Butler County’s legendary contribution to the world of music has been recognized with a Pulitzer. The Pulitzer Prize Board announced this week it was awarding a posthumous Special Citation to native son Hank Williams Sr. for his lifetime achievement as a musician.

Considering Hank died at the young age of 29 in 1953, it is a pretty remarkable achievement.

“Well, we are certainly excited about this,” said Ann Browder, circuit clerk for the City of Georgiana.

“It’s wonderful for us here in Butler County, because he is from here, and it’s great for the state of Alabama. How often do we have a Pulitzer Prize winner?”

The citation praises Williams for “his craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming country music into a major musical and cultural force in American life.”

Sig Gissler, administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes, said the citation recognizes “the lasting impact of Williams as a creative force that influenced a wide range of other musicians and performers.”

Hank joins other musicians who have received Special Citations in recent years from the Pulitzer Board, including jazz composers Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane and composer and singer Bob Dylan.