Hilary Williams Visits Herzog
History of the Historic Space
Herzog Music and the historic E.T. Herzog studio space frequently welcome curious travelers and music historians in celebration of all that took place there from 1945-55: where Henry Glover produced the city’s first R&B in Bullmoose Jackson for King Records, where groundbreaking artists like Delmore Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs cut crucial tracks, and where artists like Patti Page caught the world’s ear.
Of course, Hank Williams also recorded in the space. Two sessions, in fact; including “Lovesick Blues” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” He’d also record “Lost On the River” at Herzog, a duet with his wife Audrey.
And so it was a distinct honor this weekend to welcome Hank and Audrey’s granddaughter Hilary Williams to the Herzog space. Her dad—Hank Williams, Jr.—was in town for a show at Riverbend with Kid Rock.
Hilary Williams with Herzog commemorative marker at 811 Race Street
Hilary, an accomplished artist in her own right, made her debut this year at the Grand Ole Opry and has just released the album My Lucky Scars.
A lifetime in the making, Hilary Williams’ debut LP, “My Lucky Scars,” is a musical statement you won’t soon forget. That album title refers to the real-life marks on Hilary’s skin from a devastating car accident in 2006 that nearly claimed her life. The journey to overcome that near-death experience plays out in the album opening track, “Angel Take My Hand” as well as “Sign of Life.”
Hilary also enjoyed a piano in the Herzog studio space, which was likely in the very room her grandparents stayed in while recording; we can only wonder what melodies Hank himself might have worked out on its keys.
Hilary Williams at the same piano her grandfather likely used to work out arrangements
Other recent guests to the historic E.T. Herzog studio space include Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick, Third Man Records artists Pokey LaFarge and Olivia Jean, Marty Stuart, Steve Earle, Chris Scruggs, members of the Wallflowers, and more. Patti Smith rehearsed in the space for her 2013 appearance at Memorial Hall. New music continues to be made in the sacred space, including a limited edition 7” by Craig Fox and Shanel Harris, now available for preorder. Olivia Jean’s new album Night Owl also includes tracks cut at Herzog.