Hank Garland remains a somewhat enigmatic figure in guitar history, despite his undeniable impact on popular music. While many recognize his cheerful guitar work on the perennial Christmas hit “Jingle Bell Rock,” few are aware of the breadth of his talent and the tragic turns his life took. This article delves into the story of Hank Garland, a true guitar innovator whose career was marked by both brilliance and adversity, making him a legend in the world of guitar players and session musicians alike.
From South Carolina Prodigy to Nashville Sensation
Born in Cowpens, South Carolina, Garland’s musical journey began incredibly early. By the age of six, his prodigious talent was already turning heads, drawing crowds from miles around to witness his performances. This early start fueled a rapid ascent in the music world. At just 14, he made his radio debut on WSPA in Spartanburg, showcasing skills that belied his young age. By 16, Garland’s ambition led him to Nashville in 1949, initially joining Paul Howard’s Western Swing band. Though child labor laws briefly forced him back home, his return to Nashville was inevitable and permanent, marking the true beginning of his indelible mark on the music city.
Garland quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician. His versatility became his hallmark, effortlessly navigating genres from country and rockabilly to jazz. His guitar work graced recordings by some of the biggest names in music history. Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister,” Patsy Cline’s heartbreaking “I Fall to Pieces,” and the Everly Brothers’ infectious “Wake Up, Little Susie” all bear the unmistakable stamp of Garland’s guitar genius. His ability to create iconic hooks, like the unforgettable seven-note intro to “Little Sister,” solidified his reputation as a master craftsman of guitar lines. Guitar expert Wolf Marshall aptly described this riff as “one of the greatest in rock-and-roll,” a testament to Garland’s inventive and impactful playing.
His demand as a session player was immense. Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, and Jerry Lee Lewis all sought his talents, recognizing the unique flavor Garland brought to their music. Beyond session work, Garland also pursued his own artistic vision, releasing original instrumental recordings that highlighted his diverse musical interests, seamlessly blending country twang with rockabilly energy and sophisticated jazz harmonies.
“Jingle Bell Rock” and “Sugarfoot Rag”: The Hits and the Hardships
Among his many recordings, two stand out for their enduring popularity and the controversies surrounding them: “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Sugarfoot Rag.” “Jingle Bell Rock,” released in 1957 with Bobby Helms on vocals and Garland’s distinctive “happy guitar,” has become an inescapable Christmas classic. Every holiday season since its release, the song’s cheerful melody and swinging rhythm have filled the airwaves, department stores, and homes around the world.
Despite the song’s immense and lasting success, Garland claimed he never received proper royalties for “Jingle Bell Rock.” He and Helms believed they were cheated out of ownership and profits by Decca Records. This grievance led to a lawsuit in 2003, backed by compelling evidence presented by Garland’s brother, Billy. The Garland family possessed original sheet music for “Jingle Bell Rock” in Hank’s handwriting and a sworn statement from a studio musician affirming Garland and Helms as the song’s writers. However, the powerful Nashville music industry proved resistant, and the dispute remained unresolved.
Similarly, “Sugarfoot Rag,” a popular instrumental Garland wrote and recorded at the young age of 19, also became embroiled in copyright disputes. Despite Garland copyrighting the tune in his name, Billy claimed that two additional names were later added to the copyright, diverting a significant portion of the royalties away from Hank. These experiences fueled Garland’s frustration with the Nashville music industry and its practices, leading him to seek greater artistic control over his work.
The Byrdland Guitar and Jazz Aspirations
Garland’s innovative spirit extended beyond his playing. In 1955, he collaborated with Billy Byrd and the Gibson Guitar Corporation to design a unique instrument – the Byrdland guitar. This hollow-body electric guitar, named after both Byrd and Garland, featured a shorter neck and closer frets, specifically designed to facilitate faster playing and complex chord voicings. The Byrdland became a favorite among jazz and country guitarists seeking enhanced playability and a distinctive tone, further solidifying Garland’s influence on guitar design and performance.
Garland’s ambition wasn’t limited to commercial success. He harbored a deep passion for jazz and sought to push his musical boundaries. In 1960, he released “Jazz Winds From a New Direction,” an album considered groundbreaking for its time. This influential jazz record showcased Garland’s sophisticated improvisational skills and his deep understanding of jazz harmony. Even jazz guitar icon George Benson recognized Garland’s mastery, calling “Jazz Winds From a New Direction” the work of “a guitar master” and citing Garland as a significant influence on his own playing.
The Tragic Turn: Accident and Aftermath
At the peak of his career, tragedy struck. In 1961, a car accident drastically altered the course of Hank Garland’s life. While driving his Chevy Nomad station wagon, a tire blew out, causing the car to careen out of control and throw Garland through the windshield. He suffered severe injuries, including head trauma, and fell into a coma for three weeks.
Adding to the tragedy, the medical treatment Garland received after the accident further compounded his suffering. Upon release from the hospital, he was admitted to a mental institution where he underwent a series of shock treatments and heavy medication. His brother Billy believed these treatments, intended to help, instead inflicted further damage, significantly reducing Garland’s mental capacity and dexterity, effectively ending his career as a performing musician.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain shrouded in suspicion. Billy Garland has long maintained the belief that the car crash was not accidental but a deliberate attempt on his brother’s life, possibly orchestrated by figures within the Nashville music industry due to Hank’s outspokenness and pursuit of his rightful royalties. While concrete proof remains elusive, the Garland family’s conviction underscores the darker side of the music industry at the time and the potential dangers faced by artists who dared to challenge the established order.
Legacy and Enduring Influence
Despite the tragic curtailment of his career, Hank Garland’s impact on guitar playing and popular music remains significant. His innovative techniques, his versatility across genres, and his distinctive guitar lines have influenced generations of guitarists. His work as a session musician shaped the sound of countless hit records, and his solo recordings, particularly “Jazz Winds From a New Direction,” continue to inspire musicians seeking to expand their musical horizons.
Recognition for his contributions came in various forms. Garland was inducted into the North American Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998 and his name was inscribed on the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame. George Benson’s public acknowledgment of Garland’s influence and Vassar Clements’ visits to play music for him in his later years further highlight the deep respect he commanded within the music community.
Hank Garland passed away in 2004, leaving behind a complex legacy of musical brilliance intertwined with personal tragedy and industry exploitation. While the controversies surrounding his career and accident may never be fully resolved, his music endures, a testament to the extraordinary talent of a guitar genius who left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music. For guitar players, Hank Garland remains a figure of inspiration, a reminder of the power of innovation and the enduring magic of the guitar.
