Born in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama, Williams moved to Georgiana, where he met Rufus Payne, a black street performer who gave him guitar lessons in exchange for meals. Payne had a major influence on Williams's later musical style. During this time, Williams informally changed his name to Hank, believing it to be a better name for country music. After moving to Montgomery, Williams began his career in 1937 when WSFA radio station producers hired him to perform and host a 15-minute program. He formed as backup the Drifting Cowboys band, which was managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote all of his time to his career.
When several of his band members were conscripted to military service during World War II, Williams had trouble with their replacements and started drinking heavily, causing WSFA to dismiss him. Williams eventually married Audrey Sheppard, who became his manager for nearly a decade. After recording "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin'" with Sterling Records, he signed a contract with MGM Records. In 1948 he released "Move it on Over," which became a hit, and also joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program. In 1949, he released a cover of "Lovesick Blues," which carried him into the mainstream of music. After an initial rejection, Williams joined the Grand Ole Opry. He had 11 number one songs between 1948 and 1953, though he was unable to read or notate music to any significant degree. Among the hits he wrote were "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."
During his last years Williams's consumption of alcohol, morphine and other painkillers severely compromised his professional and personal life. He divorced his wife and was dismissed by the Grand Ole Opry due to frequent drunkenness. Williams died suddenly in the early morning hours of New Years Day in 1953 at the age of 29. Despite his short life, Williams has had a major influence on country music. The songs he wrote and recorded have been covered by numerous artists, many of whom have also had hits with the tunes, in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles.
Alabama governor Gordon Persons officially proclaimed September 21 "Hank Williams Day". The first celebration, in 1954 featured the unveiling of a monument at the Cramton Bowl, that was later placed in the grave site of Williams. The ceremony featured Ferlin Husky interpreting "I Saw the Light".[70]
Williams had 11 number one hits in his career ("Lovesick Blues," "Long Gone Lonesome Blues," "Why Don't You Love Me," "Moanin' the Blues," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)," "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive," "Kaw-Liga," "Your Cheatin' Heart," and "Take These Chains from My Heart"), as well as many other top ten hits.[71]
In 1961, Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he was inducted in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1987, he was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the category Early Influence. He was ranked second in CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music in 2003, behind only Johnny Cash. His son, Hank Jr., was ranked on the same list. In 2004 Rolling Stone ranked him number 74 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The website Acclaimedmusic, which collates recommendations of albums and recording artists, has a year-by-year recommendation for top artists. Hank Williams is ranked first for the decade 1940–1949 for his song "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Many rock and roll pioneers of the 1950s, such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded Williams songs early in their careers.
Where He Leads Me
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hear my Savior calling
I can hear my Savior calling
I can hear my Savior calling
Take thy clothes and follow me
Where He leads me I will follow
Where He leads me I will follow
Where He leads me I will follow
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way
I'll go with Him through the garden
I'll go with Him through the garden
I'll go with Him through the garden
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way
Where He leads me I will follow
Where He leads me I will follow
Where He leads me I will follow
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
The lyrics to Hank Williams's song Where He Leads Me are about the singer's devotion to following the guidance of Jesus Christ. The song begins with the singer hearing a call from his savior and being asked to take up his clothing and follow him. From there, he says that he will follow wherever Jesus may lead him, and that he will always be with him. Through the garden, through any trial or tribulation, the singer vows to stay by Jesus's side.
The main theme of the song is devotion and faith. The singer is making a commitment to follow Jesus no matter where he may be led or what challenges may arise. This is a common theme in Christian music and religious hymns, as it encourages believers to remain steadfast in their devotion despite any difficulties they may encounter.
Overall, the lyrics to Where He Leads Me are a powerful testament to the strength of a person's faith and their commitment to follow Jesus. It is a song that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a believer and encourages listeners to stay strong in their own faith journeys.
Line by Line Meaning
Where He Leads Me I Will Follow
I am committed to following wherever my Savior leads me.
I can hear my Savior calling
I am able to discern the voice of my Savior, calling me to His will.
Take thy clothes and follow me
My Savior calls me to shed my worldly desires and follow Him.
I’ll go with Him through the garden
I am prepared to walk with my Savior even through difficult times.
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way
I am fully committed to following my Savior throughout my life's journey.
Contributed by Callie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lisaparsons4124
Hank Williams Sr a awesome singer and song writer my Dad John Parsons liked he passed away May 19 2002,was66.💐 Awesome song,May Hank Williams Sr RIP 💐
@dustbat
He was so great. When you here a song like this from one of your favorite groups and then find and hear Hank doing it, OMG he was such a master.
@sunshinesoler3653
King of country music, The best ever, there is no other R I P my beloved Hsnk Williams
@lisaparsons4124
King of country Hank Williams Sr a awesome singer and song writer
@daleputzier729
I love hank to bad i am the only one who is knowing what you said see you on the other side
@billbill2214
Now you have 2 people who knows.
@mikemcgrew65
Bill Bill now it's 3
@7550375503
Miss Audrey's caterwauling makes it hurtful to listen. Like pouring ice water on a bad tooth!
@michaelkilgore8358
He should have sent her back to the house..
@steveendicott1855
Except Audrey wasn't on that song . It's Don Jerry or Cedric doing harmonies