Smack Down!! – “Home With You Tonight”

This week for the song covers Smack Down I wanted to offer a comparison more than just varying versions of the same song.  The country gospel style has always had an influence in Southern Gospel music.  Even listening to recordings as far back as the 1960′s you could hear country melodies of that time period being interwoven into Southern Gospel music.  One group that took that country gospel style and made it a part of who they were was the Hinsons.

To this day, the Hinsons are still considered among the most popular groups of this genre’s history.  Group’s are still found creating a ‘Hinson’ sound with their music and do it well, while others are mere imitators.  The Hinsons were the type of group that you either loved their music and stage presentation or didn’t particularly care for it.  Let’s just say I own every recording the group ever made, so you know which side of the fence I fall.

The song I want to feature today is “Home With You Tonight”.  Originally recorded by the Hinsons on their 1981 album, Bubblin’.  This song is country gospel to the core.  I always enjoyed hearing the group perform this song.  Kenny is featured on the verses and I have provided the Hinsons version with first verse and chorus.

Kenny Hinson left this life way too early.  He was only in his mid ’40′s when he passed away in 1995.  It just so happens, Kenny’s son, Weston Hinson is now performing with his own group.  Weston Hinson & By Faith (now I believe the group goes by the Weston Hinson Group) recorded an album in 2010 titled, Home With You Tonight.  Weston re-recorded several classic Hinson numbers in addition to the title track; “Cost Of Living”, “Something Keeps Pulling Me Home”, “Joy Comes In The Morning” and “Call Me Gone”.

I am glad to see Weston following in his father’s footsteps, re-creating that classic ‘Hinson’ sound.  This week’s Smack Down is simply a father/son comparison.  Weston will take the second verse and chorus of “Home With You Tonight”.