Hank Williams Jr.: Back The Country

Born on May 26, 1949 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Hank Williams Jr. was performing Hank Sr.'s songs on stage at age 8. In the 1970s, he created his own musical identity, combining country with Southern rock and blues. Williams was severely injured in a mountain-climbing accident in 1975. He spent two years recovering from his injuries. By the 1980s, Williams had become one of country music's top performers. Williams made his stage debut at the age of 8 and his first appearance at Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry at age 11. At age 15, Williams had his first Top 5 hit on the country charts with a cover of his father's song, "Long Gone Lonesome Blues." He performed throughout his teens to sold-out crowds and on national television, carrying on his

During a particular low time in his life, William attempted suicide in 1974. He managed to turn his life around and worked on creating his own musical identity that combined country with Southern rock and blues. Williams released his next album Old School, New Rules on his independent label called Bocephus Records after his childhood nickname. He expressed his political frustrations with the track "Taken' Back the Country." The album also featured a duet with Brad Paisley, "I'm Going to Get Drunk and Play Hank Williams," and an appearance by Merle Haggard on a cover of his song, "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink." Williams has toured extensively in support of this latest release. Williams was married to Gwen Yeargain until 1977. The couple had one son together, Shelton Hank Williams, who performs as Hank III. With his second wife, Becky White, Williams has two daughters, Holly and Hilary. Both daughters are involved in the music business, as well. In 1990, Williams married for the third time. He and Mary Jane Thomas have two children, Katherine and Samuel, together. The pair separated in 2007, but later