Childhood and Education Journey of Hank Williams in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Hank Williams, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Hank Williams was a highly influential American singer-songwriter of the 20th century. He achieved significant success with 55 singles reaching the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart's top 10, including 12 number-one hits. Even after his death, his music continued to resonate, with five posthumously released singles also reaching the top 10. Williams' impact on country music remains profound.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

July 1918: Elonzo Williams Enlists in WWI

In July 1918, Elonzo Huble Williams, Hank Williams' father, served in World War I.

June 1919: Elonzo Williams Ends WWI Service

In June 1919, Elonzo Huble Williams, Hank Williams' father, concluded his service in World War I.

July 5, 1921: Death of Ernest Huble Williams

On July 5, 1921, Ernest Huble Williams, Hank Williams's elder brother, died two days after his birth.

September 17, 1923: Hank Williams Born

On September 17, 1923, Hiram King "Hank" Williams was born. He would become an influential American singer-songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1930: Elonzo Williams' Illness

In 1930, when Hank Williams was seven, his father Elonzo began experiencing facial paralysis and was later diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.

1933: Move to Fountain, Alabama

In the fall of 1933, Hank Williams was sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Fountain, Alabama, while their daughter lived with his mother in Georgiana.

July 1937: Name Change and Talent Show Win

In July 1937, Hank Williams informally changed his name from Hiram to Hank, and won a talent show at the Empire Theater singing his original song "WPA Blues".

1937: Fight with P.E. Teacher and Move to Montgomery

In 1937, Hank Williams got into a fight with his physical education teacher, leading to his family's move to Montgomery, Alabama.

August 1938: Elonzo Williams' Temporary Release

In August 1938, Elonzo Williams was temporarily released from the hospital and visited his family in Montgomery, but did not reclaim his role as head of the household.

October 1939: Williams Drops Out of School

In October 1939, Hank Williams dropped out of school so that he and the Drifting Cowboys could work full-time.

1939: Death of Rufus "Tee-Tot" Payne

In 1939, Rufus "Tee-Tot" Payne, who taught Hank Williams guitar, died in poverty in Montgomery.

1941: Entry into World War II

In 1941, the American entry into World War II marked the beginning of hard times for Hank Williams and his band, as his band members were drafted.

1942: Employment at Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company

In 1942, Hank Williams started working as a shipfitter's helper for the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company in Mobile.

1943: Meeting Audrey Sheppard

In 1943, Hank Williams met Audrey Sheppard at a medicine show in Banks, Alabama.

1943: Birth of Lewis Fitzgerald

In 1943, Lewis Fitzgerald, who claimed to be Hank Williams' illegitimate son, was born to Marie McNeil, Williams's cousin. Fitzgerald claimed Lillie Williams operated a brothel at her boarding house.

December 15, 1944: Marriage to Audrey Sheppard

On December 15, 1944, Hank Williams married Audrey Sheppard, marking her second marriage and his first.

1944: Marriage to Audrey Sheppard (Technically Invalid)

In 1944, Hank Williams married Audrey Sheppard at a Texaco gas station. However, the marriage was technically invalid due to Sheppard's divorce not meeting the legal reconciliation period.

1944: Marriage to Audrey Sheppard

In 1944, Hank Williams married Audrey Sheppard. Their relationship was marked by competition for control over his career.

1945: Return to Radio and Songbook Publication

In 1945, Hank Williams returned to WSFA radio in Montgomery and published his first songbook, Original Songs of Hank Williams, which contained original songs and one non-original song.

May 26, 1949: Birth of Randall Hank Williams (Hank Williams Jr.)

On May 26, 1949, Randall Hank Williams, who would later be known as Hank Williams Jr., was born.

June 11, 1949: Grand Ole Opry Debut

On June 11, 1949, Hank Williams made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, receiving six encores. That year, he formed the most famous version of the Drifting Cowboys and Audrey Williams gave birth to Hank Williams Jr.

May 21, 1951: Admission to North Louisiana Sanitarium

On May 21, 1951, Hank Williams was admitted to North Louisiana Sanitarium in Shreveport for treatment of his alcoholism and back problem, and was released on May 24.

December 13, 1951: Spinal Fusion Surgery

On December 13, 1951, Hank Williams underwent a spinal fusion at Vanderbilt University Hospital after a fall aggravated his congenital spinal condition. He was discharged against medical advice on Christmas Eve.

1951: Horace "Toby" Marshall paroled in 1951

Horace "Toby" Marshall, who later posed as a doctor and provided harmful prescriptions to Hank Williams, had been paroled and released from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in 1951.

May 29, 1952: Divorce from Audrey Sheppard

On May 29, 1952, Hank Williams and Audrey Sheppard divorced after a turbulent marriage and his struggles with alcohol and painkillers.

June 1952: Moving in with Ray Price

In June 1952, Hank Williams moved into a house with Ray Price in Nashville. Price left soon after due to Williams's alcoholism.

October 1952: Marriage to Billie Jean Jones

In October 1952, Hank Williams married Billie Jean Jones. Public ceremonies were held at the New Orleans Civic Auditorium.

October 18, 1952: Marriage to Billie Jean Jones

On October 18, 1952, Hank Williams and Billie Jean Jones were married by a justice of the peace in Minden, Louisiana. This marriage would later be ruled invalid.

1952: Divorce, Remarriage, and Opry Dismissal

In 1952, Audrey divorced Hank Williams, and he married Billie Jean Jones. Also in 1952, he was dismissed by the Grand Ole Opry due to unreliability and alcoholism.

1952: Contract Between Biological Parents Recognized Cathy as Williams's Daughter

In 1952, a contract between Cathy's biological parents recognized her as Williams's daughter. This information was discovered by Cathy in 1981.

December 31, 1952: Scheduled Performance in Charleston

On December 31, 1952, Hank Williams was scheduled to perform at the Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, West Virginia, but a snowstorm prevented him from flying. He hired a driver instead.

January 1953: Hank Williams's Mother Intends to Adopt Daughter

In January 1953, Hank Williams's mother informed the Montgomery County Department of Public Welfare of her intention to adopt the daughter of Hank Williams and Bobbie Jett. While Irene Williams opposed the adoption, Hank's mother was granted custody of the child, who she then renamed Cathy.

1955: Death of Jessie Lillybelle Williams

In 1955, Jessie Lillybelle "Lillie" Williams, Hank Williams' mother, passed away.

1955: Irene Williams Assumes Control of Estate

In 1955, upon Lilly's death, Irene Williams assumed control of the estate. She became the legal guardian of Williams's son, while refusing to adopt Cathy. Irene attempted to contact Cathy's mother, Bobbie Jett, who refused to take the child.

1967: Hank Williams, Jr. Declared Sole Heir

In 1967, Hank Williams, Jr. was declared the only heir to the estate by a judge.

1969: Guardianship Transferred to Robert Stewart

In 1969, the guardianship of the estate was transferred to lawyer Robert Stewart after Irene was arrested and sentenced to jail for cocaine possession by a Texas court.

1970: Death of Elonzo Huble Williams

In 1970, Elonzo Huble Williams, Hank Williams' father, passed away.

1970: Hank Williams, Jr. Reaches Legal Adulthood

In 1970, Hank Williams, Jr. reached legal adulthood.

1981: Cathy Finds Half-Siblings and Learns of Contract

In 1981, Cathy found her half-siblings in California and learned of a 1952 contract between her biological parents that recognized her as Williams's daughter. She also learned that the court decisions of the 1960s ignored her existence.

1989: Cathy Recognized as Heir of Williams's Estate

After a decision by the Supreme Court of Alabama in 1989, Cathy was recognized as an heir of the estate of Williams. She later changed her name to Jett Williams.