Hank Snow was one of the most influential and successful country music artists of all time. He recorded over 140 albums and had more than 85 singles on the Billboard country charts from 1950 to 1980. He was known as “the singing ranger” because of his flashy rhinestone suits and cowboy hats. He was also a mentor to Elvis Presley and a humanitarian who performed for American troops in several wars. But how did Hank Snow die? What was the cause of his death?
Heart Failure
According to Famous Celebrity Deaths, Hank Snow’s death was caused by heart failure. He passed away on December 20, 1999, at his home in Madison, Tennessee, at the age of 85. He had been suffering from respiratory problems since 1996, which forced him to retire from performing. He had also been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997, but it was not the direct cause of his death.
A Long and Successful Career
Hank Snow was born on May 9, 1914, in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Canada. He grew up in poverty and faced physical and psychological abuse from his stepfather. He left home at the age of 12 and became a cabin boy on a freighter for four years. He bought his first guitar with $30 he earned from unloading salt from a ship. He was inspired by Jimmie Rodgers, the “father of country music”, and started singing and playing in radio stations and clubs.
He became a popular country singer in Canada in the 1930s and signed a record contract with RCA Victor in 1936. His relationship with RCA lasted for 45 years, which was said to be a record. He moved to the United States in the mid-1940s and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1950. He had his first major hit with “I’m Movin’ On”, which stayed at No. 1 on the country charts for 21 weeks. It was followed by other classics such as “The Golden Rocket”, “The Rhumba Boogie”, “I Don’t Hurt Anymore”, “Let Me Go, Lover!”, “I’ve Been Everywhere”, and “Hello Love” .
He also helped launch the career of Elvis Presley, who opened for him on several tours in the mid-1950s. He introduced Presley to Colonel Tom Parker, who became his manager. Presley later recorded some of Snow’s songs, such as “I’m Movin’ On” and “A Fool Such As I” .
Snow was also a humanitarian who performed for American troops in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, France, Norway, Italy, England, and Japan. He said that his appearances for troops were the highlight of his career. “This was a great experience, one that money couldn’t buy. It was the most important part of my life as far as entertaining is concerned” .
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979 and received many other awards and honors. He continued to sing regularly on the Grand Ole Opry until the mid-1990s. He said that he had done everything he wanted to do in his career. “I’ve had about 140 albums released, and I’ve done everything I wanted to do” .
A Lasting Legacy
Hank Snow left behind a legacy of music that influenced generations of country singers and fans. His songs have been covered by artists such as Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, and many others. His style was distinctive and original, blending elements of folk, blues, pop, rockabilly, and even Latin rhythms. He was also a skilled guitarist who played with a thumbpick and fingerpicks.
His life and work are celebrated at the Hank Snow Museum in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, which displays his memorabilia, awards, guitars, costumes, and personal items . He is also remembered as a pioneer of country music who helped shape its history and culture.
Hank Snow cause of death may have been heart failure, but his heart will always live on in his music.
