Early rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis and bluegrass performer-turned-country star Keith Whitley were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Hank Williams Jr. is unleashing his alter ego Thunderhead Hawkins on a new record of raunchy blues songs.

ESPN is hoping that one of the architects of rock n' roll can bring some new energy to their “Monday Night Football” show with fewer fans in the stands this year. The new season starting Monday will feature a new version of Little Richard's hit “Rip It Up” featuring new instrumentals and backup vocals from the Virginia-based band Butcher Brown. The song replaces Hank Williams Jr.'s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight," which was repurposed with new lyrics like, “All my rowdy friends are here for Monday night.”ESPN said in a press release on Friday that Little Richard's song will be combined with NFL and team highlights. “We’re truly excited to have teamed up with ESPN for this project, and are honored to have had the opportunity to work with the music of the King of Rock N’ Roll, Little Richard,” said Butcher Brown in a statement provided by ESPN. “Monday Night Football” will kick off with a doubleheader featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers playing New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans at the Denver Broncos.

This combination photo shows, from left, songwriter Dean Dillon, singer Hank Williams, Jr., and singer Marty Stuart, who are the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

This combination photo shows, from left, songwriter Dean Dillon, singer Hank Williams, Jr., and singer Marty Stuart, who are the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart and songwriter Dean Dillon are the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Announced by the Country Music Association on Wednesday, Williams, who often is referred to as Hank Jr. or the nickname Bocephus, will join his father, country legend Hank Williams Sr., in the Hall of Fame's rotunda. 1 Billboard Hot Country songs with his first one coming at the age of 21 in 1970. To be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is beyond words.

Hank Williams Jr.'s daughter, Katherine Williams-Dunning, died in a car crash on Saturday night in Tennessee. Katie Williams and Tyler Dunning," he wrote in one post. "AND TYLER DUNNING !!!!!!!!!! She said that Katherine's husband, Tyler, was "awake and responding" but they "don't know injury extent yet." Feeling very heavy hearted for my friends @hilwill and @hollyaudreywilliams and the loss of their beautiful little sister, Katherine Williams Dunning.