Music of Hank Williams brought to life at Vernon Area Library

Performer Steve Justman brought the music of Hank Williams to life Tuesday with the help of an audience that sang along during "Senior Series: The Music and Influence of Hank Williams" at the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire.

More than 60 people listened as Justman entertained and educated them on the life of Hank Williams Sr., one of the most influential songwriters in American history.

"He is one of some very important people in the middle of the 20th century who have a lot to do with pop music and Americana music and how it all converges together," Justman said. "You see the basics of blues and rock 'n' roll and folk music. Many of his songs have stretched into other genres and are constantly being recorded."

The audience tapped their toes as Justman crooned great hits like "Hey, Good Lookin," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Mansion on the Hill."

Williams lived a short life, dying at the age of 29 from heart failure worsened by his abuse of drugs and alcohol. Despite the short life span, his songs influenced numerous artists who would follow in his footsteps.

His legacy resulted in his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1961), the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1970), and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987).