Kelly Clarkson Tips Her Hat To Hank Williams Jr. With Rendition Of “Family Tradition”

One of Hank Williams Jr.‘s most popular songs is “Family Tradition.” The track was released in 1979 as the first single off of his album of the same title. It peaked at the fourth spot on the Hot Country Songs chart following its release.

Hank Jr. wrote the song, which has an autobiographical tone. It has him singing about the pressures he faced as the son of Hank Williams (who passed away in 1953).

As some of the lyrics go, “I am very proud of my daddy’s name. Although his kind of music and mine ain’t exactly the same. Stop and think it over. Put yourself in my position…”

“Family Tradition” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Kelly Clarkson. She performed the song during the famous “Kellyoke” segment of her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Clarkson delivered a dynamic rendition of “Family Tradition.” She took the song and made it her own, while also keeping it true to its natural country style.

Fans reacted positively to Clarkson’s cover. Some of the comments on the YouTube video of her performance were:

“I mean I’m speechless.. like the twist that she puts on songs is amazing but keeps to the original I think other covers sounds good then I hear Kelly & she takes it to another level every time!!!!!”

“Absolutely LOVE THIS”

“All I can say is there she goes again. With out a doubt she can sing anything! Thank you Kelly for belting out another one…”

“Kelly I love your sound on this !! Please make a country album!”

“That was great! You did Hank Jr. proud.”

Watch Clarkson sing “Family Tradition” by tuning in to the video below. We love when she sings iconic country songs like this!