Hank Williams, Sr. to receive special lifetime achievement award

The Pulitzer Prize Board has awarded a posthumous Special Citation to country music icon Hank Williams for his lifetime achievement as a musician, Columbia University announced today. The citation praises Williams for “his craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming country music into a major musical and cultural force in American life.”

“The citation, above all, recognizes the lasting impact of Williams as a creative force that influenced a wide range of other musicians and performers,” said Sig Gissler, administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes. “At the same time, the award highlights the Board’s desire to broaden its Music Prize and recognize the full range of musical excellence that might not have been considered in the past.”

Considered the father of country music, Hank Williams was noted for singing and writing songs on the struggles of everyday people.  His catalog of songs include “Your Cheating Heart,” “Jambalaya,” “I Saw the Light,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” He also co-wrote a song with Kentucky native, Bill Monroe, called “I’m Lonesome I’m Blue.”  That song was recently released on the Grascals album as a duet with Hank Williams, Jr.

For the complete list of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize Award Winners, please visit www.pulitzer.org.