August 16th, 1952 was the day Hank Williams’ was arrested in a frequent spot he visited, Alexander City, Alabama.
It is well known that Hank, one of the original pioneers of country music, struggled with substance abuse, this resulting from chronic back pain he struggled with most of his life. The abuse eventually led to his death in 1952, at the age of 29.
In early August of 1952, Hank’s substance abuse even resulted in the legend being fired from the Grand Ole Opry.
His biographic, Hank Williams: The Biography, tells details of the event. He was staying at the Ol Russell Hotel, when Hank began drinking and disturbing employees and staff at the hotel.
Williams’ was then arrested and charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
“I believe he was more or less having delirium tremens. He was running up and down the hall of the Russell Hotel yelling that someone was whupping old ladies and he was going to stop them.”
-Alexander City Police Chief Winfred
According to reports, shortly after the arrest it was reported that Darwin Dobbs, who has been hosting Hank and his group, posted a bond of $25 and a $10 fee for the release of Hank. This is when the iconic photo of Williams standing shirtless outside of the jail was taken.
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