On December 28, 1952, Hank Williams sang a few songs at the Elite Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama.

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It would turn out to be his last public performance.

December 28, 2016



On Sunday, Dec. 28, 1952, Hank Williams and his new bride, Billie Jean, attended a musicians union meeting at the Elite Cafe in Montgomery, Ala., where he was asked to sing a few songs. The performance, only four days before his death, would be his last. By all accounts, this photo taken that night at the Elite Cafe is the last known photograph of Hank Williams alive.

The Elite Cafe (pronounced E-light), noted for its steaks and seafood, opened in 1911 on Montgomery Street. The building still stands today, one block from the Hank Williams Museum.

Hank Williams Timeline

12/28/52 Hank plays private Musicians Union benefit in Montgomery at the Elite Cafe. Last known photo of Hank alive taken at the show. Performs "Jambalaya," "You Win Again," Cold Cold Heart, " and "Lovesick Blues"

Exploring Montgomery, Elite Cafe

A taste of the past: Tribute dinner honors The Elite restaurant

Brad Harper
Montgomery Advertiser
Published 1:07 p.m. CT March 29, 2018 | Updated 1:25 p.m. CT March 29, 2018

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It was also a social hub and gathering spot for some of the city’s most prominent people and organizations. Hank Williams sang publicly for the last time at The Elite on Dec. 28, 1952, while attending an American Federation of Musicians holiday party. He belted out “Jambalaya,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “You Win Again,” and “Lovesick Blues” to about 150 people, according to a Montgomery Advertiser account two days later.

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Sat Dec 30, 2023: On December 28, 1952, Hank Williams sang a few songs at the Elite Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama.