Stewart, Robert, of Garth

Hank Williams was born Hiram Hank Williams near Georgiana, Ala., 17 Oct. 1923. After being taught by a local African-American Rufus Payne and in the Baptist Church to play the guitar and sing, Hank began performing at the age of fourteen.

Hank and his band, The Drifting Cowboys, became regulars on nationally known radio programs, such as the Louisiana Hayride and the Grand Ole Opry with songs like "Lovesick Blues," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Your Cheating Heart," and "Jambalaya".

Although Williams and his music were a national phenomena, his personal life was marred by marriage troubles and alcoholism. Hank died of a heart attack at age 29. His grave, and that of his former wife Audrey, are located in Oakwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Ala.