Robin Williams well remembers watching an elderly woman make her way to the front of a stage after he and his wife, Linda Williams, had performed.
Although the much-lauded country duo have entertained and greeted many audiences, including those who attend Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” the resolve that compelled the frail woman to brave blustery, winter weather in order to share a live performance of Hank Williams’ music with her grandchildren impressed the Virginia-based Mr. Williams.
“She came with her grandson and granddaughter to hear us because she had been to a Hank Williams’ concert back in 1950 or 1951,” said Mr. Williams, who is no relation to the country icon. “It had been over 50 years since she’d heard him, but she well remembered the show and that Hank Williams’ music had meant so much to her.”
Loyal fans of Hank Williams, considered by many the most gifted and influential songwriter and performer in country music history, died at age 29 in the back seat of a Cadillac as he traveled to a performance on New Year’s Day 1953. Performers musically celebrate his legacy at various events, including the Annual Hank Williams Tribute Show at the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.
Grammy Award-winning folk musician Cathy Fink of Silver Spring organized the D.C.-area tribute, now in its 18th year, as a way for local fans and performers to recognize the impact Hank Williams’ music had on their artistry.
“That first year, we were just a group of friends who gathered backstage, planned the show and played it,” said Ms. Fink, noting the performers’ deep knowledge of the country great’s music made extensive rehearsal unnecessary. “Hank Williams music defines a perfect country song. He is one of the most important people in country music because he truly shaped country music forever. We had so much fun playing that first tribute, we decided to continue.”
The tribute has become a reunion, of sorts, for fans many of who attend year after year.
“Because it does happen during the holidays, many of the performers’ wives, husbands, kids and friends attend and look forward to seeing each other year after year,” said Linda Williams. “The audience picks up on that relaxed family vibe especially because so many of them come with family and friends and know” attendees from past years.
Hank Williams’ classic songs such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Jambalya (on the Bayou),” and “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” often make it into the set, resulting in a big sing-a-long with the audience, but Ms. Fink moves songs in and out of the set list to keep it fresh.
“I try to leave open slots,” said Ms. Fink, of ways she includes songs all the performers want to cover. “After all the years we’ve done this, it doesn’t take a lot to bring it together. It’s always flexible, and we love that.”
The 18th Annual Hank Williams Tribute Show, featuring Robin & Linda Williams, Claire Lynch, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Rickie Simpkins, Mark Schatz, Dave Chappell, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. 202-397-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
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