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Free Hank 3 is an organization comprised of Hank Williams III fans, local and national touring musicians, media members, music critics, DJ's, podcasters and bloggers, all united in the effort to have the music of Hank Williams III released by Curb Records. Just like Hank III's album, 'Straight to Hell' was held up by Curb Records, his latest album 'Damn Right, Rebel Proud' was also been held up. Free Hank III also seeks to have Curb Records release Hank Williams III from his current contract if they are unwilling to represent him fairly.
Freehank3.org is happy to announce that Curb Records finally decided to release Shelton Hank III's latest album Damn Right, Rebel Proud on October 21, 2008. Though we are happy about this and it does seem like Curb Records has finally had a change of heart, freehank3.org will continue to operate until all objectives of the mission statement are fulfilled. Hank III still has another album to release with Curb Records under his current contract, and still needs to receive proper promotion for his music.
Our Mission:
The mission of Free Hank 3.org is to assure that the music of Shelton Hank Williams III is released by his label, Curb Records, in a timely method, and that Curb Records represents him equitably as an artist, and promotes his music in a fair manner.
The Story:
Shelton Hank Williams III is the son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank Williams Sr. Hank Williams III is a living legend of country music and a modern-day country music outlaw. In the late 90's Hank III signed a 5 album contract with Curb Records. During the negotiations to release his previous record 'Straight to Hell' Hank Williams III agreed not to publicy admonish Curb Records or any of it's employees or subsidiaries or he would be found in violation of his contract. Since Hank Williams III cannot come out publicly against Curb Records it is up to his fans, fellow musicians, and other supporters to speak for him. Free Hank 3.org has absolutely no direct or indirect affiliation with Hank Williams III, or his management, legal representation, or other representatives. It acts in a completely autonomous manner in conjunction with its mission statement.
Though Hank III cannot speak out against Curb Records right now, this is what he has said in the past:
(from a Brian Blair article, Oregon Music Guide)
"I'm dealing with a man (Mike Curb) that thinks he's here to protect me and he thinks that I'm the next Hank Williams, and he can't get that out of his head. And he won't give it up. That's what he's hoping for and that's what he's banking for. And he doesn't realize that that's not going to happen even though I'm screaming at him, 'Wake up man!'
"I have two whole notebooks full of songs. I have a recorder full of fucking tons of ideas. There's only two releases on Curb records, there should be five to six country albums out by now and there should be at least three rock albums out by now. Fuck, Kurt Cobain died at 27, man. I'm 31. So did Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. All them motherfuckers. That's what freaks me out. Goddamn, the machine is wasting so much of my fucking time. Hopefully that will change here soon.
"Nashville is looking for the puppet...the Mr. Perfect. That's the problem. Everybody's too clean. Everybody's too pretty. Everybody's too perfect. Everybody's too not real. I mean, look at CMT. Turn on CMT and watch 30 minutes worth of videos and look how fucking shitty it is. That's what country music has lost. They need more outlaws, men and women."
Just as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings fought for creative control, more exposure, and quick turnaround of their albums back in the mid-1970's, Hank III does so today. Hank Williams III is a living legend of country music and a modern-day country music outlaw.
Hank III's fight is not just about country music. You may not like country music or you may not like Hank III's music, but his fight is the same fight artists of all walks are fighting for creative control of their art. Weather you are a musician, painter, writer, sculptor, whatever, Hank III's fight is your fight, and he serves as an inspiration to us all.
How You Can Help:
--Support Hank Williams III by buying his merchandise HERE and by going out to see him perform live. (click here to check for current tour dates.)
--Buy Hank III's Music by Clicking Here.
--Tell you friends, family, and fellow musicians about Hank Williams III and his current situation.
--Read the Blog and join us on MySpace to stay up to date on the Free Hank 3 movement, learn about other ways you can help, and network with other memebers.
Support For Free Hank III Comes From:
Please check back to the website as the content will evole over time.
