Hank Williams Singer and Songwriter, Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame

Baca Juga

Photo Source: Hank Williams Museum/Facebook, YHN

FEMUSINDO.com - Hiram King "Hank" Williams, with his famous name Hank Williams, was born in Butler County, Alabama, U.S., on September 17, 1923.

He is one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century.

Williams recorded 55 singles that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, five of which were released posthumously, and 12 of which reached number one.

Learning Guitar and Singing

Born and raised in Alabama, Williams learned guitar from African-American blues musician Rufus Payne. Both Payne and Roy Acuff greatly influenced his musical style.

After winning an amateur talent contest, Williams began his professional career in Montgomery in the late 1930s playing at local radio stations and other venues in the area.

He formed the Drifting Cowboys backing band, managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote his time to his career.

Releasing Hit Singles

In 1947, he released the hit single "Move It On Over" and joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program.

The following year he released a cover version of "Lovesick Blues", which quickly reached number one on Billboard's Top Country & Western singles chart and catapulted him to stardom on the Grand Ole Opry.

Interestingly, despite not being able to read or write significant music, he wrote several iconic hits, including "Your Cheatin' Heart", "Hey, Good Lookin'", and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".

Williams suffered heart failure and died suddenly in the back seat of his car near Oak Hill, West Virginia.

He died en route to a concert in Canton, Ohio, on New Year's Day 1953, January 1, 1953 at the age of 29. 

Most Famous and Influential Musicians

Despite his relatively short career, he is one of the most famous and influential musicians of the 20th century, especially in country music.

Many artists have covered his songs and he has influenced Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Then, the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1999, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2010, he was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his songwriter skills. (*)