On this day (August 11) in 1952, Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny fired Hank Williams from the show. When he did make it to the Opry stage, he was usually visibly drunk. Videos by American SongwriterHank Williams Suffered Behind the ScenesWhile Hank Williams’ career was going better than ever, his life was slowly falling apart. He often missed Grand Ole Opry appearances while visiting her. [RELATED: 77 Years Ago Today, Hank Williams Made Grand Ole Opry History With His Lovesick Debut Performance]Denny hoped being fired from the Grand Ole Opry would be a wake-up call for Williams.