Country Boy Can Survive: Original Record Label & Production Details
"A Country Boy Can Survive" was initially released through Warner Bros. Records, marking a significant milestone in Hank Williams Jr.'s career. The song, released in January 1982, appeared on Hank Jr.'s album "The Pressure Is On," which was distributed under the Elektra/Curb Records label partnership.
The track's success led to its re-release in 2001 as "America Will Survive" through Curb Records, following the September 11 attacks. This version maintained the original's production quality while adapting some lyrics to reflect the national sentiment at the time.
Curb Records, the primary label associated with both releases, has been a major player in country music since its founding in 1963 by Mike Curb. The label's commitment to preserving traditional country music while embracing contemporary sounds made it an ideal home for Williams' iconic track.
The original recording's production quality and commercial success demonstrate Warner Bros. Records' expertise in country music during the early 1980s. Their state-of-the-art recording facilities and industry connections helped establish "A Country Boy Can Survive" as a country music classic.
The song's publishing rights are managed through Bocephus Music, Inc., Williams' own publishing company, showing his business acumen in maintaining control over his musical legacy. This arrangement has allowed for various re-releases and adaptations of the track over the years.
Key details about the record labels involved:
Warner Bros. Records - Original 1982 release Elektra/Curb Records - Album distribution Curb Records - 2001 re-release Bocephus Music, Inc. - Publishing rights
Today, the song remains available through various digital platforms and physical formats, with Curb Records continuing to oversee its distribution and licensing arrangements.
For collectors and fans, original Warner Bros. pressings from 1982 are particularly valuable, while the 2001 Curb Records version represents an important chapter in the song's evolution and cultural impact.