Hank Williams Jr. has been a walking embodiment of American music for three generations of fans. As a youngster, he sang his father's songs, carrying forward country's richest legacy.

Happy Birthday to WWE Diva Ashley Massaro (1979), South Park co-creator Matt Stone (1971), "The Corpse Bride" actress Helena Bonham Carter (1966), rock star Lenny Kravitz (1964), "General Hospital" actress Genie Francis (1962),

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Taylor Swift's "Teardrops On My Guitar" won country song of the year, and Hank Williams Jr. was honored as a music icon during the 56th Annual BMI Country Awards.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Hank Williams Jr. will be honored as an icon at this year's BMI awards. The honor puts Williams in elite company. Past honorees include

Don't look for any apologies on Damn Right Rebel Proud, the upcoming sixth album from Hank Williams III. Filled with a self-described "Jekyll and Hyde" mix of disturbingly dark stuff and "good ol' country,"

Happy Birthday to WWE Diva Ashley Massaro (1979), South Park co-creator Matt Stone (1971), "The Corpse Bride" actress Helena Bonham Carter (1966), rock star Lenny Kravitz (1964), "General Hospital" actress Genie Francis (1962),

Singer/songwriter Shooter Jennings lead single "Walk of Life" off his introspective third studio album - The Wolf, originally made famous by Dire Straits, was chosen as the first single for its lyrical content and to help familiarize audiences with the sound of this third disc.

Country stars Hank Williams Jr. and Flatt & Scruggs are to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The two artists will be honored in the songwriter/artist category, after a vote by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation resulted in a tie, it was announced on Monday.

Happy Birthday to WWE Diva Ashley Massaro (1979), South Park co-creator Matt Stone (1971), "The Corpse Bride" actress Helena Bonham Carter (1966), rock star Lenny Kravitz (1964), "General Hospital" actress Genie Francis (1962), comedian Bobcat Goldthwait (1962), film and TV actress Margaret Colin (1957), "Jackie Brown" star Pam Grier (1949), country superstar Hank Williams Jr. (1949), "Miami Vice" actor Philip Michael Thomas (1949), Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks (1948), British guitarist Mick Ronson (1946; d. 1993), The Band drummer Levon Helm (1942), jazz trumpeter Miles Davis (1926; d. 1991), Gunsmoke star James Arness (1923), singer Peggy Lee (1920; d. 2002), "Little House On The Prairie" actor Sam Edwards (1915; d. 2004), "Star Wars" actor Peter Cushing (1913; d. 1994), "The Lone Ranger" 'Tonto' portrayer Jay Silverheels (1912; d. 1980), "Dragnet" actor Ben Alexander (1911; d. 1969), British actor Robert Morley (1908; d. 1992), Western legend John Wayne (1907; d. 1979), Great Depression photographer Dorothea Lange (1895; d. 1965), and jazz singer Al Jolson (1886; d. 1950).

Singer/Songwriter Kris Kristofferson is to be honored with the Johnny Cash Visionary Award by Country Music Television (CMT) next month. The star will be presented with the accolade by the late musician's daughter Rosanne Cash at a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee on April 16.