The history of country music is filled with rebels, and that’s just what Hank Williams III songs prove to be.
The son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson to legendary Hank Williams, Hank Williams III – also known as Hank 3 – might be known to many for his hell-raising attitude on and off the stage. Everyone respects him for never limiting his craftsmanship with mainstream Nashville’s restrictive culture.
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Well, as much as country runs through his veins, so does rebellion. Do you remember when his grandpa used to be kicked out of Grand Ole Opry? The apple truly does not fall far from the tree, which is pretty evident too, with their eerily resemblance.
Hank Williams III began his journey in the music industry playing punk and metal and eventually went back to his roots – country music. With his instrumental skill, vocal ability, and pedigree, Williams III is considered one of the greatest country music performers today. Check out below some of his best hits so far.
1. Move It On Over
The song was first recorded by Hank Williams in 1947 and is considered one of the earliest examples of rock and roll music. It was Williams’ first charting song, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Most Played Juke Box Folk Records chart.
Nearly half a century later, it was recorded with accompanying vocals from his son Hank Williams Jr. and grandson Williams III off the album Three Hanks: Men with Broken Hearts, which became Williams III’s debut in country music.
2. Country Heroes
Williams III paid tribute to the country icons that inspired him to be the artist that he is today. This includes David Allan Coe, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and of course, his grandfather.
“Country Heroes” finds Williams III getting comfort from whiskey and the songs of his country idols.
3. Crazed Country Rebel
Williams III showed the world that he’s one country outlaw with the truly rebellious “Crazed Country Rebel,” which tells the story of a drug-crazed man moving from one country to another as he smoked morphine until it knocked him off his feet. His actions made him wonder if he already had one too much and has sinned enough.
4. 3 Shades Of Black
Well, the song is as dark as its title, and Williams III seems to revel in it. While “3 Shades of Black” is certainly not to everyone’s taste, it stands out as it showcases Williams III’s voice that eerily resembles his grandfather’s. It may lack the moral core his predecessors put at the heart of their darkest songs, it’s pretty interesting to witness a third generation of Williams shaking up the country formula.
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5. Trooper’s Holler
The song is a great example of Williams III’s uniqueness, which finds him listening to what his dog is saying. Even the vocal of his dog, Trooper, is featured here.
Williams III has always shown his sweet side when it comes to furry friends. He’s actually a fervent supporter of the Happy Tails Humane and a no-kill animal shelter in Franklin, Tennessee. The music video for “Trooper’s Holler” also shows Williams III spending some time with his pets and talking about animal rescue.
6. Calling Your Name
The song finds Williams III reaching out to the Lord and admitting that the last few years had been hard without the almighty’s presence. His wild and carefree way of life has caused him so much sorrow, so his calling for a higher power this time – hoping he can still be saved.
7. Not Everybody Likes Us
Williams III shows us how he takedown pop country music, singing, “I’d rather eat the barrel of a double-barrel loaded shotgun than to hear that shit” in “Not Everybody Likes Us.” He also took a swipe at Kid Rock and his chummy friendship with Hank Williams, Jr. that once led to speculations that Kid Rock could be Hank Williams, Jr.’s son.
8. Dick in Dixie
Williams III made a list of things he hopes to accomplish in his time here on earth, and that’s putting “dick in Dixie and the cunt back in country.” He has truly cemented the sentiment of resentment that many true country music fans have been feeling for years. The chorus ends with the salvo, “Pop country really sucks.”
More Hank Williams III Songs That Showcase His Reckless Spirit
What makes Hank Williams III songs stand out is that it bears little resemblance to his predecessors. He has indeed made a name and legacy for himself.
Check out some more of his best tunes below.
So, which among these Hank Williams III songs do you love the most?
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