WILLIAMS, HANK
$5,000.00
36073-1
(1923 - 1953) American singer considered the father of contemporary country music. Hank Williams is the father of contemporary country music. By the age of 25, Williams had become a superstar and would write a body of songs that have become popular classics. His direct, emotional lyrics and vocals became the standard. The troubled and reckless lives he depicted in his music reflected his own life; by 29 he was dead from a combination of alcohol, medications, and overwork.A superb, historically-important document, Williams contract with MGM Records, his only major label, and the company with which he would record until his death! The largely pre-printed contract is on an MGM Records letterhead, 3pp. 4to., executed in New York, Mar. 6, 1947 and is addressed to "Mr. Williams". The boilerplate of the contract binds Williams to make a minimum of "8 record sides" exclusively for MGM, MGM would retain the rights to the music, as well as to the use of Williams' name, image and biography, with additional standard clauses addressing language, licensing, strikes, and so on. Williams is bound for one year, commencing on April 1, 1947. There are also two paragraphs of typed clauses, indicating that Williams would received two cents for every double-sided record sold, and one cent for every single-sided record. MGM also agrees to advance transportation costs to Williams and his band, with such advance being charged against roytalties as earned. Williams signs in full at bottom, also signed by two representatives of MGM/Loews Records. Two negligible tears at right blank margin, light soiling, otherwise very good. In January, 1947 Fred Rose of Acuff-Rose Publications, music writers and publishers, had Williams sign with the tiny New York label, Sterling Records, with who he released four non-descript singles. In March, Rose, Hank, and Hank's wife Audrey decided that a larger label would best for the singer's career. After considering Decca, which had already signed Ernest Tubb and Red Foley, Williams chose the upstart MGM. The rest is history: that same spring, Williams released his first MGM record "Move It On Over", which became an immediate hit and rose to the Country Top 5. (See next lot). For his wisdom, Williams also chose Rose to become his manager and record producer. Simply put, this is the contract that launched the career of America's greatest country singer!