In A Surprising Twist, Hank Jr. Pays Homage To The Late Ronnie Van Zant In Powerful Performance
on Feb 09, 2017
Country great Hank Williams Jr. was on hand for CMT’s epic Country Freedom Concert, which was a fundraiser for the Salvation Army Disaster relief following the September 11th attacks.
Most people know of the concert as the place Hank Jr. famously performed his hit song “A Country Boy Can Survive” and reworked it as “America Will Survive”, but he also performed his song “Young Country” and changed the lyrics to pay tribute to a legendary musician he admired.
As most fans know, Hank Jr. rarely performs a song the same twice, and this particular performance is no different. In one of the choruses, the lyric is normally, “Old Hank would be proud/And Elvis would too.” He instead sang, “Old Hank would be proud/And Ronnie would too,” referencing the late Ronnie Van Zant, former lead singer for Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd who tragically lost his life in a plane crash with several other members of the band.
It was a subtle tribute, but just enough to raise the eyebrows of true Bocephus fans, who more than likely appreciated the tribute to the late rocker. Hank Jr. is a big time Lynyrd Skynyrd fan and he even cites them as huge influences to his music.
Watch his incredible performance of “Young Country” below.
Hank Williams Jr. is hitting the road this summer and coming to a city near you – don’t miss your chance to see him LIVE! Tickets always sell out fast for such a legendary singer, get yours now by clicking here!
