First time I saw Ronnie, he was on a show with Charlie Pride and Merle Haggard. Merle was the headliner and the other two were relatively new, but they nearly stole the show. Then Merle came out and did about two dozen number one hits without even pausing between songs!
When he mentions Hawk, that is, or was at least, his drummer.
At one time, I could hold that note that long too. Not any more.