Hank Williams IV

William Shakespeare famously posed the question: “What’s in a name?” However, in country-western music, certain names, such as Carter or Williams, carry a weight that cannot be ignored. From Hank Williams Sr., through Junior, Shelton Williams, and Coleman Williams, a musical lineage has been passed on that resonates to this day. You can add another name to this list, Ricky Fitzgerald, who has been performing under the name Hank Williams IV since he was a teenager. Although Ricky’s lineage is not quite as clear cut some of the other Williams progeny, once you hear Ricky sing, the connection to the Williams legend becomes clear.
Ricky began performing at 5 years of age, singing the music of his great-grandfather while donning Western-style suits. What started as a tribute act evolved into a unique musical identity, with a vocal style that is not only reminiscent of Hank Sr. and Jr., but also has elements of John Anderson, Randy Travis, and Merle Haggard.
Ricky’s journey as Hank Williams IV has not been free from criticism. Perhaps Ricky described it best in his lyrics to “Hank Williams Ghost”: “They say I’m just a lost sheep, outside the family… cause everywhere I sing they all come out to see, wanting me to prove my legacy… I can’t laugh, and I won’t cry, cause I know who I am, deep inside.” So we encourage you to give Hank Williams IV a listen: set your preconceptions aside, let your ears be your guide, and join us for the ride.