Hank Williams first appeared on national television on October 11th, 1952. His debut was on The Kate Smith Evening Hour along with Roy Acuff and other members of the Grand 'Ole Opry troupe. The original kinescope of the program has never been found so not much is known about Hank's first television appearance.   The following month, On November 14th, Hank appeared on the Perry Como Show. The kinescope for this show does exist but at this point in time, is extrmely rare. Hank sang only one song which was "Hey Good Lookin'". The following week, Perry Como opened his show by doing his own version of "Hey Good Lookin'" and then apologized to Hank.   Hank returned to the Kate Smith Evening Hour on March 26, 1952. This time he sang "Hey Good Lookin'" (Which provided the footage for the "There's A Tear In My Beer" video 37 years later) and joined in a cast ensemble of his own song, "I Saw The Light"   The show was a hit with viewers, Hank and the rest of the Opry cast were asked to appear again two weeks later on April 9, 1952. On this show, Hank sang "Cold, Cold Heart", then joined Anita Carter in a duet of "I Can't Help It" At the end of the show, Hank joined the cast and sang "Glory Bound Train"   At some point, Hank appeared on WSM-TV but this footage was also lost or has never been found. Pictures of Hank and The Drifting Cowboys on the set can be seen in Jerry Rivers book, "From Life To Legend" Also, Hank's sister Irene mentions them in an article she wrote for Country Song Roundup; "I only wish that there had been more films made of Hank on stage that we could have for those to see that never had a chance to see him when he was with us. I shall ever be grateful to WSM for showing the one they had a few months ago. I just hope that they will show it again sometime." Don't we all?   There are also some home movies of Hank where he is singing with Ernest Tubb at his home and showing off his collection of Cadillacs. This footage is stored in the vaults of the Country Music Hall of Fame and can be viewed if you set up an appointment with them to do so.   Along the same lines, there is home video footage of Hank's funeral. This is privately owned and the owner is currently trying to sell it to Polygram.

Hank singing "Cold, Cold Heart" on the Kate Smith Evening Hour  3- 26 - 52 Hank & Anita Carter sing "I Can't Help It" on the Kate Smith Evening Hour 4 - 9 - 52