I’m really sorry to report that Country Music Hall of Famer and “King of Western Swing” Hank Thompson passed away at his home in Keller last night.  The 82-year-old honky tonk legend suffered from lung cancer, and only days ago, cancelled his planned tour.  The Waco-born Thompson left his mark on the world with chart-toppers and boot-scootin’ faves like “The Wild Side of Life,” (which in turn spawned Kitty Wells’ ‘answer record,’ “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” forever cementing her place in country music history), “A Six Pack To Go,” “Humpty Dumpty Heart,” “Cocaine Blues,” and others too numerous to name.

A celebration of Hank Thompson’s life and music is scheduled for next Wednesday, November 14th at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, with a start time of 2 p.m.  His family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, fans should make a donation in Hank’s name to The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum, or to their favorite charity.

Rest in peace, Mr. Thompson, and thank you for the music…