On This Day in 1951, a Country Music Icon Made His National Television Debut, Introducing Himself and the Genre to Millions of Viewers

On 14 November 1951, Hank Williams made his national television debut on The Perry Como Show, performing “Hey Good Lookin’”. Como’s programme reached millions of viewers, giving many their first exposure to country music and helping Williams move towards a wider national audience.

Williams had six number-one singles by then, and “Hey Good Lookin’” had recently spent seven non-consecutive weeks at the top of the best-sellers chart. It returned to number one on 17 November, shortly after the broadcast. MGM had released his album Hank Williams Sings on 9 November, compiling earlier recordings; it omitted “Hey Good Lookin’” and included songs such as “Lost Highway” and “I Saw the Light”. No footage of the television appearance survives.