(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines   

Hank Williams III, also known as Shelton Hank Williams, was born in 1972 and comes from a legendary music family, his grandfather was country icon Hank Williams, and his dad, Hank Williams Jr., is a star in his own right. But instead of following directly in their footsteps, Hank III forged his own path, mixing country, punk rock, and heavy metal into a wild and rebellious style.

Although he was surrounded by country music, Hank III was more into punk as a kid. He wasn’t too interested in making music professionally until a court ruling in the mid-1990s required him to pay child support, which pushed him to pursue country as a career. He got signed to a major label and started putting out albums, but he always had a love-hate relationship with the industry.

In 1996, Hank the 3rd and his dad came out with an album titled Men With Broken Hearts. This album has 12 songs on it that include "I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive," "Move It On Over," "Honkey Tonk Blues," "Where The Soul Of A Man Dies," "Hand Me Down," and "Lost Highway. How awesome is this....an album he made with his Dad!!! Shelton released an album titled Straight To Hell in 2006. Tracks from this album include "Thrown Out Of The Bar," "Country Heroes," "Low Down," "Pills I Took," "Crazed Country Rebel," "Louisiana Stripes," and "Hidden Tracks." The track "Low Down" is one of his most popular songs from this album.

Hank has several more albums that are really worth checking out. Hank III eventually got sick of music labels trying to control him. So he went independent and started his own label, Hank3 Records. That gave him total freedom to make whatever music he wanted, however he wanted. He believes in the DIY (Do It Yourself) attitude — no rules, no middlemen. Just music made by the artist, for the fans.

Hank III has never been one to play by the rules. He clashed with his record label over creative control and fought hard to make music his way. He also campaigned to get his grandfather back into the Grand Ole Opry, showing his deep respect for the history of country music. He’s kept the spirit of outlaw country alive, while also opening the doors for people who love both Johnny Cash and Black Flag. He’s inspired younger artists to be bold, be raw, and be themselves, no matter what the industry says.

Hank Williams III isn’t just a country musician—he’s a one-of-a-kind artist who refuses to be boxed into any genre. His ability to mix sounds and push boundaries has earned him respect across multiple music scenes. Whether he's growling punk lyrics or yodeling like his grandpa, Hank III is all about keeping things real. He’s a punk rocker in cowboy boots, a metalhead with a banjo, and a rebel with a famous last name, who made sure to become more than just a legacy. He’s proof that music doesn’t have to fit into one box.

That will do it for this report on Hank Williams III. In closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Until next time... Rock on friends!🤘

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