Hank Williams, born September 17, 1923 in Butler County, Alabama, passed away January 1, 1953. He was an iconic country singer/songwriter and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Son of Lillie Mae and Elihue Williams, Hank learned to play guitar from the family's first cousin, Rufus Payne, and performed with him for several years as a teen on local radio shows. Later, Williams was signed with MGM in 1945 for his first commercial recordings and swiftly became a smash hit in terms of singles, radio, and albums. His musical genius is celebrated in over twenty of his number-one country music hits. Williams wrote many of his own songs, and stamped his own style to them. He created his own unique sound using a pseudonym, 'Luke the Drifter', and has been acclaimed as a founder of modern country music. Hank Williams was a powerful vocalist, guitar player, and had a unique style. His works and style will live on as a legacy to his passion and musical genius.