Hank Garland stands as a monumental, yet often understated, figure in the landscape of American music. Renowned among musicians as a guitar virtuoso, his innovative playing graced countless hits across genres, from rock and roll to country and jazz. Though his name might not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, his guitar work is undeniably etched into the soundtrack of the 20th century. This is the story of Hank Garland, the guitar player whose talent shaped an era, but whose career was tragically cut short amidst a web of industry intrigue and personal misfortune.
Born Garland Perryman, Jr. in 1930, Hank Garland’s prodigious talent emerged early. By the age of six, his guitar skills were already captivating audiences in his hometown of Cowpens, South Carolina. His professional journey began in his early teens, quickly leading him to Nashville, the heart of country music. Garland’s exceptional speed, precision, and versatility made him an in-demand session musician, a sideman who could elevate any song with his distinctive guitar licks.
Image alt text: Hank Garland, legendary guitar player, jamming with Vassar Clements and other musicians in his home, showcasing his enduring passion for music despite health challenges.
Garland’s guitar became the secret weapon on numerous chart-topping records. He was the guitarist behind Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister,” crafting the iconic opening riff that guitar expert Wolf Marshall hailed as “one of the greatest riffs in rock-and-roll.” Patsy Cline’s heartbreaking ballad “I Fall to Pieces” shimmered with Garland’s sensitive accompaniment. The Everly Brothers’ infectious harmonies in “Wake Up, Little Susie” were propelled by his energetic rhythm guitar. His discography reads like a who’s who of mid-century music icons: Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brenda Lee, and many more all benefited from the “Sugarfoot” sound.
Beyond his session work, Hank Garland was a visionary artist in his own right. He penned the instrumental hit “Sugarfoot Rag” at just 19, showcasing his compositional skills alongside his instrumental prowess. His ambition extended beyond genre boundaries. In 1960, Garland released “Jazz Winds From a New Direction,” an album that defied expectations and cemented his status as a true guitar innovator. Jazz legend George Benson, who counts Garland as a major influence, described the album as the work of “a guitar master,” highlighting its profound impact on musicians seeking to push creative limits.
Image alt text: Hank Garland, a highly respected guitar player, pictured with his Cadillac and several guitars, reflecting his passion for both music and automobiles.
However, for all his musical accomplishments, Hank Garland is perhaps most widely recognized, ironically, for a song he claimed he never received proper credit for: “Jingle Bell Rock.” Released in 1957, this Christmas classic, featuring Bobby Helms on vocals and Garland’s signature swinging guitar, became an instant holiday staple. Decades later, “Jingle Bell Rock” continues to be a perennial earworm, generating substantial royalties each Christmas season.
Despite the song’s enduring popularity, Garland alleged that Decca Records, the label behind the hit, unjustly denied him ownership royalties. He and Bobby Helms, according to Garland and corroborated by studio musicians, were the true writers of the song. This claim led to a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful legal battle against Warner/Chappell Music, the current copyright holders. The Garland family presented compelling evidence, including original sheet music handwritten by Hank and sworn statements from session musicians, but Nashville’s powerful music industry establishment remained unmoved.
The fight for “Jingle Bell Rock” royalties was just one facet of the tribulations that plagued Hank Garland’s life. In 1961, at the peak of his career, a devastating car accident dramatically altered his trajectory. While speeding to reconcile with his wife, Evelyn, a tire blowout caused his car to crash, leaving him with severe injuries and in a coma for three weeks.
Adding to the tragedy, Garland’s brother, Billy, alleges that the accident was no mere mishap, but a deliberate attempt on Hank’s life orchestrated by figures within the Nashville music industry. Billy points to a witness account of a rifleman near the crash site and photographs of bullet holes in Garland’s car as evidence of foul play. These claims, though never officially substantiated, paint a picture of a cutthroat industry where artistic and financial success came with considerable risk.
Following the accident, Garland’s treatment further compounded his misfortunes. Despite initial hopes for recovery, his wife Evelyn had him committed to a mental institution where he underwent a series of electroshock treatments. Billy Garland believes these treatments, rather than aiding his recovery, were intentionally administered to diminish Hank’s mental capacity and ensure he would not pursue his claims against the industry.
Image alt text: A poignant moment between Vassar Clements and Hank Garland, two influential musicians from Nashville’s early days, sharing music and camaraderie in Garland’s later years.
Though his career as a top session musician was effectively over, Hank Garland never lost his love for the guitar. Supported and cared for by his brother Billy, he continued to play, finding solace and therapy in music. Fellow musicians, including bluegrass legend Vassar Clements and jazz icon George Benson, frequently visited Garland, paying homage to the guitar master whose contributions had paved the way for generations of artists.
Hank Garland’s story is a complex tapestry of musical brilliance, industry exploitation, and personal tragedy. While the full truth behind the alleged conspiracies and royalty disputes may never be definitively revealed, his legacy as an extraordinary guitar player endures. He remains an inspiration to musicians worldwide, a testament to the power of talent and the bittersweet realities of the music industry. Hank “Sugarfoot” Garland passed away in 2004, but his guitar continues to rock, swing, and resonate through the timeless recordings he helped create.
