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Don Williams

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Don Williams
Born
Donald Ray Williams

Template:Birth date
Floydada, Texas, U.S.
DiedSeptember 8, 2017(2017-09-08) (aged 78)
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Occupation(s)Country music singer-songwriter, actor
Years active1971–2016
Known for"The Gentle Giant", Country Music Hall of Fame inductee (2010)

Donald Ray Williams (May 27, 1939 – September 8, 2017) was a distinguished American country music singer-songwriter who was honored with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Beginning his solo journey in 1971, Williams secured 17 chart-topping country singles, distinguished by his rich bass-baritone tone and unpretentious delivery, which earned him the moniker "The Gentle Giant." In 1975, he ventured into acting, sharing the screen with Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed in the film W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.

Williams' songwriting reached a diverse array of musicians across multiple genres, with his compositions recorded by acclaimed artists including Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Alison Krauss, Kenny Rogers, and Waylon Jennings. His influence extended internationally, finding audiences in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, as well as various African nations. The Country Music Association acknowledged his significant contributions by inducting him into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Early years

Born on May 27, 1939, in Floydada, Texas, Williams was the youngest among three brothers to Loveta Mae (née Lambert) and James Andrew "Jim" Williams. He spent his formative years in Portland, Texas, completing his education at Gregory-Portland High School in 1958. Following his parents’ divorce, his mother remarried twice.

Tragically, on July 20, 1963, Williams’ eldest brother Kenneth died at age 29 due to accidental electrocution.

Prior to establishing the folk-pop ensemble Pozo-Seco Singers, Williams dedicated two years to service in the United States Army Security Agency. After receiving an honorable discharge, he took on various occupations to provide for himself and his family.

Alongside Susan Taylor and Lofton Cline, Williams recorded multiple albums with the Pozo-Seco Singers under Columbia Records. He remained part of the group until its dissolution in 1970.

Solo career

Following the breakup of Pozo-Seco Singers, Williams briefly stepped away from music but soon resumed his artistic pursuits. In December 1971, he secured a songwriting contract with Jack Clement’s Jack Music Inc., and by 1972 had launched a solo career under JMI Records. His 1974 single "We Should Be Together" climbed to number five on the charts and facilitated a deal with ABC/Dot Records.

In 1975, Williams scored two Country number-one hits from his fourth album: "You're My Best Friend" and "(Turn Out the Light And) Love Me Tonight." These songs also achieved top-40 pop status during the UK’s country music surge in 1976.

His debut single for ABC/Dot, "I Wouldn't Want to Live If You Didn't Love Me", initiated a remarkable run of top-10 hits spanning from 1974 to 1991—only four out of his total 46 singles failed to reach the top ten.

"I Believe in You," penned by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin, became Williams’ eleventh number-one country hit and was his sole U.S. top-40 pop hit, peaking at number 24. The track also enjoyed success in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Williams appeared in films featuring Burt Reynolds such as W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings (1975) and portrayed himself in Smokey and the Bandit II, where he performed several songs.

In early 2006, he announced a global "Farewell Tour," culminating with a sold-out final performance in Memphis. However, he emerged from retirement in 2010 to resume touring activities.

March 2012 saw the release of And So It Goes via independent label Sugar Hill Records, marking his first new studio album since 2004. Featuring collaborations with Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill, it was supported by a UK tour that concluded his performing career there in 2014.

In March 2016, Williams officially ended touring commitments by canceling all upcoming shows to dedicate time to personal matters. He expressed heartfelt thanks to fans, friends, and family for their ongoing support throughout his career.

Personal life and death

In April 1960, Williams wed Joy Janene Bucher, and together they raised two children.

He passed away on September 8, 2017, in Mobile, Alabama, succumbing to emphysema.

Academy of Country Music Awards

|- |rowspan=2| 1979 |Don Williams |Top Male Vocalist of the Year | |- |"Tulsa Time" |Single Record of the Year | |- |1980 |rowspan=2| Don Williams |rowspan=2| Top Male Vocalist of the Year | |- |rowspan=4| 1981 | |- |I Believe in You |Album of the Year | |- |rowspan=2| "I Believe in You" |Single Record of the Year | |- |Song of the Year | |- |1982 |Don Williams and Emmylou Harris |Top Vocal Duo of the Year | |- |1983 |Listen to the Radio |Album of the Year | |- |2007 |Don Williams |Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award | |

Country Music Association Awards

|- |1976 |rowspan=3| Don Williams |rowspan=3| Male Vocalist of the Year | |- |1977 | |- |rowspan=2| 1978 | |- |Country Boy |Album of the Year | |- |1979 |rowspan=2| Don Williams |rowspan=2| Male Vocalist of the Year | |- |rowspan=2 | 1980 

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|"Good Ole Boys Like Me" 

|rowspan=2 | Single of the Year 
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|rowspan=3 | 1981 
|"I Believe in You" 
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|Don Williams 
|Male Vocalist of the Year 
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|I Believe in You 
|Album of the Year 
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|1982 
|rowspan=3 | Don Williams and Emmylou Harris 
|rowspan=3 | Vocal Duo of the Year 
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|1983 
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|1984 
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|}

Albums

Additional resources

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