Today’s schedule
Coke Stage› 9:30-11 p.m. Hank Williams JrBud Light Stage› 6-7:30 p.m. One Shot Down› 8-9:30 p.m. G. Love & Special Sauce› 10:30 p.m.-midnight GangstagrassUnum Stage› 6:30-7:45 p.m. Courtney Daly &The Daly Grind› 8-9:15 p.m. Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones› 9:30-11 p.m. Rare Coalition BandTVFCU Stage› 6:15-7:30 p.m. Backwater Still› 7:45-9 p.m. Roger Alan Wade & The Big Ass Happy Family Orchestra› 9:15-10:30 p.m. Gracie & JoeyChevy Stage› 6-7:15 p.m. Ashes Fall› 7:30-9 p.m. Convertibull
Are you ready for some ... music?
When it comes to family traditions, few people in country music can rightfully brag more than Hank Williams Jr.
Hank Williams Jr.
View Our Coverage of Riverbend 2018
His daddy practically helped invent the genre and the troubled musician's outlier status - he was fired from the Grand Ole Opry - could be seen as a precursor to outlaw country, which his son would eventually help define.
The younger Williams, also known as Hank Jr. and Bocephus, will headline opening night of Riverbend this evening on the Coca-Cola Stage.
Early in his career, Hank Williams Jr. struggled with following in his famed father's footsteps and finding his own voice. He landed on a blend of Southern rock, blues and traditional country.
» Did you know: He is skilled at multiple instruments including guitar, bass, upright bass, steel guitar, banjo, Dobro, piano, keyboards, harmonica, fiddle and drums.
» Hits you likely know: "A Country Boy Can Survive," "Family Tradition," "Whiskey Bent and Hellbound," "There's a Tear in My Beer," "My Name Is Bocephus," "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight"
» Making his own fame: Williams has earned numerous awards, including Academy of Country and Country Music Association Music Entertainer of the Year in 1987 and 1988. He won the ACM award again in 1989.
Rolling Stone magazine put him at No. 50 on its "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time" list. Hank Sr. was No. 2. Merle Haggard is No. 1.
Contact staff writer Barry Courter at 423-757-6354 or bcourter@timesfreepress.com.
Don't miss
Tonight is a busy night with plenty of quality acts to choose from, especially if you want to check out local talent. Courtney Daly & The Daly Grind, Backwater Still, Rare Coalition Band, Convertibull and Roger Alan Wade & The Big Ass Happy Family Orchestra can all be found playing around regularly. Wade is just back from a four-day stint in New York City.Also, if you need a little hip-hop/bluegrass to get your Riverbend started right, both G. Love & Special Sauce and Gangstagrass are tonight on the Bud Light Stage. That's a double shot.