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Today in history June 11, 1949, honky tonk rockabilly and country/western singer, Hank Williams performed his debut at The Grand Ole Opry. Nashville, Tennessee - Mecca of the country music industry. Too bad William's career burned out far too quickly. During his stardom, he brought numerous hits to the world. Your Cheatin' Heart, Lovesick Blues, Honky Tonkin', You're Gonna Change, (Or I'm Gonna Leave) and the ever popular hymn, I Saw The Light. Hank had prescription medication and alcohol problems that led to an early death. He was only 29 years old. Also these events on this day in history. Captain Cook accidentally discovers the Great Barrier Reef - 1770 Hank Williams performs at the Opry, Nashville, TN. - 1949 Three convicts escape Alcatraz Island and are never found - 1962 Matthew Broderick stars in theaters with Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1986 Oh. And Jacques Cousteau was also born on this day. June 11, 1910. "The sea, once it casts its spell holds on in its net of wonder forever." ~ Jacques Cousteau 1910 - 1997 Great Barrier Reef found Hank at the Opry Escape from Alcatraz 'Ferris' hits theaters Hank Williams makes his rapturous Grand Ole Opry debut 'Lovesick Blues' is a huge hit and is Hank Williams' ticket to country music's Mecca, the Grand Ole Opry, where Hank and his Drifting Cowboys wow the crowd and play a record six encores. Williams' meteoritic rise will flame out when he dies, due in part to alcohol abuse, at the age of 29.