. I hope you find Peace with yourself .
Yes, It is documented on film and medical records. I can give you all the addresses so you can take your opinions there.
Out of respect to Hank and my family,
Please, leave us alone. Hank told the story, not you.
The Hank Garland family
“Where God Guides. He Provides”
IT IS ALL DOCUMENTED FACTS.
I maybe wasn’t able to be there at the end but I called when I could, I sent cards, I did what I was able to do. I can’t feel guilty anymore because I was told to leave Florida and Dad by “the family”. But, I was there at the time of the accident and my sister and I were with Dad for four years afterwards.
I would love to find peace with myself, but it’s difficult when you keep slandering the memory of my parents. How can I not defend my Mom when the hatrid is aimed at her? Dad loved her so I know these stories didn’t come from him.
If you have documented facts, I would love to see them. If you have addresses please, by all means send them to me. I want to see them. I want to see whatever you have on my Dad.
And by the way, The Hut, was a recording studio that was used by Columbia and I think RCA. It was owned by Owen Bradly. I believe it was a quonset hut on 16th Avenue.
I don’t hate anyone there. I hate what you are doing to me and my family. Yes, my family. As much as it pains you, Hank was my Dad. I love him and miss him everyday. They will always be my Mom & Dad.
You told me you would mail me a copy of a DVD of collections of Dad playing on tv but I guess that was just another in a long line, hey?
I hope you all get whatever it is you are looking for. Dad will live on in the hearts of many through his music alone.
Thank you
We did everyting for you Debi. I called you all the time to let you have private converstions with Hank. I am not looking for anything , I have already found what I need. The Lord helped me to look at myself. I am forgiven and I Follow the Wishes of Hank Garland. “The Hut” was Hank William’s song reference where they tortured him also. He called the Sanitariim “The Hut” does that ring a BELL>? I was with Hank for 18 years and he loved you, I did too until you showed me your hate up at the hospital to a family member of mine that also took care of Hank. You words about killed me. I am from a broken home too. Yes, I hurt too but I don’t take it out on anyone. I leave you and all the hurt at “The Foot Of The Cross” where Jesus died for our hurts, our lives, all of our sorrows.
I pray for you and I am sorry you had to be a child of the music business.
I tell you, Hank loved you. Now hold on to that. Hank Was and Always Will live in my heart too. We were very close. I did it because I Loved Him and He Loved Me,’ Please leave me alone. Find the Lord because He Will Set You Free. I do not want anything earthly, my treasures are in Heaven. Please do not disrespect my family anymore. We have had enough. You cursed Hank’s mom(made her cry and about had a heart attack) out as I called you all the time. You and your sister screamed at Nannie Garland and cussed the Lord she loved so much, me too. You hurt Hank and Nannie, myself and Nannie never got over it but she forgave you both. It was right before she passed away. The Truth Hurts >Quit Hurting us. I feel sorry for you. You and you others trashed out Hank’s move site.www.IMDb.com They were all very hurt., very hurt. I will continue to pray for you.
I’m sorry you have to now trash me. As far as you calling me all the time so I could talk to my Dad, I think I would remember that. I don’t know who you were calling but it wasn’t me. I don’t know who I was supposed to be hateful to at the hospital. I spoke with your daughter when I was visiting Dad but it was far from a hateful conversation. You guys taped all the phone conversations right? Send me copies of those conversations. I don’t want your pity all I want is for you to stop trashing my family. Stop the hatrid. Yes, the truth hurts and that’s why I’m not hearing a lot of it. Quit hurting my family. Quit hurting the future generations of Hank Garland.
The whole IMDb thing was started with attacks on my Mother. She would have been 80 last Monday. Her birthday was the same day as Dad’s mother. I’ll leave you alone if you leave her alone.
What about all those addresses? I seriously would like you to send them to me.
Debra, I can appreciate that you cherish and respect the memory of your mother. I can empathize with your need to defend the memory of your mother. From what you tell me, your mum has obviously been through a lot for you and your sister.
However, this is the internet. I’m not related to the Garlands nor am I part of the Nashville music industry. Hence, I’m in no position to assess who I should trust more, Amy & Bill Garland, or you.
But I give you the benefit of the doubt and leave an open mind. Regardless of the truth of what Amy & Billy Garland says about your mum, you should not suffer from comments being made about your departed mum on my blog. As such, I’ve removed the references to your mum on my blog. I apologize if I’ve unintentionally caused you hurt.
Obviously many things have happened to you and Amy and Billy Garland. I don’t think it’s a straightforward thing for anyone to pass judgment – the history between your relationship with Billy & Amy Garland is too complex and painful. Nonetheless I hope that the relationship between all of you is not beyond redemption. Ultimately, all of you shared the immense love of someone who has touched your lives at one point. I believe Hank Garland would be pained to learn that those he loved so much have fought so bitterly. There must be a better way for those closest to him to cherish and honour his memory.
Thank you for your understanding and kindness.
My father was truly a self made man! He taught himself guitar, eventually learning to read music and arrange for major stars, mathematics, electronics. In fact, he was so amazing that these silly stories about his tragic life are completely unnecessary in light of his own accomplishments. Occassionally there’s a morsel of truth in what Amy and Bill share, such as the statement about Sugarfoot Rag. What these two apparently don’t realize is that when Dad sold that song, he went out and bought my Mom two fur coats and and diamond wedding set. That was before Ella Fitzgerald recorded the song with lyrics! He received royalities for that song for a long time.
Bill didn’t rescue Dad from any sanitorium. Dad was there for about 6 weeks, receiving 13 shock treatments for severe depression, after his accident. (he was driving high speeds and his car hit an embankment when he lost control of the wheel. He was left with severe brain damage) I can’t tell you how many times the number of said shock treatments has changed to suit the audience over the years. This rumor started shortly after “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. My Mom, sister and I took care of our father for years after his accident. We had no insurance, and no help with his needs at the time, which included his seizures. I got to manage those while waiting for the ambulance, because they frightened my Mom. I was 11 years old. We moved to Milwaukee to be close to Mom’s family so that she could find work. Unfortunately as a studio musician, a man gives his best but is paid union wages for his work. Dad didn’t write that many songs and his publishing company was only starting to get off the ground when he had his accident. In 1965 Dad’s parents came to Milwaukee and asked to take Dad back to South Carolina with them. In dire straits, my Mom finally agreed and Dad left. Shortly after he left, my Mom died in a car accident. She had an open coffin, with head in tact. So as you can see, the tragedy didn’t end with only my father, it never actually left Debra and I. We certainly saw our fair share of life at an early age. And it was tragic enough that we’ve never needed to embellish it with outrageous stories.
My father was a real character! He was a hot headed Irish Cherokee with a quick temper and a laugh that could melt any heart! He was a fierce champion of civil rights, having come from a very poor background in Cowpens S.C. with only a 3rd grade education and being a half breed with all the scares that brought to him personally. He was eager to help any new young talent that came across his path, because he felt it was his charge in life to give back all that had been given to him by others. And he always gave far more credit to those who helped him along the way than any man I’ve ever known. We always had these young kids staying with us. He was always ready to give someone a chance or a few dollars, or find someway to help someone get a start. He won the respect of his peers the honest way, he earned it. But he could fly off the handle at the drop of a hat and scare the mother loving life out of you! And my Mom would never back down from those moments being a hard headed Swed, so life was always interesting. She was as strong a personality as my Dad, and they loved as hard and passionately as they fought. And in this passion, she was his most ardent fan!
My Uncle has been making up stories about his part in Dad’s life for decades now. I have often thought that he clearly felt left out of Dad’s career. Always the baby brother, longing to have been there at Dad’s side, he had his own life to grow into. I am greatful for his part in Dad’s later life, when Grandma and Grandpa passed over. With Caroline’s love and help, Midge’s widow, Bill gave everything he had to taking care of Dad. The sad thing is that when people build a fantasy life around something like this, reality gets in the way and it frightens the person who needs this narrative to hang onto. Most of what Amy wrote here is fiction. The movie about my fathers life is fiction. Unfortunately those who actually knew Dad in the music industry and cared about him as a man have been frightened off decades ago with threats and horror stories. It’s a little unsettling living with a Michael Moore in the family at times. Everything has to be bigger and more evil than life itself, regardless of reality. Perhaps every family has one individual such as this in their quiet family circle, spoken of in whispers at Christmas so the children can’t hear. But if you actually go to Nashville and talk to people Dad worked with, they can tell you what this has been like dealing with this conspiracy theory. Their good names and work all slandered right along with my fathers. Maybe someday I’ll sit down with my sister and a few of Dad’s old buddies, and put together the real story his life…. to honor the man! He truly was an amazing individual, and most of the most inspiring stories about him have never been shared. There won’t be any hit men, the studio guys and record company execs who came to our house for dinners all blend together to leave the most beautiful gift that was his life. In fact, I kind of look forward to the telling of this simple Cherokee story. I bet Grandfpa would like to see him remembered that way. I know Grandma would. So would Midge and Caroline. And yes… so would my Mom! After all, he was the love of her life. Yep… I’d like to see his life shared for all the genuine and authentic good things that were Hank Garland! In his own way, he really was an amazing story to behold.
Thanks for allowing me to share this.
Please go to the Townsel Sisters site and read something good and positive about Hank Garland. We champion him every chance we get. Hank knew what was happening in Nashville. The conversations we had just before he passed told me a lot about what he knew. Hank was so good to our family—-how could we ever feel anything but heartache where he’s concerned. We worked with him and saw the genius that was Hank Garland. In the two years we knew Hank—-I never saw quick anger—-just tiredness and a pace that would have killed most people but Hank could do it all and everyone wanted him. Don’t discount the love the two brothers had for each other. Billy never wanted Hanks spot—-He just wanted his brother protected and I feel he has done everything he can do on this earth for Hank and his memory. He wants it to be good too. He worshiped his brother and Hank loved him. (until the end). I’m sure God has a golden guitar for Hank in Heaven. Hank I’m sure loved his wife and girls but never got to know them. This makes me sad for Hank and the Girls. He was such a giving, loving person that his big heart held all the people mentioned above and remember—-it’s his memory that we should honor for all the things he gave to the world of music , while fighting for his very life. The Townsel Sisters—-(Lana)
Sorry if I duplicated. Scratch one. I Did’t think the first one got through. The Townsel Sisters
Please go to our site and read some positive things about Hank Garland, The Townsel Sisters
Debi,You oue nothing to any one about your love for your dad and mom. I remember some times you spoke of your dad (Hank)and it was with love for him and mom. You and your sister grew up away from your core family in the mid west. From what I could see your aunt and uncle give you two the same love a mother and father would give there own natrual childern. Your Mom and Dad can’t be trashed as long you hold them in the light of your being. For the short time you had with them I would say you girls were the core to there lives. You two were born from there love of each other and no one can take that from you.
This was brought to my attention and when I read the comments I was very angry and I still am. I will jump into this one as our family has Never had any issues with Hank Garland’s Children or any of their family. We all agree on that and Hank’s Children will always be very special to any of us.
We are a private family and no one appreciates the so called Tribute to Hank Garland on this web site. We feel very hurt and would never have anything against Hank’s Children or their family.
We would appreciate for you to remove anything having to do with our family from this web site. With Respect to our family remove any and everything to do with our family and Hank’s Family.
Mrs. Garland and Family
I came back to this page as I can not believe that Hank’s children and I have you promoting these hurtful comments. I will say that Hank’s children and I have suffered enough. You use our Hank for your gain. You obviously do not care about Hank, his children or I so I am giving this to our attorney,
You have given me no other choice. You are one in a million that do not respect our private lives and you obviously will go beyond and use Hank’s name for your own gain,
Hank’s children and I are very hurt by our action,
Mrs. Amy Garland
this movie was nothing but a huge mistake…i knew it when i saw it. I don’t think Hank was about destroying his daughters and the family of his friend billy byrd. It was told totally from one persons perspective…Hank told me that when he met Stevie Vai that he is so evil his birthday is 6 6 66. In my heart i knew this was flawed then, Hank would never fall in with such people. thankfully the movie was a complete bomb commercially. There were 6 in the theatre when i saw it as a “limited engagement”. Hopefully the factual and wonderful story of Hank Garland will be told by a biographer.
an added comment re. the movie. After talking to cathy copas hughes, the daughter of cowboy copas about her father’s part in the movie…she counted 10 people in the theatre when she went and it was so “far out” as far as the truth, and disgusting in content, she got up and left early. This was a bad movie from the view of everyone i have ever talked with.
Debra, you don’t know me but I’m a distant cousin of your father from Tennessee. (The Cherokee descent) I just found out through Ancestry that I’m related to you and your father.
I understand that nobody likes to hear Mom and Dad talked about bad right or wrong. I agree some of the private parts of the there lives should not have been touched on.
Hank was everything you say and more but what I like about this movie is it “outed” the people that did Hank wrong and used your mother to do so. I have been in the music business over 20 years and have experienced some of the same type of actions against me. Nashville & LA are the snakepits of the world when it comes to music and people like your father arrive every day looking for a break..and you know what? this film is a wake up call to them.
I agree on a different page that all of Hanks good should over-shadow the bad but you can’t change the past. I spoke with your uncle Bill on the phone who I found to be a very nice Christian man who cared deeply about his brother. I hope that one day the family can do the right thing and unite behind Hank instead of being divided. I know your father would have wanted that! 
I never understood what my father told me as a boy until now…”you are kin to the fastest guitar player in the world” he told me that when I was 12 I’m now 44 with kids of my own who also player guitar. My great grand parents are
Isaac & Orpha Garland.
If you would like info on the Garland line email me @ steveblevins@comcast.net
God Bless
~Steve
Steve Blevins
Hello Steve, very nice to meet you. I don’t know much about Dad’s family except for his parents and his brothers. I’m sorry you were taken in by Billy’s fake christian act. Billy never cared about the truth. This movie had no truth in it when it came to Dad and his family.
Debi,
We could not agree with you more. If the story was done like it was told to them it would have been great. Actually the movie is about the injustice’s that were done to Hank Garland’s family. We saw the movie when it was too late and you can not imagine or maybe you can how we felt.
Hope everything is good for you and the family,
The Garland Family
I play guitar and Love Hanks playing .I will keep talking about him and sharing his music to anyone that is willing to listen.He will always be remembered.
I saw this movie. I know and believe the music business is corrupt and will destroy what it cannot control or contain. Furthermore, I too, live in Tennessee and know about corruption in this state, that goes way beyond the music industry.
This man’s ability on the guitar is legendary, a true prodigy indeed.
I do not know who did what to whom, but the man is loved by many, personally and professionally. His family should be very proud.
I love Hank Garland’s music. Through his music and his memory, he will honestly live forever.
Iam a cousin to Bobby Helms. He wrote and sang Jingle Bell Rock. I have done extensive research lately and came upon info that related to Bobby and Hank. Both of their lives were threatened during that period. This only leaves us to believe that one of the threats was carried out. However, Maybe the case of Hanks death should be opened if any doubt still exists.