Hank was in Nashville when I first went there in 1946. He was then known as "Junior Garland" and played with Paul Howard's band. He later became known as "Sugarfoot" Garland after recording Sugarfoot Rag. Hank practiced 8 hours every day and soon got into a jazz mode. He recorded 5 albums, one of which I have had for many years and play quite often. A few years after I left Nashville he was in a bad auto wreck that crippled him up badly and caused permanent memory loss.

The reason I bring this up at this time is that I visited with him in his home just before Christmas -- after learning that he now lives with his brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Amy, about 20 minutes from my office. It was heartbreaking to see him in his condition. It really made me think of how blessed some of us other oldsters are to still be kicking around and enjoying life. Hank is about 6 months younger than me.

I was apprehensive about visiting him, as I did not know what his physical or emotional condition might be. I was pleased to find that he is up and about, although he walks with a cane. I was also concerned as to whether it would bother him to talk music, but he loved it. I asked him if he remembered Jabo Arrington who played twin guitars with him on Paul Howard’s band. He said, “Didn’t he have a missing forefinger on his left hand?” I said, “Yes.” He told me that some things come back to him immediately, but if they don’t register immediately, they are gone forever. I mentioned several other musicians who were in Nashville when we were there. Some of them he recalled but others he could not.

Bill said that he had cared for Hank for all the years following his car wreck. They are wonderful people who love and protect Hank. At this time they wish simply to keep him out of the limelight and allow him to live out his life in peace. For that reason, I will not be giving out his address or phone number.

One room of their house is dedicated to Hank’s memorabilia, and Bill has tapes of hundreds of songs with Hank playing guitar. Before I left Hank gave me a rare "box-set" of his 5 CD albums and an autographed picture taken at a time when I knew him as a young man. As Bill walked me back out to my car, I asked how Hank was really doing. Bill responded, simply, “Roy, he is at peace.” I suppose that, in the end, that is all that any of us can hope for.

[This message was edited by Roy Ayres on 05 January 2003 at 06:22 AM.]

Also, there is a very informative website on the net about Hank. You can find it at: www.hankgarland.com

[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 07 January 2003 at 03:57 PM.]

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JUST 'CAUSE I STEEL, DON'T MAKE ME A THIEF

[This message was edited by John P.Phillips on 05 January 2003 at 06:12 PM.]

For those on the forum who've not heard Hank Garland, if you love great guitar playing, you ABSOLUTELY MUST hear him play. I never met him, but his ability still inspires me.

He's an absolute legend.

Yes it does - I've spoken with Amy Garland today and I asked that very question.

Thanks for posting this, I went to allmusic.com and read up on Hank and was really impressed, I love Jazz also so that helped. It was neat to see that Hank played on a Junior Brown album as well as Asleep at the Wheel (Western Standard Time) and Brent Mason's great 'Hot Wired'

I will be getting some of Hank's CDs

And if you are reading, greetings Hank!

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Regards, Craig