Country star Hank Williams is known as a father of the genre
Hank Williams is often regarded as the “father of modern country music”. Hank was born Hiram King William in Mount Olive, AL on Sept. 17, 1923.
Hank’s father was a World War I veteran, who suffered from facial paralysis. This caused him to be away at a hospital for much of Hank’s childhood. His mother Lillie supported the family, finding jobs throughout the Depression to keep food on the table.
In 1937, Hank participated in a talent show at the Empire theatre in downtown Montgomery, where he won the first prize of $15. This caught the attention of local radio station WSFA, who invited Hank to sing on air. He became so popular, he soon had his own radio show where he would perform.
From this success, Hank Williams formed a band that toured throughout central and southern AL. Unfortunately, the World War II draft took most of his bandmates to war, Hank blossomed his solo career. In 1947, he signed to MGM Records, and released “Move It On Over”, a massive hit.
Hank’s solo career continued to skyrocket, with hits such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”.
In 1944, Hank married Audrey Sheppard, and the couple had a son, Randall Hank Williams, who achieved fame as country music singer Hank Williams Jr.
On November 3, 1961, Hank Williams was one of the first artists to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame with Jimmie Rogers and music publisher Fred Rose. His music and legacy still lives on, as his influence helped define modern country music.
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