Aug. 10

Hank Williams Jr. might have grown up already known in the country music scene, but he did not take his privilege lightly and worked hard for it for years. The first person that comes to mind about his name is his country pioneer father, whom he honors with his music. His career has elapsed for more than half a century now, but his fire continues to burn. Southern rock with rock and pop country would not be as great as it is without his contributions to these subgenres.
 
Beyond the stage, Williams Jr is known as Randall Hank Williams. He took his stage name from his father Hiram “Hank” Williams who was a country star and is among the legacy makers of the country music scene. His exposure to the scene early on in his life led to him being coached by the biggest names in country music at that time, such as Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, and Jerry Lee Lewis. These trailblazing artists taught him their tricks to become the best in the industry. In turn, Williams Jr. took heavy inspiration from them. When his father died at the age of 29, the young Williams Jr. took it upon himself to continue his legacy.
 
Years into honing his knack for performing, he released his debut, “Long Gone Lonesome Blues,” in 1964. This would initiate his rigorous releases in the years to come. His love for music is evident in his production of two albums per year.
 
Williams Jr.’s trek towards country prominence was not an easy journey, but he did get there when “Family Tradition” came out in 1979. This album would debut on the Billboard Top Country Albums and peaked at the third spot. His version of the song “I Fought the Law” by The Bobby Fuller Four was the biggest hit of this album. However, the enduring standout is the song “Family Tradition,” which became his most recognizable tune.
 
In 2024, Williams Jr. will be celebrating the 45th anniversary of the “Family Tradition” release. He will be going on a tour that will visit 13 venues nationwide.
 
In his Virginia stint, he will be performing at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater on August 10. The southern rock/ country group Whiskey Myers, who caught the attention of the country scene in 2016 for the song “Stone,” will be opening for him at this concert. Come see them perform. Buy tickets now!