Hank Williams Museum - Montgomery, Alabama
Hank Williams Museum - Montgomery, Alabama
Hiram (Hank) Williams started his career at the age of 14 when he won a talent show at the Empire Theater in Montgomery in 1937. He began playing guitar following his 8th birthday when his mother gave him his first guitar. From that gift came the historic life of "the father of contemporary country music".
His first band was called the Drifting Cowboys and became a regular on a local radio show in 1941. In 1947 the songs "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin" were hits and he signed a contract with MGM records. His first single for MGM was "Move It on Over" and was an immediate hit.
Over the years he became even better known and his songs soared to the top of the country music charts. Although his world with his wife fell apart in 1952 when Audrey and Hank separated his musical career was on the top.
Hank Williams died in the back seat of his car when he was on his way to play a concert in Canton, Ohio, on January 1, 1953. The irony of this is that the last song released in his lifetime was "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive."
There is a life-size statue of Hank Williams in Lister Hill Park in downtown Montgomery.
The Museum was opened in 1999. The Museum houses the most complete collection of Hank Williams' Memorabilia such as over 35 showcases filled with his personal artifacts; his 1952 baby blue Cadillac, 13 of his suits; 2 life size portrait that were in the Williams' home; Boots, ties, overcoats, hats, horse saddle, piano, 1947 Gibson guitar; and many other items that are available for you to see on your tour of the Museum.
Location: 118 Commerce St., Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Phone: 334-262-3600
My dad was a huge fan of Hank Williams. He owned a Gibson guitar, sang and played Hank's songs all the time. Unfortunately, my dad also drank alcohol like Hank Williams. My dad is now deceased but when I close my eyes while listening to Hank Williams I am grateful that I can still here my dad's voice. Most people my age do not appreciate the music from the past but I appreciate it for two reasons. Number one is because the songs are heartfelt and beautiful and the second is that I will always remember my dad's voice when listening to Hank williams playing on my radio, records, tapes, and cd's.