When Hank Jr. released this song, it changed many things in many ways. He had been on the charts for years, but when The Pressure Is On album came out with this song, his career really took off. It's also on my 50 Favorites From 40 Years list #11. This song is important for many reasons, but the main reason is this #2 hit is, it defined forever the son of the most revered man in Country Music history, and put him on that same list. Only one person on earth can say he's Hank Williams Jr, and only he can sing this very powerful song. This is Hank Jr's, signature. I love Family Tradition too, both All My Rowdy Friends versions and countless others. But this became incredibly anthematic for millions, as that it was released during very difficult economic times for many fans. It spoke directly to them at a moment many needed to know someone was listening to and speaking for them. It made this album multi-platinum and endeared Hank Jr to millions of new fans. Over my 44 years of country radio so far, it's still among the most requested "older songs" . No matter what city I have ever worked in, this song is a constant. It sent Hank Jr to new and higher heights and put his run through the 80's on a new and bolder track. This song was also the major driving force pushing country towards a brand new direction that it had never been on before, and away from the pop country phase we were in. Without any question, one of our formats most influential songs of all time. You can still hear the arrangements, and style from this song in many of today's artists and songs. It's also referenced in many hit songs since. This is a rare generational song.
My Full Profile On Hank Williams Jr.
