Original: Hiram King Williams ( September 17 , 1923 -- January 1 , 1953 ) , better known as Hank Williams , was an American singer and songwriter and musician who has become an icon of country music and one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century .
Simplified: Hiram King Williams ( 1923-1953 ) , better known as Hank Williams ( and sometimes as Hank Williams Sr. ) , was an American musician and songwriter .