Country Icon Hank Williams Honored With ‘Hank 100’ Centennial Celebration

/by

Hank Williams. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Archives

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hank Williams‘ birth, his extraordinary career and remarkable legacy will be honored throughout the next year around the world with a host of events, new releases, tribute shows, induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum, and much more.

On Friday (Sept. 15), Mercury Nashville/UMe released a new digital collection entitled Hank Williams 100 that pairs 19 of Williams’ most popular songs and greatest hits across the musical and emotional spectrum.

“Hank Williams was a force of nature who left an incredible catalog of songs that are still seen as the highest standard of the craft of songwriting. UMe remains honored to be the stewards of his timeless songs and to help further his legacy by continuing to introduce new generations to his music,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group.

Additionally, UMG Nashville recording artist and William’s grandson, Sam Williams, is celebrating his grandfather’s legacy and 100th birthday with a soothing rendition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

“This song is special to me in many ways. I have always been hesitant to touch recording my grandfather’s songs, as there’s a sacredness to them. I wouldn’t want to do them injustice. ‘ISLICC’ has always been one of my favorites of his catalog,” Williams shares.

“Hank Williams is one of the crucial cornerstones upon which the American artform of country music is built. He was able to fuse country with the blues and gospel in a way that stripped popular music to its essence with an appeal beyond genre and culture. His songs are performed every day in the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway in Nashville, but also by artists all over the world. We are proud to represent the evergreen catalog of Hank Williams and introduce new generations to one of the finest purveyors of three chords and the truth,” says Cindy Mabe, Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville.

Later this week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating Williams’ 100th birthday with “Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams,” presented by Spotify in partnership with the Americana Music Association. A diverse representation of the Americana community will be coming together during the AmericanaFest in Nashville at the CMA Theater on Thursday, Sept. 21 to perform interpretations of Williams’ classics in various styles, from honky-tonk to bluegrass to rock and R&B. The event will feature Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Rodney Crowell, Della Mae, S.G. Goodman, Brennen Leigh, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Mead and Wendy Moten, as well as Williams’ grandchildren Sam, Hilary Williams and Holly Williams, and Country Music Hall of Fame members Charlie McCoy and Connie Smith.

Hank Williams 100 Tracklist:
1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
2. Hey, Good Lookin’
3. Kaw-Liga
4. I Saw The Light
5. Move It On Over
6. Honky Tonkin’
7. Settin’ The Woods On Fire
8. Baby We’re Really In Love
9. Lost Highway
10. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
11. Your Cheatin’ Heart
12. Cold Cold Heart
13. Alone And Forsaken
14. Lovesick Blues
15. Honky Tonk Blues
16. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
17. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)
18. You Win Again
19. I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive

Steven Boero
Latest posts by Steven Boero (see all)