Don Williams
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Don Williams (born May 27, 1939) in Floydada, Texas, is a country music singer and songwriter. After seven years with the folk-pop group Pozo Seco Singers, he began his solo career in 1971, singing popular ballads and amassing 17 number one hits. His straightforward vocals, soft tones, and an imposing build earned him the nickname the gentle giant of country music.
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[edit] Early career
He began playing guitar as a teenager, which he learned from his mother. While a teenager, he used to play with country, rock and folk bands. He formed his first band with Lofton Kline and in 1964, recruited Susan Taylor, they formed the Pozo Seco Singers, a folk-pop group. The band after signing a contract with Columbia Records had a series of hits in the Top 50's till late 1966. The group disbanded in 1971, at which point, Don Williams embarked on his successful solo career.
[edit] Solo Career
Williams initially started out as a songwriter for Jack Music Inc., since he lacked belief about going solo but then signed with JMI as a solo artist. His 1974 song "We Should Be Together" reached number five and he was signed on with ABC/Dot. His first single with ABC/Dot, "I Wouldn't Want to Live If You Didn't Love Me," became a number one hit, and was the first of a string of top ten hits he had between 1974 and 1991. In fact, only four of his 46 singles didn't make it to the Top Ten. As of late 2005, Williams was still an active touring act throughout the United States and Canada. As of 2006 Williams has been touring Britain; however at the end of this tour he announced this would be the last time he would play a solo tour in Britain. Williams will be making an appearance at the Wembley Stadium (as well as at a few other events) with country musician Kenny Rogers in Summer 2006.
Early in 2006 Don announced his "Farewell Tour of The World" and played numerous dates both in the U.S. and abroad, wrapping the tour up with the "Final Farewell Concert" in Memphis, TN at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday November 21, 2006. Playing to a full-house, the final event was well received and quite emotional for fans in attendance. According to his staff, Don is now retired and will no longer tour, although the possibility of new recordings does exist.
[edit] Recognition
In 1978, Don Williams was the Country Music Association's Male Vocalist of the Year and his Tulsa Time was named Single of the Year. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Lefty Frizzell, Sonny James, Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers, and Pete Townshend
[edit] Well known Songs
- Amanda (1973)
- Come Early Morning (1973)
- You're My Best Friend (1975)
- I'm Just a Country Boy (1977)
- Some Broken Hearts Never Mend (1977)
- It Must Be Love (1979)
- Tulsa Time (1979)
- Good Ole Boys Like Me (1980)
- I Believe in Love (1980)
- Lord I Hope This Day is Good (1982)
- Love Is On A Roll (1983)
- Yellow Moon
- Louisiana Saturday Night (Written and recorded by Williams; more commonly known as a single released by Mel McDaniel)
- Miracles
[edit] References
Don Williams was raised and went to high school in Gregory, Texas.
