Hank Williams
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Tagged as the Father of Contemporary Country Music, Hank Williams was an American singer, guitarist and songwriter. He died on January 1, 1953. His songs have become classics including Honky Tonky. His recordings have stood the test of time and his life story is legendary.
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About
Hank Williams was born on September 17, 1923 at Mount Olive, Alabama. His real name was Hiram King Williams. He was named after Hiram I of Tyre.
In his early childhood, he and his family frequently moved throughout Southern Alabama as his father's job required. In 1930, his father began suffering from face paralysis. In 1931, her mother settled his family in Georgina, Alabama, where she worked as the manager of a boarding house.
When Hank was eight years old, he was given a guitar by his mother. In 1933, Hank went to Fountain, Alabama, to settled with his uncle and aunt. His aunty taught Hank to play guitar.
During his teen years, he began performing around the Georgina in Greenville areas of Alabama. In 1937, Hank formed a band called the Drifting Cowboys and landed a regular spot on a local radio station, WFSA.
In 1946, Hank released two singles, Never Again and Honky Tonky under Nashville Records. In 1947, he signed a recording contract under MGM Records. In the later part of 1947, he released the single Move It Over under MGM. It was an instant hit, reaching number five into the Country charts.
In 1949, he released the single, Lovesick Blues. The single became a huge hit upon its release, staying at number one for 16 weeks. In that same year, he reformed his former band, Drifting Cowboys with a new member.
John continue to released more hit singles including the top fives, Wedding Bells, Mind Your Own Business, Nobody's Lonesome, Dear John and its number one flip side single, Cold, Cold Heart.
In 1951, Hank was on a hunting trip on his Tennessee’s farm when he tripped and fell, re-activating a dormant back injury. Hank began taking morphine for painkillers for his back and quickly became addicted.
On January 1, 1953, he was scheduled to perform in Canton, Ohio. Before they left for Ohio, Hank was injected with two shots of Vitamin B-12 and morphine by a doctor. Hank got into the backseat of the Cadillac. When the driver of the Cadillac he was riding was stopped for over speeding, the police officer noticed that Hank looks like a dead man. He was brought to a West Virginia Hospital and was pronounced officially dead. In 1961, Hank was one of the first inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Hank's recordings have stood the test of time and his life story is legendary.
Awards & Certifications
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Grammy Award | Best Male Country Vocal Collaboration with Hank Williams, Jr. |
| 1989 | CMA | Vocal Event of The Year |
| 1989 | Academy of Country Music | Video of The Year |
Chart Toppers
News
Tours & Concerts
Announcements
There are no announcements as of this time
Discography
Albums
 Honky Tonkin
1953 |
 Ramblin Man
1955 |
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 I Saw The Light
1956 |
Singles
Compilations & Live Releases
 Wanderin Around
1961 |
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 24 Greatest Hits
1976 |
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 40 Greatest Hits
1978 |
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 Prodigal Son
2001 |
 Hillbilly Hero
2002 |
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 Jambalaya
2003 |
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 A Country Legend
2004 |
 Gold
2005 |
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Other artists
Similar artists
Contemporaries
Influences
Trivia
Reviews
External Links
Categories: Artist | Country | Blues | Honky Tonk
