Williams led a sad, sad life, victim of persistent pain that kept him a slave to drugs and alcohol, resulting in his death at the age of 29. When you consider the legacy of music he left behind, you realize that he absolutely deserves his legendary status, even if, like me, you are from Alabama and denying it would be a betrayal of your birthplace. Hank Williams' music transcends any "country" label, whether he is singing a sad song or a jubilant one. Flippo does a pretty good job of chronicling his ups and downs--and the downs seem to predominate. But, hey, it isn't necessary to be happy to make great music. Just ask Beethoven. ( )