"Calling You" is a hymn written and recorded by

Hank Williams Hank Williams (born Hiram Williams; September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century, he reco ...

Background

With its simple musical structure and infectious sing-a-long chorus, "Calling You" remains one of Williams' most affecting gospel compositions. It was recorded at the singer's first ever recording session on December 11, 1946 for Sterling Records with Fred Rose producing. Williams was backed on the session by the Willis Brothers, who also went by the name of the

Oklahoma Wranglers The Oklahoma Wranglers were a professional arena football team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They were members of the Central (1996–1997) and Western (1998–2001) Division of the American Conference of the Arena Football League (AFL). ...

: James "Guy" Willis (guitar), Vic Willis (accordion), Charles "Skeeter" Willis (fiddle), and Charles "Indian" Wright (bass). In the 2004 book ''Hank Williams: The Biography'', Vic Willis recalls to Colin Escott, "Hank was a quiet guy and kinda negative. But he had a hell of a dry sense of humor. Someone asked Hank if he wanted a beer with his meal, and he shook his head. 'You don't know ol' Hank. Hank just don't have ''one'' beer.'" The uneasy dichotomy between Williams' faith and his often reckless lifestyle would only make him a more compelling figure in years to come, especially in light of the passion he unfailingly displayed when singing spiritual music. A demo version of "Calling You," likely recorded between July 1946 and the fall of 1948 for Acuff-Rose, is also available, as well as a version featuring Hank's wife Audrey Williams.

References

Bibliography

* {{authority control 1946 songs Songs written by Hank Williams Hank Williams songs Song recordings produced by Fred Rose (songwriter)