History of Hank Williams in Timeline

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.

1922: Original release of Lovesick Blues

In 1922, Lovesick Blues, which Hank Williams would later make famous, was originally released and made popular by Rex Griffin.

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.

August 1942: Firing from WSFA

In August 1942, Hank Williams was fired from WSFA radio for "habitual drunkenness", a consequence of his worsening alcoholism.

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.

September 14, 1946: Audition for Grand Ole Opry and signing with Acuff-Rose Music

On September 14, 1946, Hank Williams auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville but was rejected. Following this, Hank and Audrey Williams approached Fred Rose at Acuff-Rose Music, leading to a six-song contract and subsequently, a deal with Sterling Records.

December 11, 1946: First Recording Session

On December 11, 1946, Hank Williams had his first recording session where he recorded "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul", "Calling You", "Never Again (Will I Knock on Your Door)", and "When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels".

1947: "Move It On Over" Release and Louisiana Hayride

In 1947, Hank Williams released the hit single "Move It On Over" and joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program, marking a significant step in his career.

1947: Signing with MGM Records and Release of "Move It on Over"

In 1947, Hank Williams signed with MGM Records and released "Move It on Over", which became a country hit.

1948: Joining the Louisiana Hayride

In 1948, Hank Williams moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and joined the Louisiana Hayride, a radio show broadcast on KWKH. He got a program on the station and bookings to perform across western Louisiana and eastern Texas.

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.

1949: Success of "Lovesick Blues" and signing with Oscar Davis

In 1949, Hank Williams released his version of "Lovesick Blues", which became a number one hit on the Billboard charts for four months. Following the success of this and "Wedding Bells", Williams signed a management contract with Oscar Davis.

1949: "Lovesick Blues" Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame

In 2010, Hank Williams's 1949 MGM number one hit, "Lovesick Blues", was inducted into the Recording Academy Grammy Hall of Fame.

1949: Broadcast of Health & Happiness Show

Recordings of Hank Williams for the Health & Happiness Show were broadcast in 1949, promoting Hadacol.

1950: Recording as "Luke the Drifter"

In 1950, Hank Williams began recording moral-themed songs as "Luke the Drifter" to differentiate these recitations from his honky-tonk music. His real identity was supposed to be unknown, but he often performed the material on stage.

1950: Airing of The Garden Spot Programs

In 1950, the Garden Spot Programs, a series of publicity segments for plant nursery Naughton Farms, originally aired featuring Hank Williams.

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.

November 14, 1951: Television Debut on the Perry Como Show

On November 14, 1951, Hank Williams appeared on television for the first time with Perry Como on CBS's Perry Como Show in New York, where he sang "Hey Good Lookin'".

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: Recording for March of Dimes

Hank Williams made a recording for the 1951 March of Dimes campaign.

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.

1951: Release of Hit Songs and Pop Cover of "Cold, Cold Heart"

In 1951, Hank Williams released more hit songs and his B-side, "Cold, Cold Heart", became one of his most recognized songs after Tony Bennett released a pop cover that stayed on the charts for 27 weeks, peaking at number one.

1951: Williams Hosts Radio Show for Mother's Best Flour

In 1951, Williams hosted a 15-minute show for Mother's Best Flour on WSM radio. Some shows were pre-recorded due to tour schedules.

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.

June 1952: Recording Session and Meeting Billie Jean Jones

In June 1952, Hank Williams recorded several songs and met Billie Jean Jones at the Grand Ole Opry, initiating a relationship that caused him to miss Grand Ole Opry appearances.

August 11, 1952: Dismissal from the Grand Ole Opry

On August 11, 1952, Hank Williams was dismissed from the Grand Ole Opry due to habitual drunkenness and missing shows.

September 1952: Writing and Recording of "Your Cheatin' Heart"

In September 1952, Hank Williams wrote and recorded "Your Cheatin' Heart".

September 23, 1952: Last Recording Session

During his last recording session on September 23, 1952, Hank Williams recorded "Kaw-Liga", "Your Cheatin' Heart", "Take These Chains from My Heart", and "I Could Never Be Ashamed of You".

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.

November 1952: Release of "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive"

In November 1952, Hank Williams's final single, "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive", was released while he was still alive.

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.

1952: Appearances on The Kate Smith Evening Hour and Extramarital Affair

In the spring of 1952, Hank Williams appeared on two episodes of The Kate Smith Evening Hour. During the same year, he had a brief extramarital affair with Bobbie Jett, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Jett Williams.

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 1, 1953: Hank Williams' Death

On January 1, 1953, Hank Williams died at the age of 29, due to heart failure while traveling to a concert in Canton, Ohio. His death marked the end of a brief but influential career.

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.

January 1953: MGM Records Reduced Releases Due to Demand for Williams's Music

In January 1953, MGM Records reduced their planned releases from 12 to 6 to meet the high demand for Hank Williams's music. The label also had 3,000 direct requests for pictures of the singer.

January 1953: Posthumous Release of "Your Cheatin' Heart"

In late January 1953, after Hank Williams's death, "Your Cheatin' Heart" was released. The song, backed by "Kaw-Liga", topped the country charts for six weeks.

April 1953: Release of "Take These Chains From My Heart"

In April 1953, "Take These Chains From My Heart" was released and reached No. 1 on the country charts.

April 1953: Production Backlog at MGM Pressing Plant

In April 1953, MGM Records estimated that back orders of Hank Williams's records, and those by other artists would cover the production of their Bloomfield, New Jersey, pressing plant until April 1953.

May 1953: Audrey Williams Files Lawsuit Against MGM and Acuff-Rose

In May 1953, Audrey Williams filed a lawsuit in Nashville against MGM Records and Acuff-Rose, demanding continued royalty payments from Hank Williams's records due to the lack of a will.

August 19, 1953: Settlement Agreement with Billie Jean Horton

On August 19, 1953, Billie Jean Horton signed an agreement accepting US$30,000, ceasing use of "Mrs. Hank Williams" title, revealing location of horse and returning items. Lilly Williams became the legal guardian of the estate.

1954: First "Hank Williams Day" Celebration

In 1954, the first celebration of "Hank Williams Day" featured the unveiling of a monument at the Cramton Bowl. Ferlin Husky performed "I Saw the Light" at the ceremony.

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.

February 8, 1960: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On February 8, 1960, Hank Williams's star was placed at 6400 Hollywood Boulevard on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1961: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1961, Hank Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to country music.

1963: Wesley Rose Contacts Irene Regarding Copyright Renewals

In 1963, Wesley Rose contacted Irene regarding the copyright renewals with Acuff-Rose. Rose offered US$25,000, which Irene accepted to prevent Williams's daughter from making a claim in the future.

1964: Release of "Your Cheatin' Heart" Biographical Film

In 1964, the biographical film "Your Cheatin' Heart", starring George Hamilton as Hank Williams, was released.

1966: Alabama Judge Confirms Irene Williams's Guardianship

In 1966, an Alabama judge determined that the guardianship of Williams's estate belonged to Irene Williams, and confirmed the validity of the copyright renewal deal. Cathy's adoptive parents were contacted by a lawyer, but they refused to contest the ruling.

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: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1970, Hank Williams was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, honoring his songwriting achievements.

1970: Hank Williams, Jr. Reaches Legal Adulthood

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

October 22, 1975: Billie Jean Horton Ruled Common-Law Wife

On October 22, 1975, a federal judge in Atlanta, Georgia, ruled that Billie Jean Horton was Williams's common-law wife, and that part of the copyright renewals of the songs belonged to her.

1978: "Your Cheatin' Heart" Voted Favorite Record by Truck Drivers

In 1978, the American Truckers Benevolent Association voted "Your Cheatin' Heart" as their favorite record of all time in the Truck Drivers' Country Music Awards.

1980: Movie adaptation of stage play 'Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave'

A 1980 movie adaptation of the stage play "Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave" was produced for television, starring Sneezy Waters.

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.

1985: Induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame

In 1985, Hank Williams was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

1987: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1987, Hank Williams was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the "Early Influence" category and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

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.

1993: Release of "Health & Happiness Show" Recordings

In 1993, a double-disc set of Hank Williams's recordings for the "Health & Happiness Show" was released, originally broadcast in 1949 for the promotion of Hadacol.

1994: Publication of "Hank Williams: The Biography"

In 1994, Colin Escott's book Hank Williams: The Biography was published.

1997: Lawsuit to Block Release of Recordings

In 1997, The Legacy Entertainment Group was sued by PolyGram and the heirs of Williams to block the release of recordings. A lawyer for Legacy Entertainment Group attempted to prevent the heirs of Williams from releasing the recordings. The Universal Music Group then claimed ownership of the shows.

1999: Induction into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame

In 1999, Hank Williams was inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame.

2001: Success of "Hank Williams: Timeless" Tribute Album

After the 2001 tribute album, "Hank Williams: Timeless" won a Grammy Award for country album of the year, there was heightened interest in similar projects, including a potential collaboration with Bob Dylan.

2002: Move of Song Notebooks to Sony ATV Music Offices

In 2002, the vault containing Hank Williams's unpublished song notebooks was moved to the offices of Sony ATV Music when it acquired Acuff-Rose.

2003: Ranked Second in CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music

In 2003, Hank Williams was ranked second in CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music, behind Johnny Cash.

2004: Ranked in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time

In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Hank Williams number 74 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

2005: Featured in BBC Documentary Series "Arena"

In 2005, Hank Williams was featured in an episode of the BBC documentary series "Arena".

January 2006: Court Upholds Heirs' Rights to Recordings

In January 2006, the Tennessee Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling stating that Williams's heirs, including son Hank Williams Jr. and daughter Jett Williams, have the sole rights to sell his recordings.

2008: Time-Life Releases 'Unreleased Recordings'

In 2008, Time-Life released "Unreleased Recordings", a selection of numbers pertaining to the Mother's Best Flour shows.

April 12, 2010: Posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation

On April 12, 2010, the Pulitzer Prize Board awarded Hank Williams a posthumous special citation for his contributions to country music.

2010: Posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation

In 2010, Hank Williams was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his songwriting and its impact on country music.

2010: Time-Life Releases 'The Complete Mothers' Best Recordings... Plus!'

In 2010, Time-Life released a 15-CD box-set containing all of the recordings remastered by sound engineer Joe Palmaccio entitled "The Complete Mothers' Best Recordings... Plus!".

October 4, 2011: Release of "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams"

On October 4, 2011, the album "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams" was released, featuring contributions from various artists, including Bob Dylan and Holly Williams.

2011: Re-release of "Health & Happiness Show" as "The Legend Begins"

In 2011, the "Health & Happiness Show" set was re-released as "Hank Williams: The Legend Begins", including unreleased songs and early recordings.

May 2014: Release of "The Garden Spot Programs, 1950" Radio Recordings

In May 2014, further radio recordings by Hank Williams were released as "The Garden Spot Programs, 1950", a series of publicity segments for Naughton Farms originally aired in 1950.

2016: Release of Biopic "I Saw the Light"

In 2016, the biopic "I Saw the Light", based on Colin Escott's book, was released, starring Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams.

July 2020: Death of Granddaughter Katherine

In July 2020, Hank Williams's granddaughter Katherine (Hank Jr.'s daughter) died in a car crash at the age of 27.

2021: Release of Debut Single by Great-Grandson Coleman Finchum

In 2021, Hank Williams's great-grandson Coleman Finchum, son of Hank Williams III, released his debut single credited to IV and the Strange Band.

September 17, 2023: Hank Williams Day Proclaimed in Montgomery

On September 17, 2023, Hank Williams Day was proclaimed in Montgomery, Alabama, during a wreath-laying ceremony at his graveside, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth.