BackinMemphis

The Washington Post's Helena Andrews spoke with 'Nashville' actor, Chip Esten while in town for the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner last Saturday, May 3, 2014. They talked about many topics. But what I found most interesting was that Esten says Hank Williams is his inspiration for his character, Deacon Claybourne . Who is your favorite country music singer? Hank Williams. He just set the template and unfortunately set the template for some of those demons I was talking about, but what he was able to do was to take his pain and put it in a song that can tear you up or it can lift you. It’s hard to get better than Hank. So would you say he was your inspiration for “Deacon”? Hank Williams is absolutely one of the people who inspires the character of Deacon, and not just him, but his songs. Those songs come from a real true place. That’s something about the best of country music, they’re very soul baring. Hank was one of the first to star...

Patty Hanson, left, and Chip Esten arrive at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Washington. (Photo by Evan Agostini/ Invision/ AP) ABC's Nashville actor Chip Esten and his wife Patty Hanson attended the White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Chip who plays the dreamy Deacon on Nashville is THE break out star of the show. More so than Connie Britton or even the lovely Hayden Panettiere. It's a shame that most publcity photos, CD and DVD covers feature only these women. Nashville is mostly watched by women and we watch for DEACON ! I'd buy ANYTHING with a picture of Deacon on it;)  Others who attended the event include Barbara Walters, Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly (who played Teddy's wife on Nashville), Duck Dynasty Willie Robertson, Katie Couric, Jessica Simpson and many more. Click Here to see more photos Source: SacBee