The Tennessean: Little Jimmy Dickens was a friend. He was the last living connection to my father, Hank Williams. My father even nicknamed Little Jimmy "Tater" after his song "Take an Old Cold 'Tater (And Wait)."

Tater and my father toured Europe together in 1949 as part of a Grand Ole Opry package show that had them performing at U.S. air bases. That same year, my father penned "Hey Good Lookin' " specifically for Dickens. A week later he cut the song himself, jokingly telling Tater, "That song's too good for you!"

Being a top entertainer and "trend setter" that only Jimmy could be, he was the first performer to wear a rhinestone Nudie suit on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Soon after, in 1951, my mother and father opened up "Hank and Audrey's Corral," a western wear clothing store to supply other Opry stars with their Nudie suits. The famous white suit with the black music notes that my father wore was a Nudie suit. That same year, Tater and my father toured together one last time.

My Mother, Sister, and I would make the Journey from Nashville To South Alabama on 2 lane roads in the late 1950's all thru the 60's. Just as she and my Father, Hank Sr., did many times for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, my Grandfather, his Brothers, and other family and me would LINE UP in the Pea River and shoot ducks. I had a labrador dog that would get em all!!! I remember the newspaper spread on the floor and watching them cleaning 25 to 50 ducks!! They were our Christmas Dinner the next day!

A Country "Raised" Boy Can Survive!

HW Jr.

Hank made the list of Country Weekly's Favorite Moments of the ACCA Awards.  Check it out here.