- published: 31 Jul 2010
- views: 1317540
Lawrence Hankins Locklin (February 15, 1918–March 8, 2009), better known as Hank Locklin, was an American country music singer-songwriter. A member of the Grand Ole Opry for nearly 50 years, Locklin had a long recording career with RCA Victor and scored big with the hits, "Please Help Me, I'm Falling", "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On" and "Geisha Girl" from 1957–60. His singles charted from 1949–71.
Born in McLellan in the Florida Panhandle, Locklin grew up working in the cotton fields to supplement his family’s low income. He began playing the guitar at the age of nine during his recovery after being seriously injured when hit by a school bus.
His first marriage to Willa Jean Murphy ended in divorce. In 1970 he married Anita Crooks of Brewton, Alabama. He had a son and four daughters, 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a few close great nieces and nephews such as Sarah Locklin.
Locklin was one of country music's early honky tonk singers. He first recorded for Royalty, a small label in northeast Texas, but soon moved to 4 Star Records, a regional country music label, before signing a long contract with the major RCA Victor . He had an estimated 15 million record sales worldwide and his songs were recorded by many other artists, including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Roy Rogers, Dwight Yoakam and Dean Martin. He regularly appeared on the Grand Ole Opry beginning in 1960, making his final appearance in 2007.
(Lawton Williams)
I learned to hula love in Honolulu
With a pretty native in the blue grass skirt
But a rock 'n roller came along and stole her
And stole my baby in the blue grass skirt.
Well, he caught her out to rock and rollin'
And taught her things so out controlin'
He's stole my baby my hula baby
Yes, he's stole my baby in the blue grass skirt.
--- Instrumental ---
Out on the Rocky Island Hawaiian Island
Where the palm trees grow where the tourists flirt
Where I found romancin' life was inchantin'
Where I lost my baby in the blue grass skirt.
Well, I know that I can never stay
Where happy people laugh and play
Without my baby, my hula baby
'Cause I miss my baby in the blue grass skirt.
--- Instrumental ---
Yeah, I learn to hula in Honolulu
With a pretty native in the blue grass skirt
But a rock 'n roller came along and stole her