Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
Encyclopedia
"Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" is a 1975 single written and performed by Waylon Jennings
. "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" was a track included on the album Dreaming My Dreams and would be Waylon Jennings' fourth number one on the country chart as a solo artist. The single stayed at number one for one week and spent a total of sixteen weeks on the country chart. The song was covered by Uncle Tupelo
and released as a bonus track on their 2003 re-release of Anodyne
.
The B-side to "Are You Sure ..." was "Bob Wills is Still the King," a tribute to the music of Wills. Although it never charted on its own, "Bob Wills ... " gained airplay and continues to be a staple at classic country radio stations.
covered the song in 2010 for the Waylon Jennings tribute album, The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Volume One, which was released on February 8, 2011. Alabama's version was released as a single on December 13, 2010 via The Valory Music Co.
The song was also included on the soundtrack
for the 2009 film Crazy Heart
.
Clint Black
covered the song on his 1999 album D'lectrified
, inserting Jennings' name in place of Williams'. Black's version adds an extended instrumental section, and features Jennings as a guest vocalist.
Waylon Jennings
Waylon Arnold Jennings was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Jennings began playing at eight. He began performing at twelve, on KVOW radio. Jennings formed a band The Texas Longhorns. Jennings worked as a D.J on KVOW, KDAV and KLLL...
. "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" was a track included on the album Dreaming My Dreams and would be Waylon Jennings' fourth number one on the country chart as a solo artist. The single stayed at number one for one week and spent a total of sixteen weeks on the country chart. The song was covered by Uncle Tupelo
Uncle Tupelo
Uncle Tupelo was an alternative country music group from Belleville, Illinois, active between 1987 and 1994. Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primitives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for Rockville...
and released as a bonus track on their 2003 re-release of Anodyne
Anodyne (album)
Anodyne is the fourth and final studio album by alternative country band Uncle Tupelo, released on October 5, 1993. The recording of the album was preceded by the departure of the original drummer Mike Heidorn and the addition of three new band members: bassist John Stirratt, drummer Ken Coomer,...
.
The B-side to "Are You Sure ..." was "Bob Wills is Still the King," a tribute to the music of Wills. Although it never charted on its own, "Bob Wills ... " gained airplay and continues to be a staple at classic country radio stations.
Song content
"Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" pays homage to the influence of Hank Williams Sr. in country music and the changes that had taken place since his death more than two decades earlier. Although the changes per se are not specifically stated, the singer speculates that Williams would not have done things the way they were currently done.Cover versions
Country band AlabamaAlabama (band)
Alabama is a country music and southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The band was founded in 1969 by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry , soon joined by Jeff Cook...
covered the song in 2010 for the Waylon Jennings tribute album, The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Volume One, which was released on February 8, 2011. Alabama's version was released as a single on December 13, 2010 via The Valory Music Co.
Big Machine Records
Big Machine Records is an Independent American record label specializing in country music artists. It was launched in 2005 by former DreamWorks Records executive Scott Borchetta. The label was part of a joint venture between Borchetta and country singer Toby Keith, although Keith dropped his...
The song was also included on the soundtrack
Crazy Heart (soundtrack)
-Limited Deluxe Edition:#"Hold On You"#"Hello Trouble"#"My Baby's Gone"#"Somebody Else "#*Performed by Stephen Bruton#"Somebody Else"#"I Don't Know"#"Wesley's Piano"#*Performed by Thomas Canning#"Fallin' & Flyin'"...
for the 2009 film Crazy Heart
Crazy Heart
Crazy Heart is a 2009 American musical-drama film, written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb. Jeff Bridges plays a down-and-out country music singer-songwriter who tries to turn his life around after beginning a relationship with a young...
.
Clint Black
Clint Black
Clint Patrick Black is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor. Signed to RCA Records in 1989, Black made his debut with his Killin' Time album, which produced four straight Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country...
covered the song on his 1999 album D'lectrified
D'lectrified
D'lectrified is a 1999 album by country singer Clint Black. It is also the first album in Black's career that he produced by himself....
, inserting Jennings' name in place of Williams'. Black's version adds an extended instrumental section, and features Jennings as a guest vocalist.
Waylon Jennings
| Chart (1975) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 60 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 21 |
Alabama
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs | 53 |