While most country stars who found their way onto social media Jan. 1 were posting about their triumphs of 2017 or hopes for 2018, Josh Thompson decided to go another route. Instead of focusing on his own life, the singer took the opportunity to pay homage to that of one of the greats: Hank Williams Sr., who passed away Jan. 1, 1953.

Thompson posted a simple acoustic rendition of "(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle Blow," which Williams co-wrote with Jimmie Davis and released in 1951. It would go on to be his 14th top 10 hit; and was also covered by a wide variety of artists ranging from Johnny Cash to indie rocker Beck.

Williams died at the age of 29 of heart failure while traveling to perform at a concert in West Virginia. His body of work, although produced over a short lifespan, has remained a celebrated treasure in modern music over the decades; Williams has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Thompson released his debut album, Way Out Here, in 2010 and saw success with his first two singles, "Beer on the Table" and "Way Out Here." He'd go on to release Turn It Up in 2014, the EP Change: The Lost Record Vol. 1. in 2015, and the full-length Change: The Lost Record in 2017. He's also penned a number of hits for other artists, including Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore and Joe Nichols.

Country Legends Who Died Before Their Time

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