Hank Williams Jr. & Hank Williams Sr.’s Brilliance in “There’s a Tear in My Bear”

“There’s a Tear in My Beer” is a country song by Hank Williams Sr. that was later recorded as a duet with his son, Hank Williams Jr. The original version by Hank Williams Sr. was recorded in 1950 but remained unreleased until it was included on the posthumous album “Hank Williams’ Greatest Hits, Vol. 3” in 1989.

Hank Williams Jr. later recorded a new version of the song, incorporating his vocals alongside his father’s original recording. This duet version was released in 1989 on the album “Family Tradition.” The innovative use of technology allowed for a collaboration between the two Hanks, who were father and son.

“There’s a Tear in My Beer” is a classic country ballad that laments lost love and heartbreak. The duet version became a significant success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The music video featuring both Hanks, with the innovative use of footage of Hank Williams Sr. performing, added to the song’s popularity.

The collaboration is notable not only for its emotional impact but also for the technological achievement of bringing together two generations of country music in a single recording. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1990.