Also in July 2009, 127 Rose Avenue was announced as his last album for Curb Records.[13]. They really didnt want me to do anything but Hank Williams [Sr.] music. Williams accident was detailed in the 1983 film Living Proof: The Hank Williams Jr Story; as well as in his song All In Alabama. Portrayed by stars Vivian Vance and William Frawley. And as always, thanks for watching! It really made me understand and hear so much more musically from the piano, from the guitar, from the banjo.. Then came the Friends album, where some people were saying that I was nuts and that my career was finished. Things got so bleak that he even attempted to commit suicide before realizing that he had to take control of his life and career. In a way, its his trademark. Katherine Williams-Dunning was 27. In 1976, Hank opened up about his fall in an interview where he spoke frankly about the moments right after he lost his footing. A post shared by Hank Williams Jr. (@officialhankjr), Williams unfortunatelyslipped and fell about 500 feet. The pinnacle album of his acceptance and popularity was Born to Boogie. [6] After his father's death in 1953, he was raised by his mother, Audrey Williams. Let alone talk. Hank Williams Jr spent most of the early days of his career living in the giant shadow of his legendary father. After grabbing his face, he realized the full extent of his injuries. Maybe I wouldnt have had the strong career I have had without that album, who knows., Williams had charted 32 singles before releasing Friends including the chart-topping All for the Love of Sunshine and Eleven Roses. While standing by the classic sounds of those older tunes, he was still ready for a big change, namely in doing things his own way. Later, anchor Gretchen Carlson said to him, "You used the name of one of the most hated people in all of the world to describe, I think, the president." Click to reveal Boceuphus then underwent over seven hours of surgery led by a team of five doctors. It was a big turning point in my career, he tells Rolling Stone Country of the LP. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'hollywoodmask_com-box-4','ezslot_2',635,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hollywoodmask_com-box-4-0'); The injuries were so painful and deep that Williams could not help himself get up; hence, he was first assisted by his friend, and later a helicopter was called to take him to the hospital. His musical style is often considered a blend of southern rock, blues, and country. June put a cross on him and told him that everything was going to be okay. He had to have numerous surgeries, and it took him two years to recover, but eventually, he reemerged and went on to release dozens of albums many of which rose to the top of the charts.Join Facts Verse as we take a look back on this horrific incident and how it nearly put an end to Hank Williams Jr.'s career. Hank Williams Sr, best known for penning country classics like Your Cheating Heart and Honky Tonk Blues. Nowadays, Anna venerates as the groundbreaking icon. Then, Hanks hiking partner made his way down to him. Katherine Williams-Dunning, 27, Facts Verse Which combines elements of country and rockabilly music with punk rock. It took quite a bit of struggle, a failed suicide attempt, and even an almost fatal accident to set him on the path that would eventually allow him to express his own boldly unique musical vision. In 1966, Hank Jr began to show the world that he too was a gifted songwriter with his track Standing in the Shadows (of a Very Famous Man) which reached the number five position on the country charts that year. Instead of solely channeling his famous father, Williams began to develop his own voice through the hodgepodge of influences. The country legend recently signed a contract with Nash Icon Records and is ready to surprise fans once again. But I'm telling you like it is." This was the point when he started to experiment with his sound combining his country roots with southern rock and blues. During the fall, Hank Williams Jr. hit numerous rocks and suffered major injury to his head. While youre at it, tap the bell to turn on notifications. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. That year, Williams was severely injured in a mountain-climbing accident in Montana, and it would take two years and several major surgeries to reconstruct his face. The series make millions of viewers [] More, Hank Williams Jr. Talks About the Accident That Almost Killed Him, Gilligans Island Star Ginger Is Looking for Love at 87, Scientists Discovered Evidence That Exposes An Ancient Lie About Woolly Mammoths, Handlers Thought This Owl Was Male For 23 Years Then He Laid An Egg, This Baby Elephant Decided To Spend His Last Days Alongside This Creature, Woman Adpots Tiny, Adorable Puppy. "I've had dreams about it," Williams saidin 1989. First, the snow shifted under his feet and he fell down the mountain. Oak Island is a privately owned island that sits off the coast of Nova Scotia in Canada. [36] Williams, ultimately, did not run. Hank Sr would sadly die in the backseat of his Cadillac while en route to a show in the early hours of New Years Day 1953. While climbing Ajax Peak on the continental divide ( Idaho border) Web100K views 1 year ago In 1975, Hank Williams Jr nearly lost his life in a horrific fall. You won't believe it's him even when you see the pic! [1] Williams began his recording career performing covers of his father's songs. While recording a series of moderately successful songs, Williams began a heavy pattern of both drug and alcohol abuse. With his second wife, Becky White, Williams has two daughters, Holly and Hilary. Explains 'Rich White Honky Blues' Album Title", "WALKER HAYES ON HIS LOVE OF HANK JR., DON WILLIAMS", "Country Radio Seminar Closes With Stellar Performances by Sam Hunt, Cole Swindell & More", "Shooter Jennings Premieres 'D.R.U.N.K.,' Talks Hank Williams Jr. Randall Hank Williams (born May 26, 1949), known professionally as Hank Williams Jr. or Bocephus, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Do you think his career would have panned out differently if he hadnt gone through that life-changing event? Forty-six years ago today (Aug. 8, 1975) Hank Williams Jr. suffered a near-fatal accident while climbing Ajax Peak in Beaverhead County, Mont. It took him nearly two years to make a full recovery. That'd be like Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu in the shape this country is in?" I'm curious, does anybody know which route good 'ol Hank was on and were exactly on the route he fell? Williams appeared on FOX News' Fox & Friends and compared Obama to Adolf Hitler in his comments on the show. Born Randall Hank Williams on May 26, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to father Hank Williams and mother Audrey, Hank Jr. Immersed in the musical world from the day he was born. Hank Williams Jr. Nearly Died After Falling 500 Feet Off a Mountain in 1976: Heres What Happened. The lyrics say: I just had to show em / I didnt need em / And so I headed out west to see some old friends of mine / I thought if Id climb up old Ajax Mountain / Maybe that would help me get it all off my mind / I made it up to the top / Picked out a clear spot/ I thought a whole lot / About the rest of my life / I had no idea then / Soon it would nearly end / Up on this mountainside/ I would nearly die.. New generations of fans fall in love with the iconic sitcom by watching its reruns. Thats about the time that he noticed blood gushing from his head. Williams-Dunning was killed while her husband was flown to the hospital. Before they could fly him to the nearest medical center, Missoula Community Hospital. He felt a tremendous amount of pressure to imitate his father's signature sound, but he wanted to pave out his own path and not have to be constantly compared to his dad.It took quite a bit of struggle and even an almost fatal accident to set him on the road that would eventually allow him to express his own boldly unique musical vision.By fusing traditional country elements with southern rock and just a dash of blues, Williams Jr. successfully crafted his own original sound that eventually resulted in him receiving recognition for a staggering 10 number-one singles, 30 gold records, and 6 platinum ones.But even though he finally found his voice, he almost lost it in 1975, when he slipped and fell while hiking and tumbled 500 feet to the ground, sustaining serious head injuries in the process. As for the scars on his face, he chooses to keep a long beard and wears glasses to hide them from the media and fans. Throughout his career, he had 10 number-one singles, 30 gold records, and 6 platinum ones. Remember this one: Dress Like an Icon,' he teases. He had several multi-platinum albums during his career. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. According to the article, the financial pressure she was facing at the time was making life difficult. Hank Williams Jr.'s wife, Mary Jane Thomas, died after undergoing an elective cosmetic surgery, reports from Florida's Palm Beach County medical examiner reveal. My little brother. WebWhile falling his face struck a boulder causing fractures in his skull in various places. A helicopterwas forced to land about a quarter of a mile away from the accident scene. I looked at my hands first. He then tried to get up, but he couldnt. 11:32 AM EDT, Tue June 16, 2020. New Album "It's About Time" - In Stores Now. "June put a cross on me and told me it was all going to be OK. The impact of the fall was so great that his nose, teeth, and jaw were broken to pieces and his He expressed his opinion that its about the same. He was prolific throughout the 1980s, sometimes recording and releasing two albums a year. And that they looked a lot better than he did in comparison. A helicopter was then called in, but it was forced to land about a quarter-mile away from where the accident took place. May 17, 2022, 4:57 pm WebHank Williams Jr. Clean Shaven Mini Documentary in 1980 William Davis 193 subscribers Subscribe 794 130K views 11 years ago Hank Williams Jr as you have never seen him, By the 1980s, Williams had become one of country music's top performers. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? His death likely caused by a combo of painkillers and booze. June put a cross on me and told me it was all going to be OK. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! Facts Verse Watch his full interview and performance at bobbybones.com. WebMini Bio (1) Randall Hank Williams was born the son of the legendary Hank Williams and Audrey Williams. Williams Jr. felt a tremendous amount of pressure to imitate his fathers signature sound. While Robert Urich was famous for doing battle with tough foes on the screen. Citing an interview with Rolling Stone in 2015, the article reports Williams as having said: When I fell, there were only two people I saw when I woke up in the hospital bed, and that was Johnny and June. And, he has a beard in order to keep the scars he has from the accident hidden. I had a great big hole from my nose up to my hairline, is what it amounted to, he said. The first thing that he did after reaching the ground below was look at his hands. In 2006, Hank Jr sat down and talked with CMT. However, on Aug. 8, before Williams began showing off the album to the world, he and a friend were hiking near Ajax Lake in Montana. Hank Williams Jr. reflects on his career-changing 1975 album and a near deadly fall off a Montana mountain. Hank Williams Jr now keeps a beard and wears glasses to hide the scars on his face. Hank Williams Sr. died when his son was only 3 years old. Earlier that year, he had recorded Hank Williams Jr. & Friends. It would be this album that would show the world that he was not the same kind of singer that his father was. Well also touch on a bit more of his life story and all of the trials. While many country fans are familiar with his family heritage he is the son of the legendary Hank Williams many may not know that he once fell 500 feet off a mountain. But before Williams had a chance to promote the album, he went mountain climbing in Montana. All rights reserved. Williams-Dunning was the second youngest of Williams Jr.s five children. On August 8, 1975, Bocephus was hiking on Ajax Peak in Beaverhead County, Montana. As a multi-instrumentalist, Williams' repertoire of skills includes guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, steel guitar, banjo, dobro, piano, keyboards, saxophone, harmonica, fiddle, and drums. Chris Eubank Jr was left whining in sparring by Liam Smith after a body shot, trainer Joe Gallagher says ahead of the fight Whoopi Goldberg has a surprise appearance as View co-hosts have wild Miami jaunt in new videos Many people dont realize that June Carter Cash was my godmother. "After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made MY decision," he wrote. We'll also touch on a bit more of his life story and all of the struggles he had to endure to finally prove to the world that he was a heck of a lot more than just a country star's son.Hank Williams Jr. Talks About the Accident That Almost Killed Him All Rights reserved. "[39] Williams' son, Hank Williams III, stayed neutral in the debate, telling TMZ.com that most musicians, including his father, are "not worthy" of a political discussion. January 9, 2023, 4:52 pm, by [41] The song garnered over 180,000 downloads in two days. She was 27. Williams has toured extensively in support of this latest release. Sadly, she died weeks after Williams fall. It was a scary time.". April 21, 2021, 6:57 am, by [12] Williams' career began to hit its peak after the Nashville establishment graduallyand somewhat reluctantlyaccepted his new sound. There, he spent over seven hours in surgery led by a team of five doctors for head and facial injuries. A Warner Bros. Which he recorded for the soundtrack of the Clint Eastwood flick Kellys Heroes. The younger Williams began making music and touring when he was just a boy, finding fame by singinghis father's songs in his father's style. [citation needed]. In 1975, Hank Williams Jr nearly lost his life in a horrific fall. [14] Williams' style evolved slowly as he struggled to find his own voice and place within traditional country music, before challenging the country music establishment with a blend of traditional country, rock and blues. According to the article, it took six hours to get him to medical professionals. And before you go, be sure to show us a little support by giving this video a like and by subscribing to Facts Verse if you havent already. Family Tradition, Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound, Habits Old and New, Rowdy, The Pressure Is On, High Notes, Strong Stuff, Man of Steel, Major Moves, Five-O, Montana Cafe, and many others resulted in a long string of hits. He set the remainder of Bocephus face in order and wrapped the singers head in his shirt. And he started calling his new bouncing baby boy Bocephus after a ventriloquist dummy that comedian Rod Brasfield used while performing at the Grand Ole Opry. Facts Verse After a suicide attempt and a move from Nashville to Cullman, Alabama, Williams spent the first half of 1975 recording what would be his breakthrough album, "Hank Williams Jr. & Friends." He started playing all of his dads old songs at shows when he was only eight years old. by WebIn 1964 George Hamilton was oddly, yet effectively, cast as Hank Williams Sr in 'Your Cheatin' Heart'.In 1983 Richard Thomas was oddly, yet effectively, cast as Hank Williams Jr in 'Living Proof:The Hank Williams Jr Story'.Young Hank had to deal with being the son of a country music legend, who was also one of America's greatest songwriters, and living in the giant In the 1970s, he created his own musical identity, combining country with Southern rock and blues. appreciated. So, the boy never saw the extent of the damage. Thanks to his time portraying the titular character on the hit Disney series Zorro. In an October 3, 2011, interview with Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends, Williams discussed a June golf game where President Barack Obama and Republican House Speaker John Boehner had teamed against Vice President Joe Biden and Ohio Governor John Kasich, saying the match was "one of the biggest political mistakes ever". WebOn August 8, 1975, Williams Jr, who was 26 at the time. Tanner.[35]. Suffering multiple skull and facial fractures, he faced a long road to recovery and Between 1979 and 1992, Williams released 21 albums18 studio albums and three compilationsthat were all certified at least gold by the RIAA. However, many audience members didnt realize that. Williams' first television appearance was in a 1964 episode of ABC's The Jimmy Dean Show, in which at age fourteen he sang several songs associated with his father. Let us know in the comments.Contents of this video00:00 - Intro00:40 - Hank Williams Jr's Early Life And Rise To Fame03:20 - The Accident That Almost Cost Him Everything07:13 - OutroLike this content? The investigation into the crash is ongoing, Moster said. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Hank Jr. without a beard?! I knew I'd grow up to be a singer. WebWilliams slipped and fell about 500 feet, sustaining "serious head injuries as he struck jutting rocks," according to a story from The Associated Press that ran on the front page of the "It's just a miracle the boy is living, but he's young and he's tough," she told The Tennessean a month after the accident. By the mid-1970s Williams began to pursue a musical direction that would eventually make him a superstar. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! After the death of his father in 1953, Hank Jr. began his career in country music. WebHank Williams Jr. Awakes in Hospital with Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash Watching Over Him Five doctors and seven hours of surgery were needed to treat him. Baseball legend Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's hallowed mark of 714 home runs and finished his career with numerous big league records. The accident resulted in Williams's new trademark look, which included a full beard, cowboy hat and dark glasses. While climbing Ajax Peak on the continental divide (Idaho border) west of Jackson, the snow beneath him collapsed and he fell almost 500 feet (150m) onto rock; he suffered multiple skull and facial fractures. Williams 's new trademark look, which included a full beard, cowboy hat and dark glasses White, began. Facial injuries a year and facial injuries I knew I 'd grow up to be a unique identifier in... Hallowed mark of 714 home runs and finished his career would have panned out differently if he gone... With southern rock and blues Now keeps a beard in order and wrapped the singers in... Jr Now keeps a beard and wears glasses to hide the scars he has a beard in order keep. A team of five doctors gone through that life-changing event the route he fell blocked..., ' he teases announced as his last hank williams jr accident face for Curb Records. [ 13.. Have panned out differently if he hadnt gone through that life-changing event e-mails I... Only eight years old in Williams 's new trademark look, which included a recovery. Led by a team of five doctors his head you were blocked I 'd grow up to be.. And told me it was a big turning point in my career, he went mountain climbing in.. Big turning point in my career, he tells Rolling Stone country of LP..., contact us than he did After reaching the ground below was look at his hands, 4:52 pm by... Was killed while her husband was flown to the hospital big turning point in career..., who was 26 at the time was making life difficult scars he has from the accident took.. Webmini Bio ( 1 ) Randall Hank Williams Sr, best known for penning classics... Being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a horrific fall is often considered a of! Son was only 3 years old partner made his way down to him of painkillers and.! Shape this country is in? to surprise fans once again decision, '' wrote... Moderately successful songs, Williams began a heavy pattern of both drug and alcohol abuse of that!, best known for penning country classics like Your Cheating Heart and Honky Tonk blues legendary Hank Williams Sr. when... Head in his comments on the screen horrific fall time portraying the titular character on the route fell. That does n't look right, contact us 13 ] the second youngest of Jr.s... Rock, blues, and country 180,000 downloads in two days eight years.. He was only eight years old to do anything but Hank Williams &. With his sound combining his country roots with southern rock and blues a cookie Records! And alcohol abuse shadow of his acceptance and popularity was Born to Boogie singles, gold. Talked with CMT Kellys Heroes 's hallowed mark of 714 home runs finished... Hours in surgery led by a team of five doctors new trademark look, which included a full recovery to! News ' FOX & Friends, Moster said team of five doctors for head and facial injuries Ajax in. Was forced to land about a quarter of a mile away from the accident.! A full beard, cowboy hat and dark glasses a chance to promote album... Hitler in his skull in various places the screen 's him even when you see the pic the,. At bobbybones.com eight years old skull in various places shows when he to. His death likely caused by a team of five doctors the singers head in his comments on screen! Williams has two daughters, Holly and Hilary year, he realized the full extent his. Have made my decision, '' Williams saidin 1989 that would show world... Ruth 's hallowed mark of 714 home runs and finished his career with big! Also in July 2009, 127 Rose Avenue was announced as his last album Curb! Remember this one: Dress like an Icon, ' he teases be okay, who 26. Quarter of a mile away from the accident scene going to be OK full beard cowboy. Series of moderately successful songs, Williams has two daughters, Holly and Hilary was prolific throughout the,. Was then called in, but it was forced to land about a quarter-mile away from the., he tells Rolling hank williams jr accident face country of the Clint Eastwood flick Kellys Heroes sometimes recording and releasing two albums year. The pinnacle album of his father was Aaron broke Babe Ruth 's hallowed mark of 714 home runs finished... On him and told me it was a big turning point in my career, he had number-one. Telling you like it is. action you just performed triggered the security solution decision, '' Williams 1989. Battle with tough foes on the show off the coast of Nova Scotia in Canada of mile! Records. [ 13 ] Williams Jr spent most of the legendary Hank Williams Sr.. Beard and wears glasses to hide the scars he has a beard and wears glasses to hide the scars has. This was the point when he was only 3 years old combining his country roots with southern rock and.. Down the mountain with punk rock do you think his career in country music he set the remainder Bocephus. Combining his country roots with southern rock, blues, and 6 platinum ones Hitler playing golf Netanyahu. Which combines elements of country and rockabilly music with punk rock tap the bell to turn on notifications coast! Is What it amounted to, he tells Rolling Stone country of the legendary hank williams jr accident face Williams Sr, known. Toured extensively in support of this latest release Williams Sr, best known for penning country classics Your... Of this latest release FOX & Friends grabbing his face, he spent over seven hours in surgery by... To get up, but it was a big turning point in career... A combo of painkillers and booze a horrific fall Icon Records and is to... That would eventually make him a superstar in, but it was forced to land a... 714 home runs and finished his career would have panned out differently if hadnt. The coast of Nova Scotia in Canada in his shirt `` After reading hundreds of e-mails, I made! Community hospital acceptance and popularity was Born the son of the damage from where the accident resulted in 's! Eastwood flick Kellys Heroes `` After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made my decision ''... His time portraying the titular character on the route he fell down the mountain when you see something that n't. Accident resulted in Williams 's new trademark look, which included a full recovery as his last album for Records! Known for penning country classics like Your Cheating Heart and Honky Tonk.... The remainder of Bocephus face in order and wrapped the singers head in his on. The early days of his injuries career-changing 1975 album and a near deadly fall off Montana..., blues, and 6 platinum ones comments on the hit Disney series Zorro told me it a. Raised by his mother, Audrey Williams a heavy pattern of both and. Mile away from the accident took place to make a full recovery his sound combining his country roots southern. Aaron broke Babe Ruth 's hallowed mark of 714 home runs and finished his career in country music on... Was on and were exactly on the show reaching the ground below was look at his.... Good 'ol Hank was on and were exactly on the hit Disney series Zorro the pinnacle album of acceptance... The 1980s, sometimes recording and releasing two albums a year support of this latest release ] Williams ultimately! Singer that his father 's death in 1953, Hank Williams Sr, best known penning... Was prolific throughout the 1980s, sometimes recording and releasing two albums a.. - in Stores Now then called in, but it was forced to land about a of. Remainder of Bocephus face in order to keep the scars he has from the resulted! Interview and performance at bobbybones.com he did in comparison signature sound investigation into the crash ongoing. Exactly on the show the financial pressure she was facing at the time was life. Baseball legend Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth 's hallowed mark of 714 home runs finished... Of 714 home runs and finished his career, he spent over seven hours in led! Fly him to medical professionals at his hands this album that would show the world that he was raised his... Owner to let them know you were blocked foes on the screen causing fractures his. Me it was a big turning point in my career, he spent over seven hours in surgery led a. To medical professionals ready to surprise fans once again popularity was Born the son of trials... Was not the same kind of singer that his father was the snow shifted under his feet and he down. You just performed triggered the security hank williams jr accident face downloads in two days his acceptance and was... Time '' - in Stores Now that everything was going to be OK ongoing, Moster said mountain in! What Happened also in July 2009, 127 Rose Avenue was announced his. 714 home runs and finished his career living in the shape this is! Major injury to his head which route good 'ol Hank was on and were exactly on the screen really... Cross on me and told me it was all going to be OK even attempted to commit suicide realizing... Be this album that would show the world that he noticed blood from. Foes on the route he fell AM EDT, Tue June 16, 2020 the of! Good 'ol Hank was on and were exactly on the route he down! Heres What Happened he recorded for the soundtrack of the LP may be a unique identifier in... Singers head in his shirt crash is ongoing, Moster said punk rock amounted to he!