Final answer:
When investigating Hank Williams' career through his musical genealogy, the focus should be on his influences and the future artists he influenced, which encapsulates the musical lineage of his style and its impact on other genres and artists.
Step-by-step explanation:
When tracing Hank Williams' career through his musical genealogy, the focus of your investigation should be on his influences and the future artists he influenced, option C. Musical genealogy refers to analyzing the lineage of music styles and artists, looking at who had an impact on the musician's work and whom they, in turn, influenced. This includes exploring past musicians that inspired Hank Williams, along with the impact he had on subsequent generations of artists.
For example, the musical paths and connections of artists like Carl Perkins illustrate the blending of diverse influences. Perkins learned from both the country music he listened to on the "Grand Ol' Opry" and from a blues-influenced African American neighbor. His music, most notably "Blue Suede Shoes," resonated across genres, affecting audiences and chart positions in country, R&B, and pop. These interactions reflect the interconnectedness of musical genres and the significance of cultural exchanges in shaping what we understand as modern music genres, including rock n' roll.