Hank Williams, born in 1923 in Mount Olive, Alabama continues to remain an icon in the field of country music.  No writer/artist has contributed as much to country music as Hank Williams did. Hank was truly a shooting star who would soon outshine all the rest of those before and those to follow.

 During his relatively short time as an entertainer, Hank Williams became the model to follow  by all new comers to the country music business. Hank's unique ability to capture the attention of his audience continues to amaze many who have studied this remarkable man.  No one was his equal in writing nor in performance style.  Hank Williams was unique in many ways.

Hank Williams had a special relationship with his audience.  Hank's special blend of talent forged by the lifestyle that he had developed was addictive to all who observed.  Hank, through his performance style, spoke to and for the audience in a most personal way.

Hank's stage appearance coupled with the simplicity of his music and his honesty in vocal presentation made him a special attraction.  In just a few short years, Hank Williams became a legend in his own time.

The Hank Williams legacy is filled with stories of sadness and despair and yet the people his music has touched have not forgotten nor forsaken him.  Hank's audience has remained loyal to this very day and the shadow he cast continues to grow.  Hank Williams had a "special" relationship with his audience and he loved his audience and his audience loved him!

Growing up in abject poverty near the beginning of the Great Depression helped to forge the person Hank Williams would become.  Knowing  real poverty and the plight of the poor, Hank soon understood the meaning of "hard times".  As a result, many of his songs often reflected some of those hard times as presented by the other Hank, "Luke the Drifter".

Hank's love of music began early and his association with Rufus Payne, a black street performer, would  play a role in helping Hank develop his personal style. Hank learned the lessons in the art of performing and on guitar from his mentor who was known by the nick name as "Tee Tot".  Hank would never forget the positive influence of this old black street performer and would give credit to him years later.

Moving on to a local radio station where Hank would perform live would increase his popularity throughout the region. Hank was beginning to draw an audience.  He would soon play the bars, schools and other venues and his appeal continued to grow.  Hank was quickly becoming a major regional entertainment personality in country music!

It would not be long before the business types in country music would come to know Hank Williams. Through a meeting set up by Hank's first wife Audrey, Hank was introduced to Fred Rose.  Hank had a special talent and the business folks at Acuff-Rose knew it and would take advantage of that talent in many ways.

Hank Williams became a "writing machine" that help boost the recognition and success of the Acuff-Rose  publishing company. Then came "Lovesick Blues" and while Hank did not write this song, he presented it as only Hank Williams could and it became a "hit'. Acuff and Rose became the benefactor of the creativity of Hank Williams.

Hank Williams would soon be heard from the famed Louisiana Hayride and then the Grand Ole Opry!  The opry found a unique talent in Hank Williams but would soon part ways with him as a result of some of his personal problems which included his use of alcohol and other substances.  However, while Hank was being shunted by the opry powers-that-be, his fans continued to demand his presence in shows throughout the country.  Being fired from the opry did not in any way diminish Hank's appeal amongst his fans.

"Lovesick Blues" and a multitude of other great songs would place Hank Williams at the top of the country music world!  Hit after hit would be aired throughout the land and Hank Williams became a giant in the country music field.  No other talent, then and now, would accomplish so much in so short a time.  Hank Williams was not only a writer and artist but he was also a teacher, philosopher and preacher. This special blend of talent peculiar to Hank Williams alone would make him the most sought after performer of his time. 

 Hank's audience knew that he was the real thing! Hank was authentic in many ways. What you heard and saw is what you got. Hank was not a phony by any means. His down-to-earth approach to living and behaving was absolutely honest. Many artists of today would benefit greatly by adopting a similar approach. However, many of the artists today just do not have the same "spirit".

Sadly,  Hank Williams would only be around for a few short years and then the end would come.  Troubled by many early health issues along with alcohol and other substance use and abuse problems and personal problems related to his marriages and other factors, Hank Williams was quickly "burning out" and his star was beginning to fade!

Hank Williams knew himself better than anyone. He knew his weakness and his strength. He was the youngest but oldest personality of his time.  At twenty-nine years of age, he had already lived a lifetime which gave him an unusual insight and wisdom into his world.

On December 31, 1952, Hank Williams was on the road heading to comeback engagements in Charleston, West Virginia and Canton, Ohio. I remember clearly the day that it was announced that Hank Williams was dead. Living in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, I was shocked that Hank was found in the back seat of his car in Oak Hill, a small town several hours to the southwest of me.

 Hank Williams would not make these scheduled engagements and one wonders if he really wanted to! I have my own opinions about the question but will reserve them for the book that I am writing about Hank Williams.

The world lost a great talent somewhere between Knoxville, Tennessee and Oak Hill, West Virginia. 

 Although Hank Williams is not with us today, his music and his influence will live on as long as there is a real country music fan out there!

For more information about the life of Hank Williams, watch for my book which is in progress. 

 There have read many books written about Hank Williams but, in my opinion, most fall short in telling the real story. 

 The real Hank Williams story is yet to come!

Charlie Frederick Music Enterprises

Martinsburg, West Virginia