The World Prepares for the 100th Birthday of Hank Williams

Not all birthdays and anniversaries in country music are built the same. The centennial of the birth of Hank Williams on September 17th, 2023 has been 100 years in the making, and will be celebrated by country music fans across the United States and beyond, in gatherings and events both big and small. As arguably the most important figure in country music history, celebrating the birth of Hank is about as close as you can get to celebrating the birth of country music.
If you want to appreciate the lasting impact of this man who was born 100 years ago, and died at the age of 29 in 1953, consider there will be individuals commemorating him on at least three separate continents, and in five different countries. To go along with events across the United States, there will be two gatherings in the UK, two in Australia, another in Ireland, one in The Netherlands, and these are just the ones being publicized online.
One of the biggest events will happen over three days in Hank’s hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. The Hank Williams Museum will have multiple performances at the Davis Theater, as well as a wreath laying at the grave of Hank Williams at 8:30 AM on September 17th. Performers include Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson.
Another major event will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Thursday, September 21st as part of AmericanaFest that week in Nashville. Holly, Hilary, and Sam Williams will all perform, along with a host of other top-shelf performers such as Rodney Crowell, Suzy Boggus, and S.G. Goodman.
But these are just the beginning. See a (mostly) complete list of events scheduled for around the world below. Once again, the Grand Ole Opry is curiously absent from a commemoration. If there is an event you know of that is not included, please feel free to alert everyone below in the comments section.
Sunday, September 17th will be a national country music holiday if there ever was one. Whether you attend a formal event or just celebrate by spinning a Hank record, it’s a time to remember the Hillbilly Shakespeare.

What: The Hank Williams Museum Presents: Hank Williams Centennial Birthday Celebration
Where: Montgomery, Alabama, Davis Theater
When: September 15th-17th
Who: Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, David Ball, David Church, Leona and Ron Williams, Zachariah Malachi & The Nashville Counts, Perley Curtis Band, Jason Petty, and more.
Official wreath laying at the grave of Hank Williams at 8:30 AM on September 17th. There will also be performances in front of Hank’s blue Cadillac at the Hank Williams museum throughout the weekend.
To purchase tickets and for more information, CLICK HERE.

What: Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, TN CMA Theater
When: Thursday, September 21st, 3:30-5:00 PM (part of AmericanaFest)
Who: Hilary Williams, Holly Williams, Sam Williams, Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Della Mae, Rodney Crowell, S.G. Goodman, Brennen Leigh, Delbert McClinton, Charlie McCoy, Chuck Mead, Wendy Moten, Connie Smith, and more.

What: Hank Williams 100th Birthday Sing-a-Long
Where: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport, LA
When: Sunday September 17th 2:00-2:30 PM
The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium was an important place in the Hank Williams legacy as the home of the Louisiana Hayride that embraced Hank Williams after he was fired from the Grand Ole Opry. It is also where he married his second wife.
Free to attend with a short presentation and then a sing-a-long. Birthday cake will be served as well.

What: Hank Williams 100th Birthday Celebration for Music Health Alliance
Where: Eastside Bowl, Nashville, TN
When: Sunday, September 17th, 8-10 PM
Who: Hosted by The Royal Hounds with appearances by Nathan Belt, Emily Kidd, The Farmer & Adele, Aaron Till, and more (see above).
All tips go to Music Health Alliance.

What: Hank Williams 100th B-Day Bash with Nashville Honeymoon
Where: Ivy Room, Albany, California
When: Sunday, September 17th, Doors at 2 PM
Who: Nashville Honeymoon, Laura Benitez and Bryan Kilgore, Aaron Burnham, Hank and Ella with The Fine Country Band, Jill Rogers and Myles Boisen, Danny Uzilvsky, Maurice Tani, Essence Goldman, Jody Richardson, Margaret Belton
This will be the West Coast’s major event.

What: I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive: Hank Williams Sr. 100th Birthday Tribute
Where: Gashill Drinking Room
When: Thursday September 21st
Who: John Howie Jr., The Bo Stevens, Ramona and the Holy Smokes
Tickets at theramkat.com.
What: Hank Williams 100th Birthday Celebration
Where: dB’s, Utrecht, The Netherlands
When: Sunday, September 17th
Who: The Wieners, The Bluegrass Boogiemen
“Reden voor een muzikaal eerbetoon aan deze meest invloedrijke country-muzikant aller tijden. Op het podium hebben we twee bands die hun liefde voor Hank Williams nooit onder stoelen of banken gestoken hebben: onze ‘eigen’ BLUE GRASS BOOGIEMEN en THE WIENERS.”
Other Events:
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery, AL, Darrell Scott, Sunday, September 17th, performance of Scott singing the blues of Hank Williams.
Josephine Arts Center, Josehpine, AL, September 15th, Dale Sharpe & Thomas Roughton’s (King of the Steel Guitar) Country Crossroads Band, starts at 5:30 PM.
The Squire Lounge, Denver, CO, September 16th, Skank Williams (playing an all Hank Williams Set), Dryer Fire, The Schofields. Starts at 8:00 PM.
Judson & Moore Distillery, Chicago, IL, September 17th, Toadvine hosts some of Chicago’s finest voices singing Hank Williams songs.
City Winery, Nashville, TN, September 17th BRUNCH show with Brian Ashley Jones and Hank You! Hank Williams Tribute Band.
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale, Florida, Saturday September 16th, Alvin Anders – Hank Williams Sr 100th Birthday Tribute with Orange Blossom Opry Band
Sunflower Public House, Carrick Hill, Belfast, Ireland, September 17th, all proceeds from the event will go to support the ‘Chest, Heart and Stroke NI’ (CHSNI) charity.
Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ, Sunday September 10th, Pat Guadagno and his Lonesome Cowboys host with numerous special guests.
Nietzsche’s, Buffalo, NY, Thursday September 21st, with the All Hank Band and special guests.
Commercial Hotel, Terang, Australia, September 15th -17th with the Pete Daffy Trio. Reservations “essential.”
Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry, Glasgow, UK, Sunday, September 17th, John Miller and his Country Casuals bring you a one-off special night of Hank Williams greatest songs.
George Lane St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, September 17th, George Lane presents a band of highly acclaimed musicians who are very familiar with Hank’s music.
Wakulla Community Center, Crawfordville, FL, Sunday September 17th, Anna Elizabeth Wescoat and friends, backed by a three-piece band, including pedal steel guitar player Bob Rhea, will be covering all Hank’s greatest songs. Tickets $45.
Golden Dagger, Chicago, IL, Saturday, September 16th with Lydia Cash, Michelle Billingsley, Reilly Downes, Brandon Good, Naomi Ashley, Greg Garing, Tommy Goodroad, Wild Earp & house band.
Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence, KS, Tuesday, September 12th, a night with Exhibitions Director Ben Ahlvers as he discusses his most recent curatorial project, the group exhibition, Lonesome: Hank Williams’ 100th. Exhibit brings together 12 artists from around the world.
The Donkey Venue, Leicester, UK, Friday, September 15th.
Hillfolk, TN, September 23rd, with Jackomo Cajun Country Band, all day.
September 3, 2023 @ 10:17 am
We can’t even get Hank 3 to perform for the 100th birthday?
September 3, 2023 @ 11:17 am
When my wife and I first found out we were having a boy, we decided to name him Hank after Hank Williams. Our Hank was due to be born on December 17, 2014. When my wife went into early labor in September it was such a whirlwind that he significance got completely lost in the craziness until the doctor handed our son to us and said, “Wait, isn’t today Hank Williams birthday too?”
September 3, 2023 @ 11:19 am
Seems like the opry needs to get over itself.
September 3, 2023 @ 11:57 am
I looked and Hank Jr. will be playing a couple of shows in Oklahoma on the 22nd and 23rd, but hopefully he was at least invited to take part in the AmericanaFest tribute. I probably agree with the typical “Americana” artist more than I do Bocephus, but I’d lose some respect for that organization if it came out that he wasn’t invited just because he disagrees with Jason Isbell on some things.
September 3, 2023 @ 12:09 pm
I don’t think it was anything like that. I saw Hank Jr. play an unannounced show at the American Legion Post last year as part of AmericanaFest. It was part of his release with Easy Eye Sound. He just rarely if ever plays anything these days. And though the Hall of Fame show is part of AmericanaFest, it also open to Hall of Fame members and other folks. Hank3 also posted it on his Instagram, so I’m not sure if he was invited, but he definitely endorsed it.
My bigger issue is why the Grand Ole Opry hasn’t announced anything. The Opry marks all kinds of anniversaries. They’ll mark Dustin Lynch’s 3 year anniversary of being a member, but are mum on the Hank centennial. We’ll see if they step up. My guess is they don’t want to stir “Reinstate Hank” animosity, but their silence may stir up even more of that.
September 3, 2023 @ 3:57 pm
1. Nuclear War with Russia
2. Collapse of the financial systems.
3. Hank Williams’ Birthday
4. Epstein client log released.
September 3, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
Is there a theme there? Are those things you’re looking forward to seeing? Or things that you fear?
Or just thoughts that were running through your mind when you poste?
September 4, 2023 @ 2:35 am
I got a feelin’ called the blues…
September 4, 2023 @ 5:02 am
Seems like all eyes are going to be on the man who is the true King of the HELLBILLY NATION there’s nothing more that can be said about the the Man the legand,every day the world is blessed with Mr Williams I know I am I see and hear his Goats through Sheldon HANK 3.SR is alive and in your face so play a fuckin fuckin train song and put the Dick back in DIXIE Roll on SR and 3 you The fuckin man everyday I’m holler stomping to the BEST country music singer of all time the son’s of HANK SR ol Luke the Drifter.you don’t need that cocaine son, always stick with the speed.HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAMS WORLD.
September 4, 2023 @ 7:11 am
Hank’s hometown was not Montgomery. He was born in unincorporated Butler County, Alabama. The closest town was Georgiana, where my grandmother taught him in grammar school.
September 5, 2023 @ 11:46 am
????????
September 4, 2023 @ 8:09 am
There’s a small celebration in Utrecht, Holland. I’ll be there, drinking to the best there ever was and ever will be.
Eternal shame on the fake country Opry scam artists. Keep Hankin!
September 4, 2023 @ 8:36 am
Wonder why nothing in Georgiana, Alabama?
September 4, 2023 @ 8:38 am
There was the Hank Williams Festival there earlier this year in May I believe, and they already celebrated the 100th there.
September 4, 2023 @ 8:57 am
Its such a funky little town. I think they usually do something the first week of June. Would be a great place for a little bit bigger celebration. Keep doing what you’re doing Trigger!
September 4, 2023 @ 5:41 pm
I went to family reunions in Georgiana for many, many years.
Never thought of it as a “funky little town.” ????
September 4, 2023 @ 6:03 pm
Kevin, you would know better than I. I’ve just passed though many times. Perhaps “funky” is my perception and not an appropriate description
September 4, 2023 @ 3:34 pm
Lucky Tubb, Joey Alllcorn?
September 4, 2023 @ 6:19 pm
There is also a West Coast 100th Hank Williams Birthday Tribute Show on September 17 at McCabe’s in Santa Monica, CA, hosted by Ronnie Mack, the legendary producer of the weekly Barn Dance series at The Palomino and other Southern California clubs and honky tonks for 25 years. A-list Americana lineup and…it’s SOLD OUT!!
September 4, 2023 @ 6:59 pm
I have no doubt Hank Jr. will have something special planned for this & I’m sure Hank 3 too as well. I never forget the first time I heard Hank, I was probably around 7 or 8 years old watching The Beverly Hillbillies remake with Jim Varney dancing to “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with the ever beautiful Leah Thompson. I love “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” it’s hands down my favorite Hank SR. song along with Kaw-Liga, Ramblin’ Man, & Lonesome Whistle. I love all three Hanks all their music have been a big part in my life & I couldn’t imagine never having heard any of them sing all of them are truly amazing talents in their own right.
September 5, 2023 @ 4:51 am
Bocephus Johnson, does anyone know where the UK’S Hank celebration’s are being held, please and thank you Cephus.
September 5, 2023 @ 5:30 am
WARD HAYDEM and THE OUTLIERS “A CELEBRATION OF HANK WILLIAMS LIVE” Excellent release in this month!
LIVE shows….Nov 2 @ Abilene (Rochester NY)…Nov 3 Sportsmen’s Tavern (Buffalo NY) and Nov 4 443 Club (Syracuse NY)!
September 5, 2023 @ 12:36 pm
I think Hank Jr and Hank 3 out to go to Nashville stand in front of the Opry and say………………..If my father and grandfather are not good enough for yall then we don’t need you either!
September 7, 2023 @ 6:23 am
Should Hank Williams be remembered, honored and celebrated on the date of his 100th birthday? Absolutely.
Should his Opry Membership be reinstated? Of course not.
As popular and talented as Hank was he was a train-wreck of a human being. His extreme behavior and failure to play by the rules led to his dismissal from the Opry. Conjecture that had Hank lived he would have straightened out his life and been welcomed back to the Opry stage is highly unlikely. He had been traveling that “Lost Highway” for a long while and there’s no evidence that anything was ever going to change. His ending was inevitable.
On the 100th anniversary of Hank’s birth we should celebrate his talent and his immeasurable contributions to country music. But reinstating his Opry membership is unnecessary. Hank was much bigger than the Opry anyway. The Opry needed Hank more than Hank needed the Opry. But his out of control behavior made it impossible for him to continue there.
Further the Opry is more irrelevant today than at any time in it’s history. I feel the same about what is labeled as “country music” today. Much of what is performed on the Opry stage these days is not really country music in my opinion. If Hank came back today he’d surely wonder what the hell happened!
September 7, 2023 @ 7:21 am
“Should Hank Williams be remembered, honored and celebrated on the date of his 100th birthday? Absolutely.”
The problem I believe is that you can’t have one without the other. The Opry is afraid if they announce a show honoring Hank, they will get dive bombed with Reinstate Hank stuff, and so there is a chance they will never honor him ever again in an official capacity. It’s an impasse.
“Further the Opry is more irrelevant today than at any time in it’s history.”
Very strongly disagree. The Opry was one of the most popular live entertainment shows during the pandemic, and they have rode that momentum to continued relevancy today. It’s not 2015 anymore, and Pete Fisher is gone.
September 8, 2023 @ 3:18 pm
Hank Williams is the King of Country.
I believe the Grand Ole Opry knows that and is aware of his contributions to music both in the past and now with artists always remembering him in songs and more.
Hank and the Opry had a bad parting, and that hurt both.
However, they both have their place in history, and it’s time for us all to honor a man (who I think would have reunited with the Opry in time) on a special day with tributes fit for a king.
I will be at Hank’s grave on the 17th.
Maybe I will see some of you there.
George Vreeland Hill