The “Gentle Giant” Don Williams Has Died
Country music legend, Hall of Famer, iconic voice, and gentle soul Don Williams, has passed away at the age of 78. He died after a short illness according to his representatives at Webster Public Relations. The owner of 17 #1 country hits, 9 total Male Vocalist of the Year Awards, and countless other distinctions and accolades, his voice and legacy leave a gaping hole in the heart of country music.
A native of Floydada in West Texas, Williams was born May 27, 1939, growing up in Portland, TX, and graduating from High School in 1958. Williams made his first public appearance at only three years old in a talent contest, winning an alarm clock for his efforts. He learned guitar by his teens and played in local bands in the West Texas region, and marrying wife Joy Bucher on April 10, 1960.
Before pursuing music full time, Williams worked odd jobs, including in the West Texas oil fields, and as a bill collector. While living in Corpus Christi in 1964, he formed a folk trio called The Pozo Seco Singers, performing and touring for a full seven years before disbanding in 1969. This is when Williams’ country music career began in earnest. In 1971, he signed a songwriting contract with a publishing company owned by Jack Clement.
1973’s “The Shelter of Your Eyes” was Don Williams’ first charting single, and from there the rest is country music history. 1974 is when Williams would have his first #1 hit with “I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me.” Iconic recordings such as “Tulsa Time,” “She Never Knew Me,” and “It Must Be Love” came in later years released through a host of labels including ABC / Dot, MCA, Capitol, and RCA. “Stay Young,” “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” and “One Good Well” were some of his bigger hits in the 80’s. Between 1974 and 1991, every Don Williams single released at least charted in the Top 40, speaking to his cross-generational appeal, and the longevity of his career.
His tall stature, but soft-spoken nature is what earned Don Williams the nickname “The Gentle Giant,” becoming a favorite of traditionalists, contemporaries, and even finding crossover success without ever compromising his honest and warm approach to authentic country music.
More recently, even after announcing an initial retirement in 2006, he exemplified with albums such as 2012’s And So It Goes, and 2014’s Reflections that his music had a mood to it that could spirit you away from whatever ailments or calamities were occurring in current events to a place of comfort, cool reflection, and deep appreciation for the simpler joys in life.
Williams also appeared in a number of movies beside friend Burt Reynolds, namely W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings and Smokey and the Bandit II.
In 2016, while in the midst of farewell tour dates, Don Williams told fans, “It’s time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I’m so thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting love and support.” Earlier this year, a tribute album, Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams was released in his honor.
Arrangements for his funeral are pending.
READ: September 8th, 2017 – Another Tragic Day in Country Music History
CountryCharm
September 8, 2017 @ 12:50 pm
Wow today is a rough day. Don and now news of Troy Gentry being killed in a helicopter accident. I feel for their families.
Trigger
September 8, 2017 @ 1:22 pm
Very sad news about Troy Gentry as well. Was working on a story about it when the news about Don Williams broke.
Michael Reddy
September 8, 2017 @ 6:50 pm
So many great artists across the musical spectrum have died in the last few years that have brought enjoyment to millions. Hearing that other two have passed on saddens me immensly. My thoughts and prays goes out to all there loved ones.
BJones
September 8, 2017 @ 12:51 pm
shit
U.S. SAM
September 8, 2017 @ 12:54 pm
News like this is Always a shitty way to start the day.. RIP Don ,Thanks for the Great Music !
Adam John
September 8, 2017 @ 12:56 pm
so sad :'( i wanted to hear more music from this legend R.I.P “Gentle Giant”
Betty austin
September 8, 2017 @ 6:08 pm
PIP very sad news today I love this man I listen to his music most all my life we miss you Don PIP
John BARNETT
April 14, 2022 @ 9:01 pm
Being almost 80 years young. I remember them all. As a very young man in 1949 on a trip to the Texas coast I remember having my Mom turn up the radio everytime Caligia came on the radio and going to live performances with my Grandparents to a VFW Saturday night and going up to the band and asking them yo play “Under the Double Eagle”. Also crying when Patsy Cline passed. My days today are filled with old Country music .
Dawn Medford
April 8, 2023 @ 8:50 am
Tragic day for Country music. Two great artists gone, but, they will not be forgotten. RIP Don Williams and Troy Gentry. There will be an appointment awesome concert in heaven tonight!
Jessie Geary
February 8, 2024 @ 10:17 am
Don Williams was one of the greatest song writers ever. He was so talented and sweet and indeed the Gentle Giant of music. RIP Don.
Warthog
September 8, 2017 @ 1:00 pm
There are only two artists that I don’t remember hearing for the first time, because they were there from the beginning: Conway Twitty and Don Williams. Conway was my dad’s favorite. Don was my mom and her dad’s favorite. Essentially, their music was the soundtrack to my childhood.
I am deeply saddened by this and will be keeping Mr. Williams’ family in my thoughts, and his records on my turntable.
hoptowntiger94
September 8, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
Tough obit to write because there aren’t enough good, great, words to describe Williams. Sad day.
DJ
September 8, 2017 @ 1:04 pm
I loved Living on Tulsa Time.
Dawn Medford
April 8, 2023 @ 8:51 am
Tragic day for Country music. Two great artists gone, but, they will not be forgotten. RIP Don Williams and Troy Gentry. There will be an appointment awesome concert in heaven tonight!
Mike2
September 8, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
So sorry to hear this. Don was one if my favorite male country singers. Good old boys like me was one of the first songs I learned on the guitar and I still play it regularly.
Brian
September 8, 2017 @ 8:44 pm
Whenever I am asked to name my all time favorite song, this is the one I always name.
Fat Freddy's Cat
September 8, 2017 @ 1:16 pm
I was unfamiliar with Don Williams’ music until I saw a review of Reflections, on this site if I’m not mistaken. I’m glad I found out about him.
Scotty J
September 8, 2017 @ 1:17 pm
What a great and unique artist. There is never a doubt at who it is when a Don Williams song comes on.
Jason
September 8, 2017 @ 1:18 pm
Sad to hear r.i.p.
I don’t know if Trigger will do a separate post for Troy Gentry but Montgomery Gentry was my first country concert about 12 years ago. I lost interest in them a few years ago but still love listening to their stuff I’m familiar with. “She couldn’t change me” is my favorite
R.i.p to both
Trigger
September 8, 2017 @ 1:43 pm
Yes I was working on a story about Troy when I heard about Don. Seeing how Troy was the more contemporary star, I felt Don was the more important to report on first from a greater chance of being overlooked, but I hope that’s not taken as disrespect to Troy. I’m sure I’ll have something to say about Troy as well. Frankly I am in shock and am just doing the best I can to fight through it all and type meaningful words. Very sad day in country music. A double shot to the gut during an already emotional time.
Jason
September 8, 2017 @ 1:51 pm
Yes I wasn’t trying to criticize you if it came off that way. Frankly I’m not familiar with don williams. Doesn’t mean I’m not saddened because any passing is sad.
I plan on looking at some of his work this weekend though and hopefully I can become more familiar with don
I just wanted to get my thoughts on Troy out since this is really the only place I can
Trigger
September 8, 2017 @ 6:50 pm
No worries Jason!
Mike Honcho
September 8, 2017 @ 6:25 pm
With Don Williams we lost a legend. Troy Gentry is just a sad story.
Sir Adam the Great
September 8, 2017 @ 4:28 pm
Wow, “She Couldn’t Change Me”…I had forgotten about that song! Very sad day indeed.
I saw Don Williams in Monteagle, TN several years ago. His voice was very distinctive and aged very well, if at all. A very talented man with an amazing ability for writing and picking very good songs. I will miss him.
Josh Killian
September 8, 2017 @ 1:23 pm
I realized last night that I hadn’t listened to Don Williams in way too long, so I put him on for a few hours. Glad I got to see him in concert two years ago. He was a great, one of a kind singer.
Mike
September 8, 2017 @ 1:24 pm
Very sad to hear this, Don Williams was one of the artists that pulled me into Country music in the first place. The man always appeared to stand as a man utterly filled with class, something that seems to be increasingly rare.
Gina
September 8, 2017 @ 1:40 pm
Really sad. I got to see him in the early 90s at an Irish Festival in upstate New York of all places. He was great. Losing these legends doesn’t make this crazy times any easier.
Amanda
September 8, 2017 @ 1:55 pm
Wow. This is so sad. Don was such a fantastic artist. “Lord, I Hope This Day is Good” is one of my favorites. It breaks my heart to hear about Troy Gentry as well. Born in 1996, I grew up with Montgomery Gentry and love so many of their songs. Lonely and Gone and She Couldn’t Change Me are two of my favorite songs. I have fond memories of my mother and I riding around blasting She Couldn’t Change Me and singing along.
Gena R.
September 8, 2017 @ 5:14 pm
Yup, that’s my favorite song Don did.
RIP Don & Troy. 🙁
DimM
September 8, 2017 @ 2:00 pm
Another great voice is gone. I grew up with Don’s songs and hearing these bad news makes me really really sad.
Scotty J
September 8, 2017 @ 2:06 pm
One of the things that always struck about Don Williams is that he never seemed to drift off after whatever the trend of the day was. His career spanned the Outlaw era through the Urban Cowboy era to the country pop of the 1980s right up through the class of ’89 yet he never drifted from his style. Sometimes experimenting can be good but to me it’s always nice to have someone that knows who they are and is the best at that.
I would say that Don Williams and George Strait are the best examples of this.
I hope his was a life well lived.
caj
September 8, 2017 @ 2:15 pm
One of my childhood favorites. So many songs come to mind: Amanda, I Believe In You, Turn Out The Lights And Love Me Tonight, Good Ol’ Boys Like Me, Tulsa Time, We Should Be Together, Love Is On A Roll, Your My Best Friend, Till The Rivers All Run Dry, It Must Be Love, Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.
So many great songs from a Gentle Giant of a singer. What a talent, what a man.
Scotty J
September 8, 2017 @ 2:21 pm
Yep, all great songs and I would add ‘Rake And A Ramblin’ Man’ to your list. To me this was always the personification of his conversational style that was so identifiable. A great Bob McDill song performed by an amazing stylist. Good stuff.
Benny Lee
September 8, 2017 @ 2:18 pm
A true legend. Don’t know what else to say. Fantastic voice (both sonically and lyrically speaking). One of a kind artist.
Kent
September 8, 2017 @ 2:26 pm
Saw him in Gothenburg I think it was in -76 and -77. He had such a gentle voice….
My favorites was “Amanda” and “I Recall A Gypsy Woman”, both also later covered by Waylon.
Rest In Peace
Clint
September 8, 2017 @ 2:32 pm
One of those guys I saw with my dad..very sad
Dobe Daddy
September 8, 2017 @ 2:44 pm
This really hurts. Don Williams was always on the record player at my house growing up, and I just replaced my mom’s record player specifically so she could listen to his albums. There simply isn’t anyone else quite like him. RIP, Gentle Giant.
Woodrow Carpenter
September 8, 2017 @ 3:07 pm
RIP OLD FRIEND……….Buddy
DerekJoists
September 8, 2017 @ 3:18 pm
One of my dad’s favourites when I was young, I grew up listening to him. RIP :'(
NJ
September 8, 2017 @ 3:49 pm
Sad, sad news. My father passed a few weeks ago and You’re My Best Friend by Don Williams and Silver Wings by Merle were the two chosen pieces of music.
A life well lived.
Six String Richie
September 8, 2017 @ 3:50 pm
I loved Don. He isn’t remembered in quite the same way as other legends like Merle, Jones or George Strait, at least by the masses, but he always was one of the Top 10 country singers ever in my book.
Just this week I started playing through a bunch of his songs. I rediscovered his “And So It Goes” album last weekend and have been listening to his music ever since. I began the last two mornings by listening to “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good.” Today turned out to be not so good.
I’ll always appreciate his calm voice. It was one of the best story telling voices in country music history.
Brendan
September 8, 2017 @ 3:53 pm
I’m glad I got to see him in concert a few years ago. He was my mom’s favorite. I always loved Good Ole Boys Like Me.
Greg
September 8, 2017 @ 3:58 pm
Prayers for Don’s family friends and fans
Farmer Brian
September 8, 2017 @ 3:59 pm
It’s been a hell of a day for country music. Don Williams and Troy Gentry passing on the same day.
karl
September 8, 2017 @ 4:02 pm
Farewell Don.
Guy Smiley
September 8, 2017 @ 4:04 pm
I believe he was a wonderful person, RIP.
albert
September 8, 2017 @ 4:13 pm
It’s all been said above . Don Williams’ last two records were among the most solid country music releases by ANY country /pop-country/RnB ‘country/ or trad country artist working today s They were filled with songs that only Don could do justice too , IMHO . He kept it alive the way Merle, Willie and very few others still did . God bless him .
Jim McGuinness
September 8, 2017 @ 4:47 pm
I was going to post about those two records. Incredibly satisfying, both. His rendition of “I’ll Be Here in the Morning” ranks with the best Townes Van Zandt covers.
albert
September 11, 2017 @ 4:56 pm
….all about the song ….the lyric . no musical pyrotechnics….no clap machines or whoa whoa whoas….just a REAL singer accompanied by REAL players supporting honest relate-able lyrics sung from the heart . What a concept …
Don was all about the song.
sweet on stuart
September 8, 2017 @ 5:01 pm
Eric Clapton got me to find out who Don was. On Slowhand EC sang We’re All the Way and I recall thinking how much I love that mellow stuff. And I’m talking about 1977, just out of high school. His vibe was so special. I read the news on Rosanne Cash’s twitter. I’ve been mentally drained by the recent hurricanes that affected cities and countries where I have family and then I hear this. Sad times.
Erik North
September 8, 2017 @ 6:13 pm
Yes, Clapton was a big fan of The Gentle Giant (he even covered “Tulsa Time”, which was the B-side of his 1980 hit “Cocaine”). That same year, Williams’ “I Believe In You”, which was a #1 hit on the country chart for two weeks, also peaked at a very respectable #24 on the Hot 100.
It is one more sad day for true American music fans, but Don Williams will be remembered, and not only among the country music sphere.
El Pendebro
September 8, 2017 @ 6:14 pm
God rest Don Williams. No voice can ever hope to replicate that man’s brilliance.
Melody
September 8, 2017 @ 6:18 pm
Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good. I saw Don Williams in college at David Lipscomb in the 70s. May God bless him.
Michael Reddy
September 8, 2017 @ 6:51 pm
So many great artists across the musical spectrum have died in the last few years that have brought enjoyment to millions. Hearing that other two have passed on saddens me immensly. My thoughts and prays goes out to all there loved ones.
Jim
September 8, 2017 @ 7:10 pm
There may be other more distinctive and powerful voices among Country Music History, but there has never been one as smooth and pure as The Gentle Giant.
I may only be in my early 30’s but Don Williams has truly been the artist that has shaped my musical palette the most. I loved the 2 latest albums almost as much as his early stuff. This is truly a sad day in Country Music as we have lost of the really great ones.
Wesley Gray
September 8, 2017 @ 7:17 pm
May Don and Troy both rest in peace ❤. What a fucked up day for our music. 😔Pardon my language. Feeling a little low over this stuff.
cb
September 8, 2017 @ 7:27 pm
I usually just read this website and comments without posting, but I just can’t not say anything after hearing about this.
Don Williams’ Country Boy album was the first of his music that I listened to, several years ago, on an old vinyl record. It was surreal how amazing the experience was. It was incredibly refreshing to be introduced to Don Williams as bro-country was coming into the spotlight. There isn’t a single song sung by him that I don’t like. Whether about lost chances for love or the nostalgia of growing up, everything Don Williams sung exuded a feeling of being genuine.
I don’t care what they say about anybody else, Don Williams is the gold standard for male country artists. I don’t think there is anybody in the same league as him. Some may be more talented, perhaps, or better songwriters (I’m not sure how much actual writing Don did) but nobody else has that same style.
Trigger
September 8, 2017 @ 7:57 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts cb.
Stonewall
September 8, 2017 @ 9:10 pm
Those Williams’ boys, they still mean a lot to me…
Ayo Tunde
September 8, 2017 @ 10:19 pm
He is extremely popular in West Africa, especially in Nigeria. DJs on the radio have been playing is hits since the tragic announcement. Rest in Peace.
MRG
September 8, 2017 @ 11:26 pm
Seen Don twice in Saskatoon; was excellent both times. Phenomenal talent, losing a great generation of singers far too fast.
Kevin Smith
September 9, 2017 @ 3:47 am
One of the great true country baritones of any era. He had a voice smoother than smooth. Listen to the Radio, Amanda, I believe in Love. He was a one in a lifetime and in my book stands with Ray Price , George Jones and George Strait in terms of epic voices.
D. Wayne
September 9, 2017 @ 1:33 pm
Simply one of the best ever. No hype needed, he had talent and the public responded.
Helen Berger
September 9, 2017 @ 10:08 pm
I had two of the old style casettes…one was my very favorite singer of my whole life….Don Williams. I used to pop it in and play all the way from Belgrade Montana to Salt Lake City and back for three months back in 1978….never got tired of his songs, his voice, his music. It was good to know there was a good decent man out there who loved his wife and was true to her…his goodness was obvious in the songs he sang….our world has suffered a great loss in his passing. I look forward to seeing him again up yonder…
Bear
September 10, 2017 @ 3:11 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG! I only came to him recently but he shot to the top on my list of favourite vocalists. I am so bummed out right Don died and I discover Taylor Swift is #! again. Gotta play some Don Williams today for sure.
Bill
September 10, 2017 @ 4:01 pm
Clapton’s cover of Tulsa Time is downright nasty…in a good way. But it’s Don Williams’ version of Good Old Boys Like Me that brings a tear to my eyes. If anyone was going to write my biography, no need. That song was my life story growing up in rural Georgia in the ’60’s. Dad with gin on his breath and a Bible in his hand, the sound of soft southern winds in the live oak trees, Hank and Tennessee, washed in the blood, John R and the Wolfman and on and on. RIP, Gentle Giant…you will be missed.
Scotty J
September 10, 2017 @ 6:42 pm
Yep, a great performance of a great song written by Bob McDill one of the most underrated songwriters of all time. He also wrote ‘Gone Country’ by Alan Jackson and ‘All The Good Ones Are Gone’ an absolutely brilliant song recorded by Pam Tillis.
Corncaster
September 10, 2017 @ 6:29 pm
Don Williams was true to himself and, as far as I can tell, wrote honestly and well. Gentle music, but not wimpy. He wrapped goodness and honesty into music that was as good, and just as honest. Nothing fancy, but nothing stupid, either. Solid, like an oak tree. That’s how I’ll remember him, and pass him along to my children. My boys already respond to “Good Old Boys Like Me.” And that makes a good settled feeling inside me.
Thanks, Don. Rest in peace.
CountryKnight
September 11, 2017 @ 6:26 am
Alan Jackson and Josh Turner both covered some of his more well known songs, which isn’t surprising considering they seem to be cast in his mold. Singers of simple songs with powerful truths.
After hearing the covers, I went back to the originals. They didn’t have the same impact for me but the talent is there. “Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy” is one of the best.
May God be with his family.
Dave Cope
November 23, 2017 @ 7:07 pm
Gentle Giant will always be with me.
Travis
March 20, 2021 @ 2:49 am
Don has ALWAYS been one of my top favorites. His song “Rakin Ramblin man” or as I call it “do i look like.a daddy to you” really hit my heart when i found out i was going to be a young father. But even before that and I can say that even TODAY I listened to one of his albums.
If his songs were a true testament to his soul,
then he was a fantastic man and he is with our Lord, singing with the Angels. Your beautiful, kind, calming voice will be missed here on earth. Rest in peace Don.
Lana Harris
November 22, 2021 @ 6:43 am
I had the Pozo Seco Singers on a disc. I distinctly remember wondering more about the tall guy. Then I found a Don Williams disc. Loved him.. RIP Mr. Williams.
Kent
December 22, 2021 @ 11:40 am
To my shame I must admit I had almost forgotten about him. I played him a lot in mid-70s. In particular Greatest Hits. Loved Amanda and “I Recall A Gypsy Women”. RIP
Maher Younsi
March 12, 2022 @ 6:03 am
R.I.P , Don Williams .
Robert Eddy
April 7, 2022 @ 9:34 pm
Don Williams,was a great one his voice was smooth as tennesee wiskey and soothing to the soul my favorite song of his is your my best friend but I truly like everything I’ve heard him sing just wish I could have met him in person him Conway, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon, Eddie Rabbit,Keith Whitney are artists that I’ve always wanted to meet or see in concert but never got the chance only two legends left that I really wish I can get the chance to see or maybe even meet that is Hank Jr.and George Straight now there is a void that cannot be filled in country music
Sarah
August 19, 2022 @ 6:58 pm
The world lost an amazing artist in Don Williams. It used to play throughout the house over and over again. My daughter couldn’t go to sleep without Don Williams playing in the background. We both still listen to his music everyday. The world was a better place because of him and I will miss that wonderful voice. Thank God for the vinyls I have a record player to play them.
Ryan Kornegay
December 6, 2022 @ 6:53 pm
I met Don..When I was working for the Promoter of the Concert…Ron Yow..in Greensboro N.C early 1980s..War Memorial Auditorium..The Judds were suppose to be the opening Act…but in the week before the concert, Their Agent Let Us know they Couldn`t make that concert for Scheduling issues, but they would replace them with an up and coming performer..Her name was“ Kathy Mateya` and she didn`t disappoint….she was Great..and actually knew a Friend of ours that moved to Nashville.to write songs…and She had one of His songs on her 1st album “ Stain Glass Windows Don’t make a Church“and Beautifully sang it that night“but the point of this..is Don`s manager came and told us he Wouldn`t sign Autographs…I did spend alot of time with him backstage..I enjoyed talking with Him…So of course I asked Him to sign one of the Posters for the Show..he Gave me a .Don Williams look..and asked who its for ..I said….My Daughter ,who is 11 and lives in Minnesota..I get her in the Summer….there was a pause….and he said..Whats Her Name ?…I said Erin..he Kindly took it and Signed it to Her…Thats my experience being with Don Williams…God Speed Don ……..
Kent Stephenson
December 7, 2022 @ 7:03 pm
Probably the driving reason I learned to play acoustic guitar at 17 yrs. old and teach myself to write music for my lyrics was Don Williams…Saved my first couple paychecks at a pie place and bought a Sigma I kept in the woods…Don’t see that anyone mentioned above a song Don wrote that he also made a hit, “Love Me Over Again”…Used to cover it quite a bit in the early 00’s at local farmer’s market performances…
TerryV
April 5, 2023 @ 5:38 am
Please someone at your publishing do the math? He can’t be 78 and be born in 1939? When I read he was supposedly 78 all I could think of was he was only 10 yrs. older than me? Then when I made it to his birthdate being 1939 I couldn’t believe you misreported this so badly?
Tracy Patton
April 6, 2023 @ 5:14 pm
He also lived in Mount Juliet Tn. I went to their house and he pulled out his guitar and played and sang. That was the first time I had been around someone so talented. I followed him all of my life. His family was so kind. I still listen to his music all the time.
Craig Apelbaum
November 8, 2023 @ 10:39 am
Don Williams was a great country singer. I know a lot of his songs. They don’t make them like that anymore. But they should. It would be nice.