Farewell Hank Thompson; Hall of Famer Passes Away

Just a few days after being moved to hospice care and announcing his abrupt retirement, Hank Thompson passed away at his home in Keller, TX. Thompson suffered from lung cancer, the same ailment that claimed another Hall of Famer, Porter Wagoner, less than two weeks ago. Thompson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and was a pioneer in the truest sense of the word throughout country music’s illustrious history. In his career spanning seven decades, he was the first to broadcast his television show in color, the first to travel with his own sound and light system, the first to record in high fidelity stereo, and the first to have corporate sponsors. He was also the first to record a live album and when the news broke that Hank Thompson had been moved to hospice care, Randy Kohrs dropped by and filled us in on a little more about that album:

Many of you may not know but Hank recorded the first live LP “Live At The Golden Nugget” and built the sound system to be able to record it himself from electronic knowledge he learned in the Navy. He most definitely falls into the hero category of the country music legends. His legacy will live on through his music which is undeniable.

Thompson didn’t experience the resurgence in popularity that Porter Wagoner did near the end, but he was able to enjoy Hank Thompson Day in his home state of Texas less than a month ago on October 8th where he performed for the last time. Farewell ye Hank Thompson and may country music remember you.