Whereas Hiram Hank Williams is widely regarded as the most influential American singer and songwriter of the 20th century; Whereas Williams was born in Mount Olive, Alabama, to Lon and Lillie Williams on September 17, 1923, and later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue the American dream; Whereas Williams only learned to play basic guitar chords from his aunt and by listening to music that was played at dances, in churches, and on the radio; Whereas Williams met Rufus Tee Tot Payne, a Black street musician, at the age of 8 years old on the streets of Georgiana, Alabama, with Mr. Payne teaching the young Hank blues chords and barre chords, which would later become part of Williams signature sound; Whereas Williams began his career at a young age, playing his $3.50 git-tar on the street for any who would listen, and ended his career having played to sold-out crowds at the Grand Ole Opry and on stages across America and on military bases in Europe; Whereas, in 1946, Williams landed a songwriting contract with Acuff-Rose Publications and began composing material for singer Molly O’Day; Whereas, in 1946, Williams received his first recording contract with Sterling Records; Whereas Williams started his early career as a radio singer and became a regular on the newly created Louisiana Hayride radio program based in Shreveport, Louisiana; Whereas Williams wrote most of his songs himself, and crafted direct, emotionally honest lyrics with a poetic simplicity that spoke not only to fans of country and western music but to a much broader audience; Whereas Williams made a name for himself by creating a plaintive, bluesy phrasing that was unique and ultimately became a touchstone of country music; Whereas Williams’ inability to read and notate music did not inhibit his compositions, and instead he sang in the language of the everyman , as noted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Whereas Williams’ common tongue and easygoing music earned him the nickname Hillbilly Shakespeare