Books by Paul R. Nail, PH.D.
ISBN: 9781634102025
A Psychological Biography of Hiram "Hank" Williams: Much More to His Story, Volume III
“In the concluding volume of his psychological biography of Hank Williams, author Paul R. Nail, Ph.D., puts readers inside the famous country singer’s mind, as Hank navigates the tormented ‘lost highway’ of his final two years.
“From the heady heights of his skyrocketing career at the beginning of 1951, to the depths of his tragic demise in the back seat of his chauffeur-driven Cadillac in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 1953, this extensively researched and highly insightful final book of a three-volume biography is a seismic addition to the study of Hank Williams’s short life that ended at age 29.
“I highly recommend it to everyone fascinated by the Hillbilly Shakespeare.” – Carl Eddy, noted Hank Williams expert, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and author
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ISBN: 9781682359655
A Psychological Biography of Hiram "Hank" Williams: Much More to His Story, Volume II
Volume II picks up in 1943-44, right where Volume I left off, with Hank’s courtship and marriage to first wife, Audrey (Sheppard) Guy Williams, his rise to fame at the Louisiana Hayride, 1948-49, and at the Grand Ole Opry, 1949-50, before success began closing in on him by December 1950.
Hank was only 27 years old at the time, and no one knew that he had only two more years to live. Despite Hank’s growing alcoholism, marital and health problems, and eventual addiction to prescription drugs, his last two years were perhaps the most productive and successful of his career.
“A special feature of Volume II is that Dr. Nail devotes an entire chapter to the art and craft of songwriting. Here, Nail provides what I believe is the most accurate and comprehensive analysis to date of the relative contributions of Hank and his publisher/song editor, Fred Rose, to Hank’s songs. Like Volume I, Volume II is a must-read for anyone seeking greater understanding and insight into the short but fabulous life and career of the legendary Hank Williams. I wholeheartedly recommend it.” – Ed Guy, noted Hank Williams expert
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ISBN: 9781682357330
A Psychological Biography of Hiram "Hank" Williams: Much More to His Story, Volume I
“Nail’s biography is a must-read for anyone seeking greater understanding and insight into the short but fabulous life and career of the legendary Hank Williams. I wholeheartedly recommend it.” – Ed Guy, noted Hank Williams expert
Dr. Paul R. Nail provides the most comprehensive biography to date of Hiram “Hank” Williams, The King of Country Music. He begins with Hank’s humble origins from a broken home in rural Alabama in the 1920s and ’30s, through nearly a decade of lean years, honing his skills in the rough and tumble honkytonks of south Alabama.
His story includes his often volatile marriage to first wife, Audrey (Sheppard) Williams, the reputed inspiration for many of his songs, his rise in fame at the Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole Opry, and finally his untimely death on New Year’s Day, 1953. He was 29 years old.
In Hank’s short life, he suffered from congenital back problems, binge drinking, overwork, back surgery, overmedication, divorce, and perhaps most of all, a broken heart.
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About the Author
Paul R. Nail holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Texas Christian University (1981). He grew up in rural Oklahoma in the 1960s but did not become a Hank Williams fan until discovering his body of work in 1984. Now retired, Dr. Nail was a college professor, researcher, and author for 39 years. Herein, he brings together classic and contemporary theory and research in psychology to provide a unique perspective into the life and career of Hank Williams, widely regarded as the most influential singer/songwriter in country music history.
