It's a well-known fact that you don't ask Hank Williams, Jr. a question if you don't want an honest answer. The Boot caught Hank while he was spending time at his place in Paris, Tenn., reflecting on the tragic loss of his friend, NFL great Steve McNair, as well as on a happier subject -- his new album, '127 Rose Avenue.' True to his nature, Hank was candid when he answered a few questions for The Boot about everything from playing jokes on friends to his guilty pleasures.If you were going to be on a reality show, which would you choose?
I hate all of 'em! 'Fishing with Bocephus' is the one I'd be on.
What has surprised you most in your career?
Singing the 'Monday Night Football' theme. Who would ever have thought it would have lasted 21 years? Let's face it, that was a one-year deal with two one-year options that turned into 21. It's become an American sports signature.
What irks you the most about the country music business? If they don't add Holly's [Hank's daughter Holly Williams] record 'Mama' ... If they don't play my daughter they can kiss my ass.
What celebrity would you not want to be right now?
Probably [Los Angeles Dodger] Manny Ramirez because of the suspension [In June, Ramirez was suspended for 50 games for violating Major League Baseball's performance enhancing drug policy.] He is looked at as one of the greatest hitters who has ever played baseball.
What's the best practical joke you've ever played?
Me and a few of my rowdy friends stole the wheels and tires off a brand-new limited-edition Lincoln Mark III that my manager, Merle Kilgore, had just bought. We left it up on blocks and then we sold his own wheels and tires back to him the next day. That's about the best one of all the jokes and pranks I've ever done.
If you were going to duet with a rapper, who would it be?Oh there's a bunch of them: Me and Bobby [Kid Rock] do it all the time. Probably Ludacris, and I would have sang with Notorious B.I.G., although he's gone.
If you could put together the world's greatest rock band, who would be in it?
That's kinda hard, let me see ... you'd have Steve Gaines from Lynyrd Skynyrd in it, Duane Allman, probably have Jerry Lee Lewis on piano and Jaimoe from the Allman Brothers on drums. And Leon Wilkeson from Skynyrd on bass.
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
I like metal detecting, collecting Civil War artifacts, fishing, hunting, cigars, Labradors, the outdoor life, my baseball game, football. When you called, I was working on an old Civil War rifle. You must have hobbies!
If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?Waylon Jennings. That one's pretty easy.
What song do you wish you had written?
Toy Caldwell's 'Can't You See,' by the Marshall Tucker Band.
Is there any secret left about you that the fans don't know?
Playing the banjo. I used to do that on stage, but I stopped doing that years ago. I guarantee you there's a bunch of the twentysomethings that don't know that, don't know I play banjo and bluegrass.









Reader Comments(1 of 8)
Jim Guppyat 8-07-2009
Love ya hank
Bonnieat 8-07-2009
I LOVE HANK, JR. ALWAYS HAVE. I KNEW EVERY WORD OF EVERY SONG HIS DAD EVER RECORDED. I WAS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN HANK DIED, AND I CRIED LIKE A BABY. WHEN HANK, JR STARTED SINGING AND WAS SINGING HIS DAD'S SONGS.....HE WAS GREAT. BUT I LOVED IT WHEN HE WENT WITH HIS OWN MUSIC AND I LOVE HIM STILL!
mvcallahanat 8-08-2009
Hank, have to tell you, you were never that good. You tried to emulate your father, a different generation, but after the booze, drugs, etc, car accident, etc. s--- happens. bottom line, is that you never came back, and never will. Take care of yourslf for youself, and it will take care of you.
Don't try to be something that you're not.
mc
charlie879at 8-07-2009
Hank, they should only play Holly if the fans want to hear it, not up to DJ's to decide.
midi1at 8-07-2009
Its catch 22!! If they don't play it,how do I know if I want to hear it?
State Line Mobat 8-08-2009
You are defiantely right! There are artist & bands that never get heard everyday because of what you just said.Hey yall do me a favor & check out my favorite new band that is just now catching on.If you like southern rock then check out www.statelinemob.com.
You wont be dissapointed!
Glennat 8-07-2009
Give'em hell Hank
Welcomeat 8-07-2009
I love Hank Williams Jr. He's awsome
picker6stringat 8-07-2009
Hank,
Give my songs a listen please. myspace dot com/flattailmusic.
davidat 8-07-2009
Wow! Didn't know I had so much in common with him. Metal detecting, Labradors, fishing, hunting (I don't shoot I just sit there listening and looking), and the outdoors. I heard he could be a butt though at times. That came from someone who saw it first hand. Maybe the alcohol was talking. Hope he wrestled that demon and won!
Frank S. Pedigoat 8-07-2009
many years ago my father met Hank . They had dinner together and my father said that he was impressed with what a reasl person he is. i have never met Hank but I know that my father was nevr the knid of person to judge lightly .
davidat 8-07-2009
Well, this came from my husband when he used to work at Kentucky Lake. He saw 2 kids go ask Hank for his autograph and Hank went off on them and cursed them out. That's from my husband who love Hank Jr. and always has.
davidat 8-07-2009
Well this came from my husband who worked at Kentucky Lake at the time. He saw 2 kids go ask him for his autograph and he went off on them and yelled and cursed at them. My husband likes Hank a lot too.
davidat 8-07-2009
Sorry, this stupid program didn't tell my my first comment posted.
twb204at 8-07-2009
was your daddy the type of person that would check his own spelling?