Hank Williams, Jr. Videos

Randall Hank Williams, better known as Hank Williams, Jr. was born on May 26, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His father, Hank Williams, a country music pioneer, nicknamed him Bocephus after Grand Ole Opry comedian Rod Brasfield’s ventriloquist dummy.

After his father’s untimely death in 1953, he was raised by his mother, Audrey Williams. While he was a child, a vast number of contemporary musicians visited his family, who influenced and taught him various music instruments and styles. Among these figures of influence were Johnny Cash, Fats Domino, Earl Scruggs, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Williams first stepped on the stage and sang his father’s songs when he was 8 years old. In 1964 he made his recording debut with “Long Gone Lonesome Blues,” one of many of his father’s classic songs.

Williams began his career by following in his famed father’s footsteps; singing his father’s songs and imitating his father’s style. Williams’s own style slowly evolved as he struggled to find his own voice and place within the country music industry. This trend was interrupted by a near fatal fall off the side of Ajax Mountain in Montana on August 8, 1975. After an extended recovery he challenged the country music establishment with a blend of country, rock, and blues. Williams enjoyed much success in the 1980s from which he earned considerable recognition and popularity both inside and outside the country music industry. He is now considered a seasoned professional and leader in the country and outlaw country genres.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Williams’s repertoire of skills include guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, steel guitar, banjo, Dobro, piano, keyboards, harmonica, fiddle, and drums.

He is probably best known today for his hit “A Country Boy Can Survive.”  He may also be well known today as the performer of the theme song for Monday Night Football, based on his 1984 hit “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.” In 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994, Williams’s opening themes for Monday Night Football earned him four Emmy awards.