William Herbert York Explained

William Herbert "Lum" York (November 16, 1918 – August 15, 2004) was a country musician best known as the bass player in the Hank Williams backing band The Drifting Cowboys.

Biography

York was a native of Elmore, Alabama.[1]

From 1944 until 1949, he was a member of Hank Williams's backing band The Drifting Cowboys as its double bass player.[1] He began playing with Lefty Frizzell's band in 1952 and later played with musicians including Marty Robbins and George Morgan (singer).[2]

During the 1960s and 1970s, he played at the Old South Jamboree.[2] In 1986, he played at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.[2] After a heart attack forced him to stop playing the double bass, York began playing the spoons from 1998 onwards, playing alongside Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams III and Jett Williams.[2]

York died of heart disease on August 15, 2004 in Baton Rouge.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Musician 'Lum' York dies at 85 . May 7, 2024 . Sun Herald . August 18, 2004 . 10.
  2. News: 'Lum' York, musician, played bass, spoons . May 7, 2024 . The Atlanta Constitution . August 19, 2004 . C6.