born: May 26, 1949Son of legendary US country singer Hank Williams and father of country singer Hank Williams III.
Born on May 26, 1949 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Hank Williams Jr. nicknamed "Bocephus" by his father after opry comedian's Rod Brasfield ventriloquist dummy started his musical career at the age of eight, making appearances in tv shows singing the classical songs of his father, making his official artist debut in 1963 singing "Long Gone Lonesome Blues".
Besides the music of his father, Hank Williams, Bocephus was also influenced by Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis.
After a decade of singing the songs of his father he was often credited as a "Hank Williams Clone" having numerous hit songs. Despite the success, he fell into depression due to his "legacy" and not earned fame, in 1973 after drug and alcohol abuses he attempted suicide, after the failed intent moved to Alabama where he started playing with southern rock artists such as Waylon Jennings, Toy Caldwell, Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels making an essential turn to find it's own style.
He is probably best known today for his hit "A Country Boy Can Survive." He may also be well known today as the performer of the theme song for Monday Night Football, based on his 1984 hit, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight". The opening theme became a classic, as much a part of the show as the football itself. In 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994, Williams' opening themes for Monday Night Football would earn him four Emmy awards.
From Wikipedia:Randall Hank Williams (born May 26, 1949), better known as Hank Williams, Jr., is an American country singer-songwriter and musician. His musical style is often considered a blend of Southern Rock, blues, and traditional country. He is the son of country music pioneer Hank Williams, and the father of Hank Williams III, Holly Williams, Hilary Williams, Samuel Williams and Katie Williams. Sam is expected to start recording officially in 2010.
Williams began his career imitating his famed father and his style gradually evolved until he was involved in a near fatal fall off the side of a mountain. After an extended recovery he challenged the country music establishment with a blend of country, rock, and blues. Williams enjoyed much success in the 1980s from which he earned considerable recognition and popularity both inside and outside the country music industry. He is now considered a seasoned professional and leader in the country and outlaw country genres.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Williams' repertoire of skills include guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, steel guitar, banjo, Dobro, piano, keyboards, harmonica, fiddle, and drums.