the_hank_williams_museum

"December '52" by Terry Faust

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 19:43:24 GMT

Poem by Terry Faust called December '52

December ‘52

Plans were being made in December ‘52

By a man full of hope with the sight to see it through

Visions of the future, not dreams of the past

Yet with no promise of tomorrow

His next trip would be the last

Plans with friends and family, never realized

For with his last breath all were left

As death closed his eyes

Now we lament what could have been

At the likes of his talent, we may never see again

Though one thing Hank would say

To strike a chord with me and you

Is live each day to know the Lord

Like it’s December '52

Terry Faust 2025

26 years

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:16:53 GMT

Hank Williams Museum turns 26 years old!

WELCOME TO THE HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM AS WE CELEBRATE 26 YEARS!

Twenty-six years ago (Feb 8, 1999) the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, AL opened its doors to the world. Cecil Jackson, the Museum's Founder, proudly featured Hank's 1952 Cadillac convertible as the centerpiece of the exhibits. The crown jewel of all Cadillacs arrived in Montgomery on January 29, 1999, marking a significant moment as Daddy's dream began to materialize. The Museum was housed in the historic Union Station at 300 Water Street from January 1, 1998, to May 2000. It relocated to its current address to 118 Commerce Street in May 2000.

Can you find Hank in the Cadillac?

Photos above and below are from 1999

OVER THAT NEXT HILL

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:28:19 GMT

POEM BY TERRY FAUST "OVER THAT NEXT HILL"

Ramblin' Man a tune well known, by fans of Hiram Hank

For him a feeling in his bones, impossible to shake

Some claim a fever, without a doctor's pill

It's only pain reliever, over that next hill.

Constantly on the move, endlessly in search

Emptiness you can't prove, well acquainted with the hurt

To ease the ear-piercing sound, of a quite still

Wishing as lightning strikes the ground, to be over that next hill.

A concern one must live, to truly understand

Yet with pen, Hank does give discern to Ramblin' Man

For Luke, a train would simulate such a lonesome ill

Though Highway Eleven he would take, over that next hill.

Terry Faust 2024

There's A Feather In My Hat

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 22:20:24 GMT

There's A Feather In My Hat

A feather in a hat gives one the bragging rights and means to be recognized for doing something well. Hank Williams was the champion of writing the perfect song and dressing like his Sunday best.

The overcoat, hat and blue suede shoes were among some of the items with Hank on his last journey. He was wearing the blue "Nudie" jumpsuit and the overcoat was among one of the items draped over him while sleeping to keep warm.

The Man With Style

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 21:45:59 GMT

The Man with Style

The Hank Williams Museum houses 25 of Hank's hand painted ties. He was "dressed to the T" with Nudie Suits, Stetson Hats, Custom made boots and Hand Painted Ties. He rarely was seen in public without a suit and tie. In his younger years, Tee-Tot told him if he was going to be singing on the street corners, he needed to dress nice.

Hank's Leather Collection

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 21:35:23 GMT

Hank's Leather Collection

Hank Williams joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1949 and was given this personalized hand-tooled leather garment bag from WSM. From his famed suits to his show-stopping boots, Hank's signature look was as iconic as the man and his music The black suitcase is embossed in gold "Hank Williams". The Leather jacket was from Nashville's first western clothing store, "Hank and Audrey's Corral" located at 724 Commerce Street, Nashville, TN.

The Song

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 21:26:19 GMT

The Song by Terry Faust

Hank taken so early, now long ago

New Generations come, as older ones go

In search of the man, so present yet gone

Could he remain in the words of the song

They glean shadowed pictures or items he owned

Others feed pet theories, of blame for a wrong

Be it man, legend or loss we atone

Does he lie hidden in the words of the song

Many stand at his grave, some there by night

For a glimpse of a sense, in cloud covered light

Is it the faults, is it the fame

Maybe the talent we wish to lay claim

Whatever the reason, right or wrong

The answer's in the words of the song

I've seen every type since my youth

From the world over, seeking the truth

The thing most missed, now becomes known

It's the God-Giver sought in the words of the song.

Hank's Drifting Cowboys

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 21:03:49 GMT

Hank's Drifting Cowboy Band

The gray and red Nudie suit shown above belonged to Howard Watts also known as Cedric Rainwater. The band all had matching suits. The Red Nudie shirt and tie shown above were worn by Hank Williams.

Hank had many groups of Drifting Cowboys. Some were regulars, while others were part-time, and a few played on his recordings. Names of others who performed with Hank seem to pop up on a regular basis. Even though the members of Hank's Drifting Cowboy band changed throughout the years, the name of the band remained the same.

Many boys grew up idolizing cowboy stars of the silver screen during the 1920's and 30's. Hank Williams was one of those youngsters who fell under the magical spell of the cowboy lifestyle.

It was after his mother moved their family to Montgomery that Hank launched his historical music career, as well as that of his Drifting Cowboy band. Little did the band members know that he would have such an impact on their futures. They will forever be known as "Drifting Cowboys" regardless of the fact that some of them performed with country music giants such as Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, the Louvin Brothers, the Wilburn Brothers, Patsy Cline, Lefty Frizzell, Little Jimmy Dickens, Loretta Lynn, Hank, Jr. and many more.

It is only by looking into the lives of the people who performed with Hank Williams, both before and after he became a music legend, that we are able to offer a unique glimpse into his life.

Photos of a few different band members.

Furnishings from the home of Hank and Audrey

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 19:51:18 GMT

Furnishings from the home of Hank and Audrey

The blonde walnut 1950 Steinway Regency Model Piano was used in the Williams' home by Lycrecia. During parties the piano was played by some of the greats in country music like Jerry Lee Lewis.

Audrey decorated the Franklin Road home in the 1950's based on the sitcom "I Love Lucy". It was fashionable to have Oriental furnishings then. "Audrey spent money as fast as I made it" , Hank said jokingly.

The red China Dolls looking over Hank's shoulder have proudly taken their new home at the Hank Williams Museum since 2022.

The chest of drawers has brass initials "AW" and "HW" assembled into the handles. This was used in the bedroom of Hank and Audrey.

Lycrecia remembers times when she and Hank Jr. would climb up to the top of the wardrobe and jump off onto the bed. This piece is owned now by Jamey Johnson.

The Williams Family Den

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 18:49:35 GMT

The Williams Family Den

These side tables and lamps were used in the den of the Williams Family home on Franklin Road, Nashville, TN. They are owned by the late Cecil and Betty Jackson of Millbrook, AL and founders of the Hank Williams Museum, Montgomery, AL. They are displayed proudly at the Hank Williams Museum.

Corner of Music History

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:41:55 GMT

Our Corner of Music History

In Montgomery, The Hank Williams Museum is home to a little corner of music history. It is unique, and literally cannot be found elsewhere. The Alabama State Archives, and the Country Music Hall of Fame are both prestigious institutions, but merely touch on the story of his life. Here at the Hank Williams Museum, Hank touches you, because the feelings he wrote about so eloquently and the themes he embraced are eternal among humans. Hank's music touches the hearts of millions and recruits new fans more than a half-century after his passing.

Montgomery is where his legend began and where it still resides.

Beth and Jeff Petty operate Montgomery's Hank Williams Museum, which includes the 1952 Cadillac Series 62 convertible in which he died, as the centerpiece of the exhibits. Since its opening in 1999, it has welcomed visitors of all ages and from every continent on the planet.

You want to know about Hank? You must come to Montgomery to this Corner of Music History. You can't find it in Nashville, or Memphis, or New Orleans. Montgomery's Hank Museum is the destination for all things Hank.

Why else would the likes of Gregg Allman, Elvis Costello, Whispering Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Joe Bonamassa, The Beach Boys, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, George Thorogood, Luke Bryan, Darryl Worley, B.J. Thomas and hundreds more of well-known and lesser-known musicians come here? They understand that this place, this corner of music history is the place to come and pay homage to one of the greatest.

We often hear visitors clap, sing, and hum along to the music that is played on speakers as they work their way through the museum, viewing Hank's stage suits, instruments and other personal artifacts. It is quite common for the simple sight of the Cadillac Rag Top to bring tears to the eyes of his fans. Each one of those tears provides a powerful testimony to Hank's greatness.

Hank's birthday tribute each year in September is our celebration to Hank...to another year of Hank and to more memories made here at the Corner.

Celebrate Hank 101 Birthday Tribute

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 20:56:00 GMT

Celebrate Hank 101 Tribute Presented by the Hank Williams Museum

Hank Williams left a lasting musical legacy that continues to be appreciated by each new generation. It is important to recognize the birthday of one of Alabama's favorite sons and greatest legends. The birthday tribute each year in September is our celebration to Hank...to another year of Hank and to more memories made here at the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. Celebrate Hank 101.

Celebrate Hank 101 was fantastic! It started off at Oakwood Cemetery Annex, the resting place of Hank and Audrey. The annual wreath laying ceremony began at 9am, on Saturday, the 14th of Sept. with music from Arnold Sheppard and his two very talented grandsons, Morgan and Wes Brown. Following the music, Jeff Petty welcomed everyone and called Troy Gagne from Michigan to come up and read his poem called Hank 101. This poem can be read in a separate blog.

Jeff then turned the program over to Jay Dean from South Dakota to say a few words.

"I think the first thing we have to do is say a great big heartfelt thank you to Jeff and Beth Petty for what they do to keep Hank's legacy alive. It's not an easy thing to do. When you think about it, we are here today honoring somebody that has been gone for 71 years and would have been 101 years old. We still gather every year to pay tribute to this man. People ask me all the time, especially when I was younger like in my teens and 20's, I was always listening to Hank Williams and people would say how in the world did you get involved in the music of Hank Williams? Well my grandparents on my dads side loved the traditional country and he had a stack of 78's, 45's and albums. He had all kinds of Hank Williams music, so as a 4 , 5 or 6 year old, I was down playing the turn table and listening to Hank's music. His music grabbed my heart like nobody ever has and as I got older and I read on him and studied on Hank, I realized how personal those songs are to him, the stories in the songs, how personal they are. The pain, the heartache, the love, everything he felt is poured out into these songs. Now we have to remember Hank was only 29. I was a blithering idiot in my 20's, (Martha Howell said "We all were") and here's a guy out there becoming a super legend back in the late 40's and 50's in his 20's. It's an amazing story. As I think about Hank Williams, I played on my Country Legends Jukebox this week, I did a full two hours on Hank about a dozen or 14 songs, and on the way down from Aberdeen to Sioux Falls, to hop on our airplane the other day, we listened to Hank all the way down. I told my girlfriend Shirley, I said what's amazing about Hank's music is it sounds as fresh today as it did back then. You can just catch it and it just sounds fresh, it sounds like it could be out today and it's a whole lot better than what's out today, I'm sorry to say.

But, I just want to say what an honor it is, I told Beth and Jeff last year I've been in radio doing radio shows almost 40 years, and done Country Legends Jukebox for 7 1/2 years and being here in Montgomery to honor my hero Hank Williams is the greatest honor I've ever received in my radio career. Last year when I was here for the 100th, I was almost in tears being out here and emceeing the event, hearing the music and the show today is going to be incredible. The opening act with the steel guitar show and the band and the singers, I saw the set list and I can't wait and finally after last year when we didn't hear my song, we're finally going to hear "Mansion on the Hill" today. Anyway, I thank you guys for the honor of being here. I look so forward to this and I'll say God Bless the memory of Hank Williams. What this man did in 29 short years cannot be compared...the only thing I can compare it to as far as the small career he had is maybe the Beatles. They only had a few years and had tons of hits but there were 4 of them working at it. There was one guy working on this. With a couple of vices that were holding him back, major back pain, all the things he went through and he still gave us some of the most beautiful music this world has ever seen. Thank you."

As a tradition, the service concluded with everyone joining in to sing "I Saw the Light"

Music continued at the Hank Williams Museum with The Sheppard Family and Dalton McSwain.

Needless to say, the Celebrate Hank 101 show was a big hit. It began at 3 pm at the Davis Theatre with a steel guitar show featuring noted players Jeremy Drawbaugh, Jake Penrod, Wyatt Aleman and Jesse Personeni. Guest singers included Woodie and Becky Hill, Mary Battiata, Larry Darnell, Jake Penrod and Wyatt Aleman. The all-star band featured the steel players, Lanny Nichols on guitar, Woodie Hill-guitar, Kyle Richburg on bass, Landon Smith on drums and when Wyatt wasn't steelin', he was fiddlin'.

Following a brief intermission, The Malpass Brothers, Chris and Taylor made the crowd laugh and clap with jokes and some of the best traditional country music that has ever been performed. These boys are devoted to the music that Hank and his contemporaries played and they have a passionate group of fans, so they were the perfect choice to perform in honor of Hank's 101st birthday.

Hank 101 poem by Troy Gagne

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 20:42:27 GMT

Hank 101 by Troy Gagne

Class is in session so take your seat

Turn the volume up, play that vinyl on repeat

and take in a little Hank 101

Moanin' the Blues just a guitar in his hand

a lonesome lovesick ramblin' man.

A way with words for the common folks

Honky Tonkin' good time friends tellin' jokes

But wait for that Luke the Drifter recitation

another side that deserves appreciation

If that don't tear your world apart

you might just have a cold cold heart

Just a small lesson to ignite

the joy I found when I saw the light

In each and every word and rhyme,

every word still stands the test of time

So, ramble on down yourself to see

just off I-65 in Montgomery

The Museum and Hank's Cadillac

that's where all my friends are coming back

to Celebrate Hank's 101

A Horse Called "High Life"

Sat, 04 May 2024 22:54:11 GMT

A Horse Called "High Life"

Hank Williams was always a fan of Cowboy movies. Gene Autry, Randolph Scott, Roy Rogers were the "Singing Cowboys" of the day. Hank would watch these performers at the local theaters in Montgomery. He fashioned himself as a singing cowboy as well. After his career started to take off, Hank purchased his property on Franklin Road in Nashville. He had several horses at his ranch style home. His favorite horse, "High Life" is pictured here. The Saddle was made for Hank personally and is currently housed in the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery.

Hank Williams, The Man, The Legend

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:45:35 GMT

Hank Williams, The Man, The Legend

Noted country music artist Bill Rains created a limited-edition bronze sculpture of Hank Williams commemorating the singer's 75th birthday. From the D28 Martin guitar to the custom-made music note suit, this officially licensed bronze captures in detail and accuracy the magic and memory of Hank Williams.

The son of a Montana rodeo performer , Bill Rains inherited his father's passion for the cowboy way of life. His fondest boyhood memories were radio broadcasts of Hank and Ernest Tubb. In 1976, Rains merged his love for country music with his western art. Bronze sculptures were released of Jim Reeves, 1977; Ernest Tubb, 1982, Elvis Presley, 1986, Buck Owens, 1996, Ernest Tubb, 1997, Hank Williams, 1998, and many followed.

Rains received honors from the states of Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States.

Maker of Music

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 22:52:48 GMT

Maker of Music

Hank's Boots

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:38:54 GMT

If these boots could talk...

They might tell you how many shows they've played and how many delivering of songs they heard...

Or when they stood onstage at the Grand Ole Opry during Hank's first performance, and how the stomping on the floor felt from the roaring of the crowd.

If they could talk, they would tell of how they were worn with fancy Nudie suits and Stetson cowboy hats.

They might even tell you of Hank's troubles and his triumphs.

The Kitchen Nook

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:47:43 GMT

The magic was in the man, not the table

The Kitchen Nook at the Williams house was decorated with a 1940's yellow corner table with two padded chairs and a bench that curved around the back side of the table. It has been a proud display at its new home with the Hank Williams Museum since 2019.

Authenticated by Lycrecia Williams Hoover that the table was used in the home of Hank and Audrey Williams in Nashville, TN. Lycrecia remembers eating around this table growing up. "When daddy was home, we ate here as a family".

"In 1992, Lycrecia, daughter of Hank and Audrey Williams decided to let go of some of "Mother and Daddy's" things from the Franklin Road home." According to a fan who bought the table set, Audrey was selective as to who she entrusted with some of their beloved items from the home. "I acquired this table from Lycrecia that year and displayed it as a centerpiece for my collection. I even sat and wrote a couple of songs at "Hank's table" but make no mistake, the magic was in the man, not the table. It was an honor to keep and protect it for 30 years. I'm so glad it's now at HOME at the Hank Williams Museum", says Brad Magness.

Hank Williams Induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame 9/17/23

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:26:21 GMT

Music Legend Hank Williams, to be Inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame on his Centennial Birthday Celebration Sept 17, 2023.

The Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum, in collaboration with the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, AL, announces the grand celebration of the Induction of Hank Williams into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum. The Induction presentation, in conjunction with the 100th birthday celebration of Hank Williams, a native of Alabama and an internationally acclaimed country music legend, will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023. To mark this historic milestone, the Hank Williams Museum has organized a spectacular three-day gala concert, September 15-17, 2023.

Not only did his magic stylings of the day change the course of Country Music, but Hank William was an "Unknowing" pioneer of the earliest roots of Rock and Roll, known as Rockabilly, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and music makers of all genres of today. See the Centennial blog for full details of the three-day event held at the Troy Universities Davis Theatre in Montgomery. This exceptional event will feature a captivating lineup, including renowned country and bluegrass acts, as well as talented tribute artists who will perform in the distinctive style of Hank Williams.

HANK WILLIAMS CENTENNIAL

Wed, 31 May 2023 20:48:59 GMT

Hank Williams Centennial

2023 is Hank's year! #HANK100

Join us to help commemorate Hank's 100th birthday.

Below you will find activities going on through-out the year.

Remembering Hank 68 Years On New Year's Day 2021

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:21:43 GMT

Remembering Hank 68 years on New Year's Day 2021

Hank Williams' 97th Birthday Celebration

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:58:26 GMT

Hank Williams' 97th Birthday Event

ADVANCED TICKETS REQUIRED

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

September 17th - Thursday
SONGWRITER SHOWCASE #2

I Just Don’t Like This Kind of Livin'

Tune in on the night of Hank’s 97th birthday on the official Hank Williams Museum Facebook page from 6 PM - 9 PM central time to catch performances from members of the Live from the Lost Highway cast! The opening event for Hank’s 97th birthday - Joey Allcorn, Zachariah Malachi, Jake Penrod, and Jason James are singing their own numbers as well as many of Hank’s classic hits for the 2nd Hank Williams Songwriter Showcase. Streamed Live from the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery.

Museum is open 9 AM - 4 PM. Admission is $10 .
The 6 PM - 9 PM showcase event is private to VIP ticket holders only.
T-shirts and stickers available for this special event.

September 18th - Friday
The Hank Williams Museum is open 9 AM - 4 PM. Admission is $10
Live performances by Zachariah Malachi throughout the day.

September 19-Saturday
The Hank W illiams Museum is open 9:30 AM - 4 PM
Admission is $15 f or Saturday if you don’t have a VIP ticket.

8:45 AM - Oakwood Cemetery Annex for the annual wreath laying and music by the Shepherd Family. Poetry by Troy Gagne.
Depart the cemetery at 9:15 AM and head over to the Hank Williams Museum for music all day.

We will stream Live on Facebook on Saturday every 2 hours.
10 AM - The Shepherd Family
12 PM - Larry Darnell
2 PM - Zachariah Malachi
4 PM - Isabella Brown
6 PM - Joey Allcorn, Jake Penrod, Jason James, and Zachariah Malachi

Birthday T-shirts are available starting at $20
2021 Hank Williams Museum Calendars are available $10

Remembering Hank 67 Years On New Year's Day 2020

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:24:35 GMT

Join us on New Year's Day for the 67th anniversary of Hank Williams death. We will begin that morning at 10:00 for the wreath laying at Oakwood Cemetery Annex. 10:45 am-2:00 pm, The Hank Williams Museum will be host to you, our friends of Hank Williams to enjoy lunch and live music until 1:00PM. Entertainment by: Cowboy Eddie Long, Darrell Jackson, Charity Bowden, Joey Allcorn, Edward Johansson and Brian Ashley Jones.

Double vinyl LP pressing. Original soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary series.

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 02:13:48 GMT

Original soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary series.

"If you write the truth and you're writing about your life, it's going to be country. It'll be country 'cause you're writing what's happening. And that's all a good song is." - Loretta Lynn. Country Music, the eight-part, 16-hour film by Ken Burns, chronicles the creation of a truly American genre of music through the songs and stories of it's greatest trailblazers. The Country Music: A Film By Ken Burns soundtrack includes more than 28 timeless classics as heard in the film, including songs by The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Bill Monroe, Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and many more.

the_hank_williams_museum

"December '52" by Terry Faust

Poem by Terry Faust called December '52

26 years

Hank Williams Museum turns 26 years old!

OVER THAT NEXT HILL

POEM BY TERRY FAUST "OVER THAT NEXT HILL"

There's A Feather In My Hat

There's A Feather In My Hat

The Man With Style

The Man with Style

Hank's Leather Collection

Hank's Leather Collection

The Song

The Song by Terry Faust

Hank's Drifting Cowboys

Hank's Drifting Cowboy Band

Furnishings from the home of Hank and Audrey

Furnishings from the home of Hank and Audrey

The Williams Family Den

The Williams Family Den

Corner of Music History

Our Corner of Music History

Celebrate Hank 101 Birthday Tribute

Celebrate Hank 101 Tribute Presented by the Hank Williams Museum

Hank 101 poem by Troy Gagne

Hank 101 by Troy Gagne

A Horse Called "High Life"

A Horse Called "High Life"

Hank Williams, The Man, The Legend

Hank Williams, The Man, The Legend

Maker of Music

Maker of Music

Hank's Boots

If these boots could talk... ﻿

The Kitchen Nook

The magic was in the man, not the table

Hank Williams Induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame 9/17/23

Music Legend Hank Williams, to be Inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame on his Centennial Birthday Celebration Sept 17, 2023.

HANK WILLIAMS CENTENNIAL

Hank Williams Centennial

2023 is Hank's year! #HANK100

Join us to help commemorate Hank's 100th birthday.

Below you will find activities going on through-out the year.

Remembering Hank 68 Years On New Year's Day 2021

Remembering Hank 68 years on New Year's Day 2021

Hank Williams' 97th Birthday Celebration

Hank Williams' 97th Birthday Event

Remembering Hank 67 Years On New Year's Day 2020

Double vinyl LP pressing. Original soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary series.

Original soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary series.

If these boots could talk...