The Country Music Hall of Fame - Ernest Tubb
This Texas honky-tonker possessed a charismatic, pared-down style that featured his deep, distinct Texas drawl, and a relaxed, deliberate, behind-the-beat delivery. Boiling his career down to 16 tracks is no easy task, but this single-CD collection offers an effective mix of hit records and noncommercial career highlights. 1941's "Walking the Floor Over You" made Tubb a star and remains a country standard. Drinking songs such as "Two Glasses, Joe" accompany tear-jerkers about lost love and topical songs about World War II soldiers' experiences both overseas and upon their return. Tubb's Texas Troubadours--especially guitarist Billy Byrd--provide simple but enormously effective support. Tubb's easy-going, loping style distinguishes him from most other honky-tonk stars.--Marc Greilsamer