Hank Williams
Sign in to saveAmerican singer-songwriter (1923–1953)
AI overview
Hank Williams was an American singer-songwriter who lived from 1923 to 1953 and became one of the most influential figures in country music history. His emotional songwriting and distinctive voice left a lasting impact on American music that continues to be recognized today.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Person · Open Library
- Born
- 1923-09-17
- Died
- 1953-01-01
- Works
- 21
Top works
- Hank Williams for Ukulele
- Hank Williams (Songbook)
- Hank Williams for Ukulele (Songbook)
- Hank Williams Complete (Songbook)
- Best of Hank Williams (Songbook)
via Open Library + Wikidata
Film & TV
Acting
Known for
- Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice — Self (archive footage)2019
- Country Music — Himself (archive footage)2019
- The Winding Stream — Self (archive footage)2014
- Down the Tracks: The Music That Influenced Bob Dylan2008
- Louisiana Hayride: Cradle To The Stars — Self (archive footage)2005
- In the Hank Williams Tradition — Self (Archive Footage)1989
- Country Music on Broadway — Self1965
Article
Hiram "Hank" Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. An early pioneer of country music, he is regarded as one of the most significant and influential musicians of the 20th century. Williams recorded 55 singles that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, 5 of which were released posthumously, and 12 of which reached No.1.
Born and raised in Alabama, Williams learned guitar from blues musician Rufus Payne. Both Payne and Roy Acuff significantly influenced his musical style. After winning an amateur talent contest, Williams began his professional career in Montgomery in the late 1930s playing on local radio stations and at area venues such as school houses, movie theaters, and bars. He formed the Drifting Cowboys backup band, which was managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote his time to his career. Because his alcoholism made him unreliable, he was fired and rehired several times by radio station WSFA. Williams also had trouble replacing several of his band members who were drafted during World War II.
Gallery (12)
Connections
Categories
1923 births1953 deaths20th-century American guitarists20th-century American male singers20th-century American singer-songwritersAccidental deaths in West VirginiaAlcohol-related deaths in West VirginiaAmerican acoustic guitaristsAmerican country guitaristsAmerican country singer-songwritersAmerican gospel singersAmerican male guitarists