Hank Williams Stories: -Mac Wiseman Remembers His Old Friend Hank

Mac Wiseman talks about touring with Hank Williams, helping Hank write I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, watching Hank play 5 encores at his Grand Ole Opry debut and shares a lot of other first hand stories of his friendship with Hank.
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I interviewed Mac Wiseman at his home in Nashville, Tennessee back in 2014. He was kind and generous with his time. He talked about working with Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs and a ton of other all time greats. And then he started talking about Hank Williams. It was the first time I had ever met someone who was friends with Hank, so I probably asked him way too many questions. He didn't seem to mind and he even shared some stories that he asked me to keep secret, so I did. Mac is no longer with us, but his legend casts a very long shadow. I hope this interview brings you as much joy as it has brought me.
Here's the link to the full interview. Scroll down to episode 93 and 94.
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#Fieldrecording #podcast #MacWiseman #HankWilliams
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[@merlehaggard2696]

Over 50 years and still the greatest country singer-songwriter ever. Yes, Merle Haggard is up there.

[@mikeaubuchon8573]

Man I can't never get enough of stories about Hank Williams . Simply put - the greatest country music artist of all time . People like to debate the greatest country artist of all time - PEOPLE , there is NO debate Hank is , was and always will be the greatest country artist of a time .

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Mike!

[@Iz0pen]

No question about it!

[@maxdelozier5752]

Looks like Frankie enjoyed this as much as I did...thanks Otis

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Max!

[@vernaburns1629]

I like your roommate.

[@randalclarke5487]

I live in Texas... everyone says "King George" ie. Strait... eff that- the King of Country Music will ALWAYS be Hank Williams!!!

[@charlesleeray4147]

George Strait is self proclaimed king

[@dishrod3516]

No doubt! I like George Strait but Hank Jr. has been the king of my lifetime. (Born in ‘78)

[@shanebrabham4491]

Hank THE King

[@ronhochhalter3491]

Bob Wills is still the King (west of the Mississippi) Strait might be the most boring performer I've ever seen, although I respect that he has a list o hits a mile long

[@nickschratz4613]

@TheJimmieRodgersFan ernest tubb also

[@robertwynkoop7112]

This interview is so solid, and represents a documentation of oral history that would otherwise be lost. Thank you Otis.

[@jakewalker694]

Thanks Otis. I can't hear enough of, or about Hank Williams,

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Jake!

[@joelake7986]

I can never hear enough Hank stories.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Joe!

[@damohanson5393]

Minnie Pearl said the exact same thing that she followed Hank and never again. She said the women loved him and he would put on a show so phenomenal that nobody wanted to ever follow Hank. She said she never saw a performer that had the effect on the audience that Hank did. She recognized he was on a different level and she saw them all.

[@JimmyT995]

If this was 5 hours long I’d listen to every word

[@otisgibbs]

So do I, Jimmy!

[@Poncho758]

In 1952 I was 6 years old, Hank played Live at the calabrese club, in Westerly RI. I was 6 years old, I went to see him with my uncles and my grandfather. I will never forget it. I remember it like it was yesterday. At my uncle funeral 40 years later the played all of Hank Williams songs, I sat there in tears.

[@carlosford1226]

I had read about Bob Hope's issues with following Hank. With typical Hope humor he would come on stage wearing a cowboy hat and say, "hi, I'm Hank Hope."

[@maryhanson2996]

Minnie Pearl said after hearing Hank the first time" Don't ever put me on behind him again. He's to damn good! "

[@MarshalAllenBailey]

That happened at the Civic Auditorium in Great Bend, Kansas. The building still stands and is the police department now.

[@s.r.r.]

Anyone was better than Minnie Pearl in my estimation. I really didn't like her act at all.

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

I met Minnie Pearl when I was 5 years old in 1959 West Covina California at Cals Coral A Cal Worthington Car salesman at the Old torn down Carousel Theater

[@albertlaw786]

@@s.r.r. bet you were NEVER EVER as popular as she was as i have never heard of you

[@samuelhumphrey5908]

"Im so lonesome I could cry" is one of the best vocals of all time x

[@rondarawson6236]

I like ......lonesome blues..my favorite....❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@josephbuyck7127]

Lost highway is the best he was singing about himself

[@josephbuyck7127]

@@kevindean1327 yup except maybe kaw-liga

[@barrygioportmorien1]

The great Mac Wiseman, another country icon we lost recently .Rip Mac.

[@Mantanhattan]

Love this! Mac Wiseman is a uniquely articulate individual. Thanks, Otis.

[@tombennettonemanband]

What a damn good interview. I cant tell ya how many nights I've driven across Arizona or New Mexico alone in tour and listened to Hank all night. It feels like 1949 out there in those deserts. This was a great interview. I was glad to hear Ol Hank wasn't a wreck all the time.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Tom!

[@jasonadams371]

Mac was a awesome man I was lucky enough to be a guest at Mac's birthday party i believe it was his 90th. It was a honor to be a part of the party with a lot of Country music royalty

[@glencoe6305]

Was that at the ET Record Shop ? I listened in Live to that Birthday Party on a Sunday afternoon.

[@koDaffi]

There used to be a ton of videos on youtube from an old Hank Jr album that had nothing but people telling Hank stories. Ernest Tubb, Minnie Pearl, Jimmie Dickens etc. For some reason they all got taken down. I would give anything to be able to find them again.

[@damohanson5393]

I heard part of the one with Minnie. She said Hank was the most talented, charismatic performer she’d ever seen.

[@markshfr1]

Really enjoyed it man, Mac Wiseman talking about Hank, nothing more interesting to a guy like me

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@andrewbowen8122]

That cat really does like these tapes lol. It’s absolutely staggering how many great songs Hank Williams wrote. I don’t doubt this man for a second. Sharp as a tack.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Andrew!

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite Hank Williams song? There are so many great Hank songs, so it's hard to choose. I'm a bit partial to the Luke The Drifter stuff. Picture From Life's Other Side, Men With Broken Hearts, stuff like that. What's your favorite?

[@65kcsmith]

I believe that "I Saw the Light" is as good as any song I have ever heard!

[@otisgibbs]

@@65kcsmith That's a good one for sure, Kenneth! : )

[@otisgibbs]

@@mma1st105 That's a beautiful memory and I appreciate you sharing that! : )

[@randalclarke5487]

Six More Miles to the Graveyard or Angel of Death, though Mansion on the Hill is way up there!

[@otisgibbs]

@@randalclarke5487 Excellent choices, Randal!

[@toddwilliams1380]

These interviews are just plain awesome!! So many good stories are not being remembered & just lost in time! Such a shame, Thank you for sharing!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Todd!

[@MrMorrisonAF]

When I was a kid my grandmother would jam out to her country and me and my sister would like scrunch our faces and go how could anyone like this crap!!?? Since she’s been gone it’s crazy how something you use to laugh at now makes you cry.. I really wish I could of shown her some of these videos she would of absolutely loved them 💜

[@jamesm5547]

Fascinating hearing first person accounts of Hank's as a person & performer. I've always liked "Hey good lookin'". I remember my Mum singing that song when she was in a good mood and as a kid I learned the lyrics listening to Mum. When I strum my flat top I sing it now, my wife rolls her eyes, makes a comment about that "oldie again?" and is usually singing along by the second verse! ✌

[@otisgibbs]

I'm with ya, James. It kind of hit me when I was sitting there in Mac's living room listening to his stories that I'd never talked to anyone who was friends with hank Williams. I started asking him way more Hank stories than I had planned. I apologized to him a few times for going on about Hank, but he was cool and understood. Now that Mac is gone, I wish I would have asked a few more questions about Hank. Live and learn.

[@WilhelmWilder]

@@otisgibbs you should try and interview Billie Jean Horton if you ever get a chance. She may be one of the last links to ol' Hank.

[@RETROTV1394]

Hank Williams is second to none... Legendary!

[@bobbymerriott1842]

I love your episodes Otis. God Bless you. I remember being a little boy around 1964 I was 6 yrs old and ol Hank would come on the A.M. Radio I would tell momma I like that man Hank. I still do. I get tears just thinking bout him. I don’t know why. I think it was how sad he moaned in his songs mixed with the story he sang about it seemed so real. Probably because it was. Thanks Otis. RIP Hank✝️🙏🎸❤️

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bobby!

[@DeeMoback]

I have a recording on cassette of Hank sitting on front doorstep of his Momma's house in Georgiana, Al where he lived as a boy.........it was taken from an old wire recording..... he used to sit and play UNDER the house sitting on an old car seat..... my ex-wife's grandma went to school with Hank.... . Then they moved away to Starlington, Al

[@Austin18025]

Please upload!

[@mandoist]

Mac was one of our most accurate and able historians of American music history (much of his knowledge from personal experience). His multiple achievement awards and appointments to the highest positions in Country & Blue Grass music organizations are testament to the value people placed in his wisdom and common sense. Several organizations are those which Mac was a founding member and major force behind their successes (the Country Music Association and Hall of Fame being two of those entities). Mac was also a most humble and friendly person. His stage demeanor was exactly who he was; he had no "stage persona" like many artists adopt. Mac was 'Mac' regardless of where you might catch up with him along the music trail. Always happy to discuss music, musicians, hosting radio programs, American history, the medical & pharmaceutical fields... he had many interests in life. BTW: Some of the events and personalities Mac was questioned about here? Well, he knew exactly the when, where, and what. His ability to recollect and his sharp memory were with him to the end. However Mac was forever the humble and polite man who knew what NOT to reveal. On many an occasion I heard him make a point, when asked about a potentially negative event or rumor, to not offer any disparaging recollections of those who weren't alive to defend themselves. Of all my favorite people in this whacked-out business, Mac was hands-down one of the people I have most respected through the years. Human beings like Mac are seemingly few and far between these days.

[@PLINKER]

I was a big fan of Mac Wiseman's for a long time

[@robertplant9710]

The best thing my dad did for me was name me Hank. Really enjoyed this thanks

[@darrenwilson6224]

Your interviews are really good Otis. Great stories

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for saying that, Darren. It's a bit of a lost art these days. : )

[@neilwood8794]

Fantastic to hear these stories -priceless. Thank you Ottis for providing us these charms.

[@spacealienjesus709]

Thank you for keeping these stories alive.. I love this channel , i feel like i am there in these wonderful tales..

[@ayronsmama05]

RIP Mac, loved Macs music and self forever. Thanks for these Otis, you bring so much to the things I love and nudge the memories of the good ole days!!

[@amyk5164]

I love this!!! I have the Mac Wiseman Story album. Mac signed it on December 12, 1978!!! I was all of 8 years old at the time.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Amy! : )

[@3340steve]

So wonderful to hear Mac Wiseman talk...so much history.....it makes me feel southern to hear him about places like Shreveport and Lake Charles, places I look forward to visit once the plague ends...thanks for the history lesson ....nice to have Frankie join us....

[@otisgibbs]

I'm definitely ready to hit the road as soon as it's safe to. Frankie is sitting next to me and he says hello from Indiana! : )

[@speedyvan5991]

I love all these stories , even though ive had to youtube some of the people, there is a lot I didn't know, thanks

[@julesotis13]

good kitty uncle otis ...plz keep telling them stories thanks - stephen jules otis

[@dwayneconaway1733]

Love Hank and his music, thank you!!! I sing all Hank songs and people still want to hear them!

[@frankjamesenglishartist]

Another awesome interview.. I have heard some other interviews where Jr. talks about the parties and in typical all night blues or juke joints if they could not stay there they went back to a musicians house all night, thats what the parties were like and musicians like Fats Dominoe.. amazing hang outs.. wonder if Bob Hope ever went to one of their parties.. 12yrs ago i was commissioned by an epic local concert promoter to create a drawing along with his 1st part of biography i included Bob Hope whom was a close friend of his.. people forget about Bob's history and wide range of experience and talents.. I got so much flack for including Bob in the drawing from people whom don't get it.. Hank is massive for me it was his songs and Neil Young songs that finally got me singing and playing guitar from that place.. As a kid i had various funky organ and small vintage (this was the late 70's early 80's) keyboards i wish i still had must have been first of their kind.. never had a lesson never knew what i was doing just jamming.. my parents were extremely young auto union Detroit young hippies, massive amounts of music all the time.. Lincoln Park we had a family radio tv shop a few blocks away a few generations.. Bob Seger, MC5 n many more stomping grounds.. mid eighties i begged for a guitar but it was the height of the satanic music scare and more, my parents refused so i made a mock flying V in woodshop junior high when we lived in Kansas for a few years due to economic depression, we moved a lot mostly in towns south of Detroit called downriver.. Got my first guitar when 14 a cheap classical acoustic that tore up fingers but thats what i learned on.. then i found another cheap classical acoustic in the garbage... wrote songs/poetry since junior high everything came together playing and singing Ohio, Harvest, You Win Again, Lovesick Blues in the late 90's.. Kick myself big time for not seeing Hank the III in Detroit the many times he played the essential small clubs in the 90's i hope to see him someday here when things get back on the road.. Learning 3/4 time with Buford Jones downriver and So Lonesome I Could Cry and more was a beautiful privilege..

[@mitchmclean3898]

What could be better; first-hand accounts of my favourite singer and a cat chillin' out listening along with you.

[@bclarke4389]

Otis: You're an absolute blesssing, thank you!

[@TheGaryJonesJr]

My papa was Ray Price. Would love to tell you stories of him and Hank.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ sooooooo awesome Otis. We grew up listening to Mister Mac Wiseman. Beautiful to hear him speak his heart

[@denise9831]

I’d love to hear more. Thanks.

[@jamiemullins5877]

Good one Otis! The man was a monster, I'd say my all time favorite artist.

[@elvisfan6475]

Love all those old stories. Old HANK was such a great man. Mac had some awesome stories.

[@tommywood343]

I love the stores about ol Hank Sr. Love all Hank song's. But one of my favorite songs is I'm so lonesome I could cry. R.I.P Mr Hank Williams 🙏

[@theunknown4570]

The last King. Will be Alan Jackson.

[@walterbriggs272]

My first tune I learned on guitar was jambalaya, and have since learned the version by Homer and Jethro

[@ellisebarb7076]

Hank was it at the time he was the opera he didn't know how much of à STAR he was.

[@olcountryboy5485]

Otis, my friend, i Thank You so much ,for sharing this particular story , with Mac talking about Hank! I grew up listening to Hank And Mac! Several others too. But Hank , well ya know, all them songs.

[@randalclarke5487]

We gotta all stick together and keep classic Country music alive!!

[@dagnallsingstheblues1783]

Great story. Just be on the same floor as Ol Hank when he's in his cuffs.

[@ericlong9085]

I'm a big hank fan, that was great thank you

[@anthonyraywright]

What recorder was used? The quality is nice.

[@mikehummermagic7856]

Tough question Otis.....Lost Highway, Honky Tonk Blues and I’m a Long Gone Daddy immediately come to mind. You’re right, Luke The Drifter stuff is great. BTW.....Souvenirs of a Misspent Youth has been in heavy rotation in our home recently.🙂

[@otisgibbs]

All excellent choices! Thanks for spinning my record and I hope it hasn't lowered your property value. ; )

[@mikehummermagic7856]

Otis Gibbs 😂 I think property value has held steady. Of course when ever it’s playing and someone stops by, it’s always the same question......”Who is that singing?”😂

[@otisgibbs]

@@mikehummermagic7856 That's tremendous! : )

[@TheOldYellers]

Too many good hank songs but I’ve always enjoyed playing Move It On Over cuz you can get the crowd involved in singing along and it’s hard for them to follow the directions and just sing move it on over...

[@otisgibbs]

That's a good choice. Any time you can get the crowd involved, you're doing something right!

[@markmoscatello9461]

Otis hey buddy. I can't wait to hear this.

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Otis you should write a book, and do a paragraph or a page or so, from each of the people you have interviewed. It would be an interesting read of a mix of talented, entertaining people.

[@bellesmom238]

Otis , cant thank you enough, listened to all the stories, Thanks for keeping all these memories alive

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Dennis!

[@coderedcamaro4812]

I'm loving these old time stories that happen 30 years before I was born.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@billedwards2657]

My favorite Mac Wiseman song: going back to Bristol. It’s like the little step cousin music town to Nashville, and the place I happened to make my home. It was name dropped in O brother where art thou? Among other places. Hank was last seen at a little diner in town before they headed up to WV.

[@otisgibbs]

I've eaten at that diner a couple of times, Bill. I really dig Bristol. : )

[@jenningsjennings2051]

I could listen to this stuff all day and all night

[@keithsandulak9844]

You could upload every portion of all your interviews, the longer the better👍

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! I might have to do that, Keith! : )

[@johnisaacdavey]

Wow. What a nice little bundle of gems. "Hearing" Hank Williams through other peoples' voice serves to crystallize the legend of the man.

[@ericcrawford3453]

37th anniversary of Elvis death with that date Otti flashed at beginning of this. Love this interview, with Mac Wiseman on Hank. T.C.B. ⚡

[@joehoward848]

I love music all kinds. Country, rock, r&b, Christian . I was born in Florida in the year of 64.all these guys was just awesome .Waylon and Willie, Hank Jr, Conway, George Jones . All these guys I would love to hear there stories.i have favorite singer now but none of these entertainors after like 1990 I couldn't give a shit about I think anytime before 90s it was harder life u had to be hungry for the business if not one hit wonder and byebye .maybe because u couldn't see your favorite artist back then only once while . But for some these guys where heros to us. They had stonger drives writing and playing good music, the money was 2nd the respect they for themselves to be rember for along time. Some hit hard times and made thru it giving wasn't a option. I would assume all these people knew what hard worker was and apply it there craft , no, can't wasn't in there vocabulary.lots of brothly love

[@bossmusic8536]

*Otis Gibbs* music is a human body part now because with help of music people feel active thanks for this dear i love your music

[@otisgibbs]

Damn straight! : )

[@otisgibbs]

And thank you for the kind words!

[@mtndon329]

I met Mac when l was a stage manager at bluegrass festival. I think he was the kindest, nicest man l ever worked with. I’m honored to have carried his guitar.

[@ToddBurge]

Otis, this was just killer. Thank you. Ring my 🔔 again soon

[@CatfishCounts]

Loved it. Thanks, Otis!

[@emmachamness1748]

The handful of mashed potatoes must be where Jimmy Dickens got his joke about his girlfriend embarrassed him so bad he dropped a whole handful of mashed potatoes

[@steveendicott1855]

This is great. Please Otis do more of these about Hank . I have a group " Hank Williams: There's A Tear In Our Beer Fans ". These would be great for my group. Thanks for the jsrd work!

[@stansmad]

Seen Mr. Wiseman at Bean Blossom several times. Always a great show and such a gentleman.

[@wheninroamful]

Otis, i was there when the first "FOR THE DIE HARDS" aired and just watched the Kurt Cobain SLTS Guitar being sold video that just came out. One of the best YT channels out there, and that's saying a lot, but rarely do i go back to Home Page when a video of yours just pops up and played. I appreciate all you do!!!

[@TheOldYellers]

Otis thanks for the stories. Always looking forward to more. Keep on trucking and giving a damn. Looking forward to seeing you someday and a chat.

[@otisgibbs]

Dang man, I can't wait to get back to hanging out and chewing the fat with folks. Let's hope it's sooner than later! : )

[@TheOldYellers]

Otis Gibbs praying for this for sure. Hopefully soon.

[@ElroyBeezley]

I could listen to him talk all day.

[@donclemons7637]

Fabulous interview. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@joev4483]

Such a great service you're providing...many thanks 😊

[@arctichare8185]

Franky enjoyed it as much as we did.

[@otisgibbs]

Definitely! : )

[@baneverything5580]

I met Claude King but he hated talking about the music business and would take control of the conversation if it was brought up, curse it all, talk about hot checks, ripoffs, and driving his own bus, and switch to a better subject. He told me he wouldn`t wish it on his worst enemy. I found out after he died after reading some books that he`d toured with Hank. I wish I could have talked to him about it. Speaking of fishing...the fish would quit biting when I`d start tearing them up and holler at Claude to come over from his little houseboat on the Sabine River at the top of Toledo Bend Lake. I just wanted to see him catch just ONE fish! LOL! FUNNY STORY: Claude knew my dad but asked him to keep the fact that he was famous quiet. One morning I was asleep and hungover after playing in Jackson, Mississippi two nights from 9pm to 5am then driving all the way across Louisiana to the LA/TX line to get back home. Somebody kept beating on the door...over and over...and I finally got up in a rage and yanked the door open and gave the person an earful. "Sorry!" He said. "I was wanting to ask your dad if he was gonna use the deer stand this evening." My dad told me about a week later, "Do you know who that man was you cussed out? Country Music Legend Claude King!"

[@Mr1978Dan]

Just because aware of your channel recently Otis. Really been enjoying your videos. You are a great story teller!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Dan! : )

[@scottwyatt5173]

"Hank Williams was the king of country soul My Daddy took me see him,but he didn't show People got mad and they all went home First thing they do was put his records on

[@glencoe6305]

I heard once that Hank and Audrey got in an argument in their home once and June Carter was there. Hank being pissed off and drunk,pulled out a pistol and shot it off inside,narrowing missing June Carter.

[@sartainja]

Governor Jimmie Davis of Louisiana was the writer of the classic, “You Are My Sunshine.”

[@ianmcculloch8531]

Great stories, I love your channel, and that damned pesky cat. LOL

[@tattoobillyband7725]

Great interview

[@FreethinkingSecularist]

Oh wow! Love it. Thanks for sharing this entertaining part of history.

[@riverman6655]

Thank you Otis....I'm hooked on these stories ..

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@briandrake9020]

This is great material. Thanks for it theres so much people dont know about these music giants and your doing a great thing cant wait to see more.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Brian!

[@michaelmathews8984]

Not sure how i got to this channel, but im so glad i did. Keep telling your stories your way. Great job.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Michael!

[@michaelmathews8984]

@@otisgibbs my pleasure! Wish we could get together and do a little picking. But then i woke up.

[@douglasbright134]

I really enjoy your interviews you are a national treasure 🤠

[@banjomasterr]

I just did some work down In lake Charles funny he talked about it 😂

[@srankbichgomory69]

Those captions are really helpful! I didn't understand... was Hank fishing using money as a bait or smth?

[@otisgibbs]

It's been a while, so I'm not sure. I think he meant he was drunk and dropping his money out of the boat. I should probably relisten all the way through. : )

[@srankbichgomory69]

@@otisgibbs It's on 6:57 but yeah, he says he was in his cups.

[@iseeicyeyeseeayesea8283]

Man! I had a cat named blackjack 10 years ago, identical! The same white up the nose, paws, seriously uncanny! Sadly he got a urinary tract infection and started walking with his head sideways til he died. I thought he was back to life there lol. Great Hank story too thank you

[@gussmiles9888]

Charter Member of the Foggy Mountain Boys..

[@INDYOSKARS]

Each video of yours I click on seems to be better...

[@julesotis13]

just random but kinda cool he mentions new mexico and baltimore as a baltimore native long time new mexican by choice lol and love seeing ur meows otis