Hank Williams
| Hank Williams | |
|---|---|
 Hank Williams in a 1951 publicity photo for WSM Radio |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hiram King Williams |
| Also known as | The Lovesick Blues Boy Lovesick Luke the Drifter Hank Williams, Sr. The Hillbilly Shakespeare |
| Born | September 17, 1923 Mount Olive, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 1953 (aged 29) Oak Hill, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | Country, Western, gospel, blues, honky-tonk, folk |
| Occupations | Songwriter Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1937–1952 |
| Labels | Sterling, MGM |
| Associated acts | Drifting Cowboys |
| Website | www.hankwilliams.com |
Hiram King "Hank" Williams (1923-1953), sometimes known as Hank Williams Sr., was an American musician and songwriter.
Williams is known as "the Father of Country and Western Music", because his songs were some of the first to come from that genre. As with many musical pioneers, Williams did not set out to create a new kind of music. He simply wanted to make music that his listeners would enjoy, that he would also enjoy making for them.
Some of Williams's songs are "Your Cheatin' Heart", "Hey Good Lookin'", "Jambalaya", and "Cold, Cold Heart". The songs were easy to remember, and many fans sang along when they heard them. Other singers began to include Hank Williams songs in their repertoires. Williams made recordings, performed on radio and early television, and also made live appearances.
Williams was one of the first superstars to have problems with alcohol and drugs. Well-meaning fans and friends would buy Williams drinks, or invite him to parties, and he would lose control. He began to miss shows, and to give bad performances because of the effects of drugs and alcohol. He lost many of his best engagements, and his reputation suffered.
Williams died at age 29 in early 1953, after a binge of alcohol drinking. He left behind a wife and son, Hank Williams Jr., who also grew up to become a country musician. Williams' songs are still popular, and sung by many musicians. Hank Jr. performed his father's music for many years, but later found success with songs of his own.
Other websites [change]
- Official website
- Official Hank Williams Fan Club
- Hank Williams' Boyhood Home & Museum
- at the Country Music Hall of Fame – 1961 Inductee
- at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame &ndasg 1987 Inductee
- at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame – 1985 Inductee
- PBS – American Masters
- Image of Hank Williams' death certificate
- Sites related to final day
