Tribute to Hank Williams planned in Charleston - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Tribute to Hank Williams planned in Charleston

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Hank Williams was found dead in the back seat of a car in Oak Hill, W.Va., on Jan. 1, 1953. A tribute to the renowned country music artist will be staged in the state more than 50 years later.

The legacy of Williams is celebrated by an all-star group of singers and musicians at 8 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Culture Center in Charleston.

Vocalists John Lilly and Rob McNurlin lead the band and audience through two hours of Williams's most popular songs, as well as several of the legendary performer's nearly forgotten gems. Highlights include "Your Cheating Heart," "Jambalaya," "Lovesick Blues," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," and "I Saw the Light."

Formed in 2002, the band is marking its 10th year. Hall of Fame steel guitarist Kayton Roberts, Grand Ole Opry veterans Buddy Griffin (fiddle) and Roger Carroll (bass) and lead guitarist Ritchie Collins recreate the vintage sound of Williams's Drifting Cowboys band, while adding their own spin to its classic songs.