HANK MEDRESS R.I.P. ROCK N PERPETUITY!
June 19, 2007
HANK MEDRESS 11/19/38 – 6/18/07
My old friend, Hank Medress”, the founder of the Tokens (”The Lion Sleeps Tonight”) and producer of ”He’s So Fine”,“Candida”, “Knock Three Times”, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ( On The Old Oak Tree “) talks about his career, challenges and aspirations in an interview I did with him last year for Spectropop.
I’m proud to have known him for as long as I did, he was always a friend and inspiration. I’m happy I was able to give him a chance to set the record straight about some controversial aspects of his career, which he never spoke about before in print. https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2006/10/31/hank-medress-the-unsung-hero-behind-the-lion-sleeps-tonight-hes-so-fine-and-tie-a-yellow-ribbon/
Hank R.I.P.- Rock In Perpetuity!
Respectfully, your friend Artie
top photo l-r: Hank Medress, Jay Seigal, Phil and Mitch Margo…The Tokens
Copyright 2009 by Artie Wayne
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June 19, 2007 at 7:57 pm
RIP Hank….you left us with a lot of memories. Thank you for the decades of great music. You will be missed even though your music will live on forever.
June 19, 2007 at 8:10 pm
REST EASY HANK,YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED.
June 19, 2007 at 8:31 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. He was a wonderful songwriter, producer, and person. Thank you, Mr. Medress, for all the music over the years – we’ll be listening for your voice to join the chorus in Rock and Roll Heaven.
Laura
June 19, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Beautiful sentiment Artie! Well said!
Ironically, I just sent a couple of sixties record biz pals of mine your web site addy so they could access your earlier piece about Hank’s illness.
So much will be said about Mr. Medress contribution to “our” art form, it’s all true and it’s so important to remember the real pioneers, that’s how the coming generations will “find their voices”. By learning from the “inventors how to act with integrity and courage.
June 19, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Dear Artie,
I thank you for letting me know this sad news. I have passed it on to my listeners at my blog and gave them the link to your interview with Hank to read.
Michael
June 19, 2007 at 9:18 pm
This is sad news.I am so grateful that I had the
chance to leave Hank my comments about some of
the wonderful music he was involved in while it
was still possible.What peace of mind that brings
for me.My prayers are with his loved ones & I hope
they have-now or eventually-peace of mind also.
Brent
June 20, 2007 at 12:03 am
It saddens me to hear about Hank. Hank and Dave gave me my first real chance at a real record deal. They were two soulful cats, the perfect combination together. G-d’s speed my friend. j
June 20, 2007 at 12:50 am
[…] Here’s a link to another blog that has more personal information: […]
June 20, 2007 at 1:27 am
Sad news. I must have sang “Lion” 500 times. RIP Hank
June 20, 2007 at 1:54 am
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MR. HANK MEDRESS. GOD REST HIS SOUL! HE WAS ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF IN OUR BUSINESS…AND WE ARE BETTER OFF FOR HIS GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR INDUSTRY.
VERY SINCERELY, THE CHARLIE GRACIE FAMILY
June 20, 2007 at 2:08 am
God bless you, Hank. Thanks for giving us so much.
June 20, 2007 at 3:22 am
this is sad news..I know Hank was fighting illness…so sorry he left the planet so soon…he will be missed.
Steveo
June 20, 2007 at 4:15 am
I echo the thoughts expressed by everyone here in mourning his passing. My sincere condolences to everyone who knew this wonderful man and appreciated his wonderful contributions to music.
June 20, 2007 at 9:18 am
Such sad news – my thoughts are with Hank’s family and friends. Sad, and yet in his life Hank achieved so much – so many examples of perfect pop music over his career and spread so much happiness. A legacy indeed… RIP
Kingsley Abbott
June 21, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Hank will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a truly magnificent person. It’s a sad day indeed.
June 22, 2007 at 3:47 pm
God bless you, Hank. Thanks for giving us wonderful music your music will live on forever. God has a music producer in heaven now. My condolences to his family and friends.
June 22, 2007 at 9:54 pm
I only knew through his music,I will still miss him.We were 2nd cousins and he still has a nice family in brooklyn.If any of his family wants to get in touch,they can email me.
June 23, 2007 at 11:04 pm
A giant singer-song writer is gone. The lion will sleep in the jungle forever in the hearts of all the do woppers.. May the Lion rest in peace..
June 25, 2007 at 12:02 am
[…] Hank Medress R.I.P.- Rock In Perpetuity! [image] My old friend, Hank Medress”, the founder of the Tokens (”The Lion Sleeps Tonight”) and producer of […] […]
July 13, 2007 at 2:35 am
The world is a lesser place now but I am sure that Hank is singing in an Angel choir.