Big Celebrations Happening for Hank Williams’ 100th Birthday
Hank Williams was one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century. Williams grew up in Alabama and his country roots shined in his music, which routinely reached the top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart. His career began in the late 1930s but was sadly cut short in 1953 when he died suddenly in the back of a car after suffering from heart failure after years of alcoholism and drug abuse. He was only 29 years old.
Despite passing away at 29, he released tons of hit songs including “I Saw the Light,” “Hey Good Lookin,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” He influenced many artists including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Williams’ son, Hank Williams Jr., and grandson Hank III (Shelton) followed in his footsteps and became a famous musician as well. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This year, the icon would have been 100 years old on September 17 and many places around the world are celebrating.
Of course, his home city of Montgomery is doing a lot of celebrating. The Hank Williams Museum boasts a very special event featuring performances by local musicians in honor of the late star. In another area of Alabama, the city of Mobile is having an art show and concert to commemorate the occasion. Bobby Tomberlin, who has written music for stars such as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson will be performing Williams’ greatest hits.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Even other countries are getting involved in the celebrations! The UK is having several events including a tribute show at The Donkey in Leicester, United Kingdom, and Sunflower Public House in Belfast, United Kingdom. While most of the events are concerts, there will also be a wreath-laying ceremony at Williams’ grave to honor him. It will take place on his birthday at Oakwood Cemetery Annex, 1304 Upper Wetumpka Road, Montgomery in the morning. There will be a resolution read from the Alabama Senate proclaiming Sept. 17 as Hank Williams Day.
To find a full list of events and get tickets, click here.
Kings Of Country
March 2022
From outlaws Willie & Waylon to the Man in Black, Johnny Cash, we have every tear in your beer covered
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