Many stars turned out to tribute Hank, including Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell, Suzy Boggus, and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. A healthy dose of independent and up-and-coming stars also appeared.
There is still a point of contention that comes up regularly whenever the name of the Grand Ole Opry is evoked in certain circles—the strained relationship between the Grand Ole Opry and the Hank Williams legacy.
Singer, songwriter, and 3rd generation performer Sam Williams says he’s in a restrictive conservatorship, and wants out. Signed to a major label deal with Mercury Nashville, Sam Williams is the son of Hank Williams Jr. from his marriage to Mary Jane Thomas.
Could it be that the most important and influential bloodline in country music history actually has a lost branch? Country History X Episode #11 delves into this complicated and convoluted story, while now a 4th generation of performers have emerged looking to carry on Hank’s name.
There are many incredibly important legacy families to the country music lineage, from the Carter’s to the Cash’s. But arguably no crop of performers have offered more entertainment, influence, intrigue, and tragedy than the family tree that sprouts from the loins of Hank Williams.
There’s a new performer on the way, and he’s one that has a legitimate claim to arguably the most important bloodline in country music history. That’s right, the son of Hank Williams III is getting ready to emerge, and to do so under the moniker “IV.”
The daughter of Hank Williams Jr.—27-year-old Katherine Williams-Dunning—died in a car accident Saturday (6-13) night on Highway 79 near West Antioch Road northeast of Paris, Tennessee. Williams-Dunning was driving a 2007 Chevy Tahoe towing a boat when it crossed the dividing median of Highway 79.
Holly Williams, Sam Williams, and Hilary Williams were featured on a new CMT series called “Another Round” that looks to capture performers in an intimate setting. But noticeably absent from this assemblage of Hank Jr.’s progeny was Hank Williams III.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has partnered with Google to bring the Family Tradition exhibit to life once again, and do so online so anyone in the world with an internet device can explore the lives, legacies, and artifacts of country music’s most recognized family.