Hank Jr. telethon for tornado victims

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WALA) - He has sung countless times, "Country Boys Can Survive." Now he is saying "Alabama can survive."

Country music legend Hank Williams Jr. has helped organize a telethon to benefit those devastated by the tornado outbreak. He toured some of those cities and spoke with FOX10's Chasity Byrd about what he saw.

Hank Williams Jr. has deep roots in the state of Alabama. He returned to the place where he has spent so much time, seeing for the first time what tornadoes left behind.

"The terror that these people must have gone through when this monster was on the ground," Williams said as he looked around.

One stop Williams made was on Keene Drive in Tuscaloosa. It was clear he was in shock by what he saw, but in true Hank Williams fashion, he wasn't at a loss for words.

"I sure know why I'm here. I must add, to see this and to think the networks of this country showed the royal wedding - what a dumb choice. People are looking for their family members. Don't even get me started," Williams said.

Williams said that's when he knew he had to make his presence known. As he spoke to the residents, Williams promised he would get them help.

"I had to do something. I just sat there and called up and said, 'Look we've got to do something, and I don't mean go play a show.' I said, 'A hundred thousand means nothing. We need billions,'" he said.

Williams has helped organize a telethon on Country Music Television (CMT). It's going to be later this week from Nashville. Williams said he's made some calls and he's still making calls to his very well-known friends. He said to those affected by this not to worry. He'll make good on his promise.

Along with Williams, artists such as Tim McGraw and Keith Urban have also agreed to perform. The telethon will air on Thursday, May 12th.