History of Hank Williams in Timeline
Hiram King "Hank" Williams, an iconic American singer-songwriter, is considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century American music. His legacy includes 55 singles that reached the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart's top 10, with 12 achieving the No.1 spot. Notably, five of these chart-topping hits were released after his death, demonstrating his enduring impact on the music industry.
July 1918: Elonzo Williams's World War I Service Begins
Hank Williams's father, Elonzo Williams, began his service in World War I in July 1918.
June 1919: Elonzo Williams's World War I Service Ends
Elonzo Williams returned from his service in World War I in June 1919.
July 5, 1921: Death of Ernest Huble Williams
The Williams family experienced a tragic loss on July 5, 1921, when their first child, Ernest Huble Williams, died two days after his birth.
September 17, 1923: Birth of Hank Williams
Hiram King "Hank" Williams was born on September 17, 1923, in Mount Olive, Alabama.
1930: Elonzo Williams's Aneurysm and Hospitalization
In 1930, when Hank Williams was seven years old, Elonzo Williams suffered a brain aneurysm and was hospitalized for eight years, leaving a significant impact on the family.
1933: Hank Williams Moves to Live with Relatives
In the fall of 1933, Hank Williams was sent to live with his aunt and uncle, Walter and Alice McNeil, in Fountain, Alabama, marking a change in his upbringing.
July 1937: Hank Williams Begins Using Stage Name and Wins Talent Show
In July 1937, Hank Williams decided to change his name from Hiram to Hank and won first prize at the Empire Theater talent show with his original song "WPA Blues".
1937: Move to Montgomery
Following a dispute with a teacher at Hank's school, the Williams family moved to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1937.
August 1938: Elonzo Williams Returns Home Briefly
Elonzo Williams, Hank's father, was temporarily released from the hospital in August 1938 and briefly returned to the family home in Montgomery.
October 1939: Hank Williams Drops Out of School to Pursue Music Career
In October 1939, Hank Williams dropped out of school to pursue music full-time with his band, the Drifting Cowboys. His mother, Lillie, became their manager.
1939: Rufus "Tee-Tot" Payne's Death
Rufus "Tee-Tot" Payne, Hank Williams's musical mentor, passed away in poverty in Montgomery in 1939.
1941: World War II Impacts Hank Williams' Career
The American entry into World War II in 1941 impacted Hank Williams' career, as his band members were drafted, and replacements were hard to keep due to his alcoholism.
August 1942: Hank Williams Fired from WSFA for Drunkenness
In August 1942, Hank Williams was fired from WSFA radio due to his struggles with alcohol.
1942: Hank Williams Works as Shipfitter, Meets Audrey Sheppard
In 1942, Hank Williams worked as a shipfitter and met Audrey Sheppard. They lived and worked together in Mobile for a short time.
1943: Hank Williams Meets Audrey Sheppard
Hank Williams met Audrey Sheppard in 1943 at a medicine show in Banks, Alabama.
1943: Paternity Claim by Lewis Fitzgerald
In 1943, a man named Lewis Fitzgerald, claiming to be Hank Williams's illegitimate son, was born to Williams's cousin, Marie McNeil. Fitzgerald's claims included allegations about Lillie Williams operating a brothel.
December 15, 1944: Marriage to Audrey Sheppard
On December 15, 1944, Hank Williams married Audrey Sheppard. This marked his first marriage, while it was Audrey's second. The relationship, however, was marked by turbulence from the start.
1944: Hank Williams Marries Audrey Sheppard
Hank Williams and Audrey Sheppard married in 1944, though their marriage was technically invalid due to issues with Sheppard's previous divorce.
1944: Hank Williams Marries Audrey Sheppard
In 1944, Hank Williams married Audrey Sheppard, who became a prominent figure in his life and career.
1945: Hank Williams Returns to Radio, Begins Songwriting Career
Hank Williams returned to WSFA radio in 1945 and began focusing on songwriting, publishing his first songbook. Audrey Sheppard became his manager.
September 14, 1946: Hank Williams Auditions for Grand Ole Opry, Gets Rejected
On September 14, 1946, Hank Williams auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry but was rejected.
December 11, 1946: Hank Williams Signs with Sterling Records
On December 11, 1946, Hank Williams signed with Sterling Records and recorded his first session.
1947: Release of "Move It On Over"
Hank Williams released the hit single "Move It On Over" in 1947 after signing with MGM Records.
1947: Hank Williams Signs with MGM Records
Hank Williams signed with MGM Records and released "Move It on Over," which became a country hit.
1948: Hank Williams Joins Louisiana Hayride
In 1948, Hank Williams moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and joined the Louisiana Hayride radio show, expanding his reach throughout the Southeastern United States.
May 26, 1949: Birth of Hank Williams Jr.
On May 26, 1949, Hank Williams and Audrey Sheppard welcomed their son, Randall Hank Williams, who would later become known as Hank Williams Jr. This marked a significant event in Williams's personal life, adding to the complexities of his relationship with Audrey.
June 11, 1949: Hank Williams Debuts at Grand Ole Opry
On June 11, 1949, Hank Williams made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, receiving six encores. He formed the most famous lineup of his band, the Drifting Cowboys.
1949: Hank Williams on the Health & Happiness Show
During 1949, Hank Williams participated in the Health & Happiness Show, a radio program sponsored by the medicinal product Hadacol, as part of his promotional efforts.
1949: "Lovesick Blues" Becomes a Hit, Hank Williams Joins Grand Ole Opry
In 1949, Hank Williams' version of "Lovesick Blues" became a major hit, and he was signed to the Grand Ole Opry.
1949: Release of "Lovesick Blues"
In 1949, Hank Williams released "Lovesick Blues," a song that would later be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1950: Hank Williams as "Luke the Drifter"
By 1950, Hank Williams was earning a significant income from his music career. He also started recording gospel songs under the pseudonym "Luke the Drifter". This decision was influenced by his producer, Fred Rose, who was concerned about the potential negative impact on jukebox operators and listeners if they associated Williams's traditional country music with sermons.
1950: Hank Williams Records "The Garden Spot Programs"
In 1950, Hank Williams participated in recording "The Garden Spot Programs," a series of radio segments promoting Naughton Farms, showcasing his involvement in various commercial endeavors.
May 21, 1951: Treatment for Alcoholism and Back Problems
On May 21, 1951, Hank Williams was admitted to North Louisiana Sanitarium in Shreveport to address his struggles with alcoholism and ongoing back problems. He was released a few days later on May 24.
November 14, 1951: Hank Williams's Television Debut
On November 14, 1951, Hank Williams made his first television appearance on CBS's Perry Como Show. He performed his hit song "Hey Good Lookin'" which was so well-received that Perry Como opened the following week's show wearing a cowboy hat and singing the same song.
December 13, 1951: Spinal Fusion Surgery
On December 13, 1951, Hank Williams underwent a spinal fusion at Vanderbilt University Hospital to address his worsening back pain, which was aggravated by a fall. Despite the seriousness of the surgery, he chose to leave the hospital against medical advice on Christmas Eve.
1951: Horace "Toby" Marshall's Release from Prison
In 1951, Horace "Toby" Marshall, who would later play a role in Hank Williams's life, was released from Oklahoma State Penitentiary after serving time for forgery. Marshall, who falsely claimed to be a doctor, would later prescribe Williams a cocktail of drugs that would contribute to the deterioration of his health.
1951: Release of "Dear John" and "Cold, Cold Heart"
In 1951, Hank Williams released "Dear John", which became a hit. However, it was the B-side, "Cold, Cold Heart," that gained wider recognition. The song's popularity was further amplified by a pop cover version by Tony Bennett, which achieved significant chart success.
1951: Hank Williams Hosts Mother's Best Flour Show
In 1951, Hank Williams began hosting a 15-minute radio show sponsored by Mother's Best Flour on WSM radio. To accommodate his touring schedule, some episodes were pre-recorded.
1951: Hank Williams's Recording for the March of Dimes
Hank Williams showed his support for charitable causes in 1951 by participating in a recording for the March of Dimes, a significant organization dedicated to fighting polio and other diseases.
May 29, 1952: Divorce from Audrey Sheppard
On May 29, 1952, Hank Williams and Audrey Sheppard officially ended their tumultuous marriage. The divorce followed years of turbulence and marked a turning point in Williams's personal life, further complicated by his struggles with addiction.
June 1952: Residence and Relationships
In June 1952, Hank Williams moved into a house in Nashville with singer Ray Price, but Price moved out soon after due to Williams's alcoholism. Williams later moved to his mother's boardinghouse, where he had a relationship with Bobbie Jett, resulting in the birth of their daughter, Jett Williams.
June 1952: New Releases, Divorce, and a New Relationship
June 1952 was a tumultuous month for Hank Williams. He recorded several songs, including "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" and "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive." However, his personal life was marked by turmoil as he divorced his wife, Audrey Williams, and began a relationship with Billie Jean Jones, the girlfriend of country singer Faron Young.
August 11, 1952: Dismissal from the Grand Ole Opry
On August 11, 1952, Hank Williams was dismissed from the Grand Ole Opry due to his ongoing struggles with alcohol abuse and missed performances. This marked a significant setback in his career, and he returned to performing in Shreveport.
September 1952: Recording of "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Kaw-Liga"
In September 1952, Hank Williams recorded two of his most iconic songs, "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Kaw-Liga." These recordings, imbued with raw emotion and authenticity, would go on to become cornerstones of country music.
September 23, 1952: Last Recording Session
On September 23, 1952, Hank Williams participated in what would be his last recording session. During this session, he recorded several iconic songs, including "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Take These Chains from My Heart," and "Kaw-Liga." These songs would be released posthumously and become some of his most enduring hits.
October 1952: Marriage to Billie Jean Jones
Despite the challenges in his career, Hank Williams married Billie Jean Jones in October 1952. This decision came amidst his ongoing struggles with alcoholism and professional setbacks.
October 18, 1952: Marriage to Billie Jean Jones
On October 18, 1952, Hank Williams married Billie Jean Jones in Minden, Louisiana, followed by two public ceremonies in New Orleans. However, the marriage was later ruled invalid because Jones's divorce was not yet final.
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. This release, marked by its poignant title, became a significant moment in his career.
1952: Divorce and Remarriage
Hank Williams's life takes a tumultuous turn in 1952 when he divorces Audrey and marries Billie Jean Horton.
1952: Appearances on "The Kate Smith Evening Hour" and Extramarital Affair
In the spring of 1952, Hank Williams made two appearances on the popular television show "The Kate Smith Evening Hour," showcasing his music to a wider audience. During this time, he also had a brief extramarital affair with dancer Bobbie Jett, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Jett Williams.
December 31, 1952: Final Days and Cancelled Performance
On December 31, 1952, Hank Williams was scheduled to perform in Charleston, West Virginia, but was unable to fly due to a snowstorm. He hired Charles Carr to drive him, and they stopped in Birmingham, Fort Payne, and Knoxville. Williams's deteriorating health, due to alcohol and chloral hydrate, led to medical attention and a cancelled performance.
January 1, 1953: Death of Hank Williams
Hank Williams, aged 29, died unexpectedly on January 1, 1953, from heart failure in the back seat of a car near Oak Hill, West Virginia. He was on his way to a concert in Canton, Ohio.
January 1953: Posthumous Release of "Your Cheatin' Heart"
Hank Williams's song "Your Cheatin' Heart," recorded in September 1952, was released posthumously in January 1953 and became a massive hit.
January 1953: Posthumous Demand for Music
In January 1953, following Hank Williams's death, MGM Records reported a significant increase in demand for his music. Back orders and requests for his records were so high that the label had to reduce planned releases to meet the demand.
January 1953: Lilly Williams Seeks Custody of Granddaughter
In January 1953, following Hank Williams's death, his mother, Lilly Williams, expressed her desire to the Montgomery County Department of Public Welfare to adopt her son's illegitimate daughter, whom Bobbie Jett had left in her care.
April 1953: Posthumous Music Production
By April 1953, the back orders for Hank Williams's records were enough to cover the production of MGM Records' Bloomfield pressing plant for several months. This demonstrated the enduring popularity of Williams's music even after his death.
April 1953: Posthumous Release of "Take These Chains From My Heart"
In April 1953, Hank Williams's song "Take These Chains From My Heart" was released posthumously and reached number one on the country charts, further solidifying his legacy.
May 1953: Audrey Williams Files Lawsuit over Royalties
Following Hank Williams's death in May 1953, his first wife, Audrey Williams, filed a lawsuit against MGM Records and Acuff-Rose to secure her half of the royalties from his music, leading to legal disputes over his estate.
August 19, 1953: Billie Jean Agrees to Settlement
On August 19, 1953, Billie Jean, Hank Williams's second wife, signed an agreement accepting a settlement of US$30,000, relinquishing claims to his estate and allowing his mother, Lilly Williams, to become the legal guardian of his estate and care for Hank Williams Jr.
1953: Death of Hank Williams
Hank Williams passed away in 1953, marking a significant loss in the music industry.
1954: Inaugural Hank Williams Day and Monument Unveiling
In 1954, Alabama governor Gordon Persons proclaimed September 21 "Hank Williams Day." The first celebration featured the unveiling of a monument in Williams's honor and a performance by Ferlin Husky.
1955: Irene Williams Assumes Control of Estate and Guardianship
After Lilly Williams's death in 1955, Irene Williams, Hank Williams's sister, took over the management of his estate and became the legal guardian of Hank Williams Jr., while deciding against adopting Cathy, Williams's illegitimate daughter, further complicating family matters.
1955: Death of Lillie Williams
Lillie Williams, Hank Williams's mother, passed away in 1955.
February 8, 1960: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On February 8, 1960, Hank Williams received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his place as a legend in American music.
1961: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 1961, Hank Williams was among the first inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a pioneer of country music.
1961: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
Hank Williams was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, solidifying his legacy as a country music icon.
1963: Copyright Renewals and Estate Disputes Begin
In 1963, Wesley Rose initiated copyright renewals for Hank Williams' music, offering Irene Williams $25,000 to secure rights and potentially prevent future claims from Williams' daughter.
1964: Release of "Your Cheatin' Heart" Biopic
The biographical film "Your Cheatin' Heart," starring George Hamilton as Hank Williams, was released in 1964, introducing his music and story to a wider audience.
1966: Irene Williams Granted Guardianship of Estate
An Alabama judge ruled in 1966 that Irene Williams would retain guardianship over Hank Williams' estate, further solidifying the copyright renewal agreement.
1967: Hank Williams, Jr. Declared Heir
In 1967, Hank Williams, Jr. was officially declared the sole heir to his father's estate.
1969: Estate Guardianship Transferred
Following Irene Williams' legal troubles in 1969, guardianship of Hank Williams' estate was passed to lawyer Robert Stewart.
1970: Death of Elonzo Williams
Elonzo Williams, Hank Williams's father, passed away in 1970.
1970: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Hank Williams's songwriting talents were recognized in 1970 when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
1970: Hank Williams, Jr. Reaches Adulthood
Hank Williams, Jr. became a legal adult in 1970.
October 22, 1975: Billie Jean Horton Recognized as Common-Law Wife
On October 22, 1975, a federal judge in Atlanta, Georgia, declared Billie Jean Horton as the common-law wife of Hank Williams, entitling her to a portion of his song copyrights.
1978: "Your Cheatin' Heart" Voted Favorite Record by Truckers
In 1978, the American Truckers Benevolent Association voted "Your Cheatin' Heart" as their all-time favorite record, reflecting the song's enduring appeal and cultural impact.
1980: "Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave" Film and Stage Play
Canadian singer Sneezy Waters portrayed Hank Williams in the stage play and subsequent 1980 television movie adaptation of "Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave," further extending Williams's legacy in popular culture.
1981: Cathy Discovers Her Identity and Paternity
At 21, Cathy discovered that Hank Williams was her biological father. In 1981, she connected with her half-siblings in California and uncovered a 1951 agreement acknowledging her as Williams' daughter, revealing that previous court rulings had overlooked her existence.
1985: Induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Hank Williams was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985, recognizing his significant contributions to the state's musical heritage.
1987: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Hank Williams was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 under the category "Early Influence," acknowledging his significant impact on rock and roll music.
1987: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Hank Williams's influence transcended genres, leading to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
1989: Jett Williams Recognized as Heir
After a Supreme Court of Alabama decision in 1989, Cathy, who later adopted the name Jett Williams, gained recognition as a rightful heir to Hank Williams' estate.
1993: Release of Hank Williams's Health & Happiness Show Recordings
In 1993, a two-disc set of Hank Williams's performances on the Health & Happiness Show, recorded in 1949 to promote Hadacol, was released, providing a glimpse into his early career and promotional activities.
1994: Publication of "Hank Williams: The Biography" by Colin Escott
Colin Escott released his detailed account of Hank Williams's life in 1994 with the publication of "Hank Williams: The Biography," contributing to the understanding and appreciation of Williams's impact on music.
1997: Legal Battle over Unreleased Recordings
The Legacy Entertainment Group faced legal action in 1997 from PolyGram and Hank Williams' heirs over the attempted release of unreleased recordings. While Jett Williams possessed the original acetates, Legacy Entertainment Group's lawyer claimed ownership, sparking a dispute over rights.
1999: Induction into the Native American Music Hall of Fame
Hank Williams was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame in 1999, acknowledging his contributions to and influence on Native American music.
1999: Induction into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame
Hank Williams was posthumously inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1999.
2001: "Hank Williams: Timeless" Wins Grammy Award
The year 2001 marked a resurgence of interest in Hank Williams's music when the tribute album "Hank Williams: Timeless" won a Grammy Award for Country Album of the Year, sparking interest in further projects featuring his work.
2002: Relocation of Hank Williams's Unpublished Songs
In 2002, a collection of Hank Williams's unpublished songs, originally stored in a Nashville vault owned by Acuff-Rose Publications, was relocated to the offices of Sony ATV Music following their acquisition of Acuff-Rose.
2003: Ranked Second on CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music
In 2003, CMT ranked Hank Williams second on their list of the 40 Greatest Men of Country Music, solidifying his place among the genre's most influential figures.
2004: Ranked 74th on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Hank Williams 74th on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, highlighting his lasting influence and importance in music history.
2005: Featured on BBC's "Arena" Documentary Series
In 2005, Hank Williams was featured in an episode of the BBC documentary series "Arena," further cementing his international recognition and legacy.
January 2006: Heirs Granted Rights to Recordings
The Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled in January 2006 that Hank Williams Jr. and Jett Williams, had exclusive rights to the sale of their father's recordings.
2008: Unreleased Recordings Released
Time-Life released "Unreleased Recordings" in 2008, featuring a curated selection of songs from the Mother's Best Flour radio shows.
April 12, 2010: Posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation
On April 12, 2010, Hank Williams was awarded a posthumous special citation by the Pulitzer Prize Board, recognizing his profound impact on American music and culture.
2010: Posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation
In 2010, Hank Williams was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, a testament to his enduring impact on American music and culture.
2010: Complete Mother's Best Recordings Released
Time-Life released a comprehensive 15-CD box-set in 2010 titled "The Complete Mothers' Best Recordings... Plus!", containing all the recordings from the Mother's Best Flour radio show, remastered by Joe Palmaccio.
October 4, 2011: Release of "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams"
On October 4, 2011, "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams" album was released, featuring music set to Williams's lyrics by artists like Bob Dylan, Holly Williams, Alan Jackson, Jack White, and others, highlighting his enduring influence on the music world.
2011: Re-release of Hank Williams's Early Recordings
In 2011, a collection of Hank Williams's early recordings, including unreleased songs and homemade recordings, was released as "Hank Williams: The Legend Begins," offering fans a comprehensive look at his musical development.
May 2014: Release of "The Garden Spot Programs" Recordings
May 2014 saw the release of more archived Hank Williams radio recordings, "The Garden Spot Programs," publicity segments for Naughton Farms from 1950, discovered by George Gimarc and released by Omnivore Recordings, earning a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album.
2016: Release of "I Saw the Light" Biopic
In 2016, Hank Williams's life and career were revisited on the big screen with the release of the biopic "I Saw the Light," starring Tom Hiddleston, based on Colin Escott's 1994 biography, further introducing his story to a new generation.
July 2020: Death of Katherine Williams-Dunning
In a tragic event in July 2020, Hank Williams's granddaughter, Katherine Williams-Dunning, daughter of Hank Williams Jr., died in a car crash at the young age of 27.
2021: Debut of Coleman Finchum and Continued Legacy
The year 2021 saw the continuation of the Williams musical legacy with the debut single of Hank Williams III's son, Coleman Finchum, under the name IV and the Strange Band. This year also saw Lewis Fitzgerald's son, Ricky, performing as Hank Williams IV, furthering the family's connection to music.
September 17, 2023: Hank Williams Day Proclaimed on 100th Birthday
Marking the 100th anniversary of his birth, September 17, 2023, was declared Hank Williams Day, accompanied by celebrations in Montgomery and Nashville, including concerts and a tribute at the Country Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his iconic status in country music history.
2023: Hank Williams's Estate Valued
In 2023, Hank Williams's estate, including cash, assets, and possessions, was estimated to be worth US$151,800 (adjusted for inflation), highlighting the enduring value of his musical legacy.