The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Montgomery's Hank Williams Museum announced on Monday that it will commemorate the 101st birthday of the internationally recognized music legend on September 14 with a graveside wreath-laying ceremony and a memorial concert featuring The Malpass Brothers, a traditional country duo that hosts a popular television show on the RFD-TV network.
"Though he died at just 29 years of age, Hank left a lasting musical legacy that continues to be appreciated by each new generation, and we feel it is important to celebrate and recognize the birthday of one of Alabama's favorite sons and greatest legends," Hank Williams Museum Director Beth Petty said. "The Malpass Bothers are devoted to the traditional country music that Hank and his contemporaries played, and they have a passionate group of fans, so they are the perfect choice to perform in honor of his 101st birthday."
Modern day troubadours Chris and Taylor Malpass toured for several years with music legend Merle Haggard, who produced their debut album, and also worked closely with Don Helms, an original member of Hank Williams' "Drifting Cowboys Band." Regular appearances on the "Larry's Country Diner" television show spread their popularity nationwide and led to "The Malpass Brothers Show" on RFD-TV, the nation's only 24-hour cable and satellite television network directed toward rural lifestyles.
A steel guitar concert featuring noted players Jeremy Drawbaugh, Jake Penrod, and Jesse Personeni will precede the performance by "The Malpass Brothers."
Tickets for the "Celebrate Hank 101" Concert, which will begin at 3 p.m. at Troy University's Davis Theater in Montgomery, cost just $30 for general admission and $45 for reserved VIP seats, and they may be purchased at the Hank Williams Museum, located at 118 Commerce Street, or by calling (334)262-3600.
The Hank Williams 101st Birthday Wreath Laying and Memorial Service will take place at his gravesite in the Oakwood Cemetery Annex, located at 1304 Upper Wetumpka Road in Montgomery, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 14.
The Sheppard Family Band, whose members are cousins of Hank Williams' former wife, Audrey Sheppard Williams, will perform during the ceremony.
Additional information about the events may be found on the Hank Williams Museum Facebook page or its website, located at http://www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net.
Williams, one of only 16 people enshrined in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was born in Mount Olive, Alabama on September 17, 1923.
He recorded 11 number one hits and placed 43 songs on the country music charts during his brief career. Several of the songs he penned also reached the pop charts under other artists.
Williams passed away on January 1, 1953 en route to a New Year's Day concert in Canton, Ohio.
Editor's Note: A graphic of the "Celebrate Hank 101" concert poster suitable for posting accompanies this news release.
The Hank Williams Museum, which is located at 118 Commerce Street in Montgomery, Alabama, was founded 25 years ago and houses the largest collection of personally-owned Hank Williams items on display anywhere in the world with the Olympic Blue 1952 Cadillac Series 62 convertible in which he died serving as the centerpiece of the exhibit.
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