Hank Garland, a name etched into the history of American music, was not only a virtuoso guitarist who shaped the sound of Nashville, but also a man whose life was shadowed by profound personal tragedy. Among the most heartbreaking chapters of his story is the question that fans and historians often ask: What happened to Hank Garland’s wife?
Evelyn Esther Peterson Garland was Hank Garland’s beloved wife, known to those close to the couple as a supportive and resilient woman. Sadly, her life was cut short under shocking and tragic circumstances. What happened to Hank Garland’s wife remains one of the most sorrowful aspects of the musician’s legacy.
What Happened to Hank Garland’s Wife? A Shocking Accident
On December 2, 1965, Evelyn Garland died in a devastating car accident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was only 38 years old at the time. According to reports, Evelyn was driving her Cadillac convertible through Milwaukee when disaster struck. On Christmas Day in 1964, while stopped at an intersection, a traffic light pole reportedly collapsed without warning. The falling structure struck her vehicle, leading to a fatal accident that some sources describe as causing her instant death through decapitation.
While accounts of the incident differ slightly among sources, all agree that the accident was sudden, horrifying, and deeply traumatic. For those who knew Evelyn and Hank, it was an unthinkable tragedy — yet another blow to a family already struggling through immense hardship.
Evelyn Garland was laid to rest at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin, leaving behind grieving loved ones and a husband who had already endured more than his share of suffering.
The Broader Tragedy: Life After Evelyn’s Death
Understanding what happened to Hank Garland’s wife requires also looking at Hank Garland’s situation during that period. A few years earlier, in 1961, Hank had been involved in a catastrophic car accident himself. The crash left him with severe brain injuries, ending his once-promising career as one of Nashville’s most sought-after session guitarists.
After Hank’s accident, Evelyn stood by his side during the difficult years of recovery. However, with her sudden death in 1965, Hank’s life became even more isolated and challenging. Following Evelyn’s passing, Hank’s parents cared for him until their own deaths. Later, Hank’s brother Billy Garland and sister-in-law Amy Garland took responsibility for his care, ensuring that he would live out his days surrounded by family, despite the profound losses he had suffered.
Legacy and Reflection: The Enduring Sadness Behind a Musical Genius
Today, when fans and music historians revisit the life of Hank Garland, the question “What happened to Hank Garland’s wife?” often resurfaces as a tragic reminder of the human stories hidden behind musical greatness. While Hank Garland’s guitar work continues to inspire generations, the sorrow surrounding Evelyn Garland’s untimely death adds a somber, personal layer to his legacy.
