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Como Today
By the People, for the People
Remembering Bassist Floyd 'Lightnin'' Chance, Who Played on Hits by Hank Williams and Conway Twitty
The session musician, known for his lightning-fast playing, died on this day in 2005 at age 79.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:21pm
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The lightning-fast playing of session bassist Floyd 'Lightnin'' Chance left an indelible mark on classic country recordings.Como TodayFloyd 'Lightnin'' Chance, a prolific session bassist who played on hit recordings by Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, and many other country music legends, passed away on April 11, 2005, at the age of 79 after battling cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Chance's lightning-fast playing graced some of the most iconic country songs of the 20th century, cementing his legacy as one of the most sought-after session musicians in Nashville during the genre's golden age.
The details
Born in Mississippi, Chance earned the nickname 'Lightnin'' for his speed on the football field, which translated to his musical abilities. He played a wide range of instruments, including guitar, clarinet, saxophone, and tuba, before settling on the stand-up bass. Chance was a frequent performer at the Grand Ole Opry in the 1950s and 60s, and he played on hit recordings by Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, the Everly Brothers, Johnny Tillotson, and many others. He also helped develop the Nashville Numbering System, a vocal chart that allowed studio musicians who couldn't read music to follow along.
- Chance recorded on Hank Williams' final session on September 23, 1952, which produced three No. 1 hits.
- Chance retired from music in 1988.
- Chance passed away on April 11, 2005, at the age of 79.
The players
Floyd 'Lightnin'' Chance
A prolific session bassist who played on hit recordings by Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, and many other country music legends.
Hank Williams
A legendary country music singer-songwriter whose posthumous hit 'Your Cheatin' Heart' featured Chance on bass.
Conway Twitty
A country music icon whose hit 'It's Only Make Believe' featured Chance on bass.
What they’re saying
“It's the best heart song I ever wrote.”
— Hank Williams
The takeaway
Floyd 'Lightnin'' Chance's lightning-fast playing and session work on some of country music's most iconic hits cemented his legacy as one of the most influential and sought-after bassists in Nashville during the genre's golden age.