Sam Williams is embracing his rich musical heritage with his latest release. The grandson of Hank Williams just released his own version of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” a song written by his legendary grandfather, and first released in 1949.

“This song is special to me in many ways,” Sam says. “I have always been hesitant to touch recording my grandfather’s songs, as there’s a sacredness to them. I wouldn’t want to do them injustice. ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ has always been one of my favorites of his catalog.”

Sam chose to release “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” on September 15, two days before what would have been Hank’s 100th birthday.

“The release coinciding with his centennial birthday is a bittersweet happy birthday gift to the man I never knew that everyone seems to know,” Sam explains. “It is a reclamation of my name, my destiny in my family’s legacy, and a statement to country music. History and homage, respect, and reinvention, tattered and stolen coattails; I am a most honorable mention.”

Sam is not only the grandson of Hank Williams, but is the son of Hank Williams, Jr., a family legacy that Sam admits is a double-edged sword.

It’s definitely a blessing and a curse,” Sam previously told Everything Nash. “I try not to be too hard on myself about the pressures of the Williams name. It’s rather inevitable, but I just want to be myself, and that’s what has been so successful for those in my family. My dad went against the grain and became his own artist, and brought a lot of rock influence into country music. He left Nashville and said ‘Good riddance.’ That was the best thing he ever did. I’m proud to put forward a body of work that is me finding my own.”

 

Sam’s latest album, Glasshouse Children, was released in 2021. The record includes both a collaboration with Dolly Parton, on “Happy All The Time,” and a collaboration with Keith Urban, on “Kids.”

Hank was just 29 years old when he passed away on January 1, 1953. Sam will perform “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, September 16. Tickets are available at Opry.com.

Sam will also perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 21, as part of Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams. The event will also include performances by Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Della Mae, Rodney Crowell, Brennen Leigh, Delbert McClinton, Charlie McCoy, Chuck Mead, Wendy Moten and more.

All of Sam’s music and upcoming shows can be found at SamWilliamsOfficial.com.