Who Was Hank Williams?
Hiram “Hank” Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953) was an American singer and songwriter who is regarded as one of the most important and influential country singers and songwriters of the 20th century. He recorded 55 singles (five of which were released posthumously), 12 of which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including five posthumous releases.
Where was Hank Williams From?
Williams was raised in Georgiana and Greenville, both located in Butler County. From a young age, he took an interest in music. He played harmonica and learned to play the organ from his mother. Williams received his first guitar when he was around eight years old.
What did Hank Williams Do Before Music?
During the war years, he traveled back and forth between Montgomery, where he performed music, and Mobile, where he worked in the shipyards. In December 1944, he married Audrey Mae Sheppard (1930-), and he reinvented the Drifting Cowboys after the war.
Medical Conditions
Williams was born with a mild undiagnosed case of spina bifida occulta, a condition in which the spinal column is abnormally developed and causes lifelong discomfort, contributing to his later substance abuse.
Top 10 Hank Williams Songs
- “Your Cheatin’ Heart” …
- “(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle” …
- “Lovesick Blues” …
- “Cold, Cold Heart” …
- “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” …
- “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” …
- “Hey Good Lookin'” …
- “I Saw the Light”