The result of harnessing all that power and energy is quite evident on career album number 68, "Stormy," where he speaks his mind, sings loud and is not afraid to touch any topic from Joe Montana to rural strip clubs. That's why Hank Jr. will always be known as a great entertainer and songwriter (Alan Jackson's latest single is the Hank Jr. penned "The Blues Man"), and a genuine American icon.
Some of the NFL's best know it. The one year since 1989 that Hank Jr. didn't do every ABC Monday Night Football open, fans by the thousands chastised ABC Sports and Bocephus got the gig back, exclusively. Van Halen knows it. They wore "Bocephus Rules" T-Shirts on stage and in one of their videos. Kid Rock knows it. Just when one might think he's mellowed, Hank will hit you right in the face with a kick-ass new song and video, "Naked Women and Beer," with new friend and longtime Hank Jr. fan Kid Rock. In each of his shows the Kid performs "A Country Boy Can Survive" and dedicates it to his inspiration, Hank Jr.
Such greatness often comes with great heartache. The Hank Williams Jr. story is no exception. His father, a man he has described as "somewhere between God and John Wayne." was county music legend Hank Williams. "Bocephus" (the nickname his father gave him) was just three years old when Hank Sr. died. Following in his father's footsteps was both a blessing and a curse. Hank Jr. struggled all his young life to both honor his father and stake his own claim as a musician.
In 1970, spurred by southern rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers, Hank cut a record from his heart, "Hank Jr. and Friends." Critics and fans praised the effort. Bocephus had found his sound.
It was during this period of hope that tragedy struck again. While on a mountain climbing vacation in Montana, Hank tumbled 500 feet down Ajax Mountain crushing his skull and face. Miraculously, he survived. Even before the completion of several reconstructive surgeries, Bocephus started touring. He built a new audience of "rowdy friends" and began his climb to icon status.
Throughout the 80's Hank Jr. dominated the country music industry. He was named Entertainer of the Year three times by the Academy of Country Music, and twice by the Country Music Association. He released smash singles that included classics like "A Country Boy Can Survive," "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight," and "Born to Boogie." He earned 24 gold and 10 platinum albums, one double platinum, and "Hank Williams Jr.'s Greatest Hits" is certified quadruple platinum. In 1990 He won a Grammy for "There's a Tear in My Beer" which was an electronically enabled duet with his father Hank Williams Sr.
But it was the anthem, "Are You Ready For Some Football?" that shot Bocephus to international stardom. In 1989 he was commissioned by ABC Sports to write and perform the opening segment for Monday Night Football. His work earned him the first Emmy Award (a total of 4) won by a country artist. Broadcast all over the globe, Hank Jr. became a symbol of America, which endures today.
Need proof? It's in the people. Go to a Hank Jr. show. It's not a concert, it's an event. It's a party, the ultimate celebration of good time, good ole boy rowdiness on parade. That's why more than 20,000 people belong to his fan club.
Or visit his website at www.hankjr.com. You'll find a community of free spirits. To them, and all his loyal fans, Bocephus is more than an entertainer, he's a philosophy, a way of life. Like Hank says, "Hey, we don't all live in New York or L.A."
You cannot deny his impact on popular music and American culture. He's given regular Americans a soundtrack to live by. He is a musician to admire for his songwriting, his talent, and for his legendary performances. He is a man to admire for his sheer guts and unbridled honesty. Hank Williams Jr. is about as real as it gets.