Hank Thompson’s music career has spanned more than seven decades and produced more than 60 million records. Although born in Waco, Texas, Thompson is associated with Oklahoma in many ways. He hosted a television variety show in Oklahoma City during the 1950s; sponsored and taught at the Hank Thompson School of Country Music in Claremore in 1973; lived in Sand Springs for many years; and recorded such songs as “Oklahoma Hills” and “Oklahoma Home Brew,” and produced the 1969 album, Hank Thompson Salutes Oklahoma.
After completing a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, Thompson formed the Brazos Valley Boys and began playing dances throughout Texas. His first major hit, “Humpty Dumpty Hart,” spent 38 weeks on the country charts in 1948, peaking at No. 2. He moved to Oklahoma City in 1952, where he produced his first No. 1 hit and signature song, “Wild Side of Life,” in one take. He scored seven Top 10 singles in 1953-54, including “Wake Up Irene,” “No Help Wanted,” “Breakin’ the Blues,” “Honky Tonk Girl,” and “We’ve Gone Too Far.”
Thompson toured the world during the 1950s and ’60s, and continued recording at a record pace with such hits as “Don’t Take It Out on Me,” “A Six-Pack To Go,” and the Carter Family song, “Wildwood Flower.” His popularity continued in the 1970s with the two-record set Hank Thompson’s 25th Anniversary.
Hank Thompson and the Brazos Valley Boys were featured on several television shows, including The Tonight Show (Johnny Carson), Jimmy Dean Show, and Swingin’ Country. He has played with everyone from Merle Travis to Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame member Wanda Jackson. Only one other artist, Frank Sinatra, has recorded for seven decades. Thompson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989.