Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2006, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Don Williams, which he submitted to this site on Friday 27 October 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Don Williams who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Don Williams
This quote was submitted on Friday 27 October 2006.
‘Gene Watson has one of the finest voices in country music’
Thank you, Don Williams, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Don Williams…
Don Williams was born Donald Ray Williams in Floydada, Texas on Saturday 27 May 1939 and grew up in Portland, near Corpus Christi.
Don Williams’ mother taught him his first five or six chords on guitar and, during his teenage years, he picked out songs after hearing them on the radio.
Don Williams, who made his professional debut at the age of seventeen, is regarded by many as ‘The Gentle Giant of Country Music’.
Don Williams spent much of his childhood in Corpus Christi, Texas; his father was a mechanic whose job took him to other regions, his mother played guitar and Don grew up listening to country music.
Don Williams and Lofton Kline formed a semi-professional folk group called Strangers Two and then, with the addition of Susan Taylor, they became The Pozo-Seco Singers (‘pozo-seco’ is a geological term to denote a dry well).
Handled by Bob Dylan’s manager Albert Grossman, they enjoyed major pop music hit singles in the United States with ‘Time’, ‘I Can Make It With You’ and ‘Look What You’ve Done’.
Following Lofton Kline’s departure, they employed several replacements, resulting in a lack of musical direction.
After Don Williams had failed to turn the trio towards country music, they disbanded in 1971.
Don Williams then worked for his father-in-law in the furniture business in Texas.
However, Don Williams decided to move to Nashville and hooked up with producer Allen Reynolds and song-writer Bob McDill.
Dickey Lee recorded Don Williams’ ‘Baby Bye Bye’ and included the track on ‘Baby Bye Bye’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972).
In June 1973, Don Williams saw the release of his debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume I’ (JMI Records, 1973), on the fledgling JMI Records label, which was owned by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013) – JMI stood for Jack Music Incorporated.
Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume 1 (JMI Records, 1973), included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘The Shelter of Your Eyes’ (written by Don Williams) (No.14, 1973)
‘Come Early Morning’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.12, 1973)
Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume 1 (JMI Records, 1973), also included the following tracks:
‘Too Late To Turn Back Now’ (written by Don Williams and Allen Reynolds)
‘Endless Sleep’ (written by Judy Reynolds and Dolores Nace)
‘I Recall A Gypsy Woman’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds) / this track became Don Williams’ biggest hit single in the United Kingdom, where it reached No.13 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1976
‘No Use Running’ (written by Don Williams)
‘How Much Time Does It Take’ (written by Don Williams)
‘My Woman’s Love’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Don’t You Believe’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Amanda’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.33, 1973)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume 1 (JMI Records, 1973), included the following:
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Chuck Cochran (organ)
Bobby Wood and Chuck Cochran (piano)
Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014), Don Williams and Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (rhythm guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar)
Don Sheffield (trumpet)
The Joyful Noise (voices)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume I’ (JMI Records, 1973), reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume I’ (JMI Records, 1973), was released, in 1996, by England’s Edsel Records, as a special ‘2-on-1′ CD set, along with Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams, Volume II’ (JMI Records, 1974).
Dickey Lee recorded Don Williams’ ‘Shelter of Your Eyes’ and included the track on ‘Crying Over You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973); The Gary S. Paxton Singers, Allen Reynolds and Don Williams provided background vocals on the album.
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Shelter of Your Eyes’ and included the track on ‘Sweet Country’ (RCA Records, 1973).
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Don Williams’ ‘If She Just Helps Me Get Over You’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Amazing Love’ (RCA Records, 1973).
In January 1974, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Don Williams, Volume II’ (JMI Records, 1974), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Atta Way To Go’ (written by Don Williams) (No.13, 1974) / the ‘B’ side of this single was ‘I Recall A Gypsy Woman’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘We Should Be Together’ (written by Allen Reynolds) (No.5, 1974)
‘Down The Road I Go’ (written by Don Williams) (No.62, 1974)
Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams, Volume II’ (JMI Records, 1974) also included the following tracks:
‘Wish I Was In Nashville’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Your Sweet Love’ (written by Don Williams)
‘She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Loving You So Long Now’ (written by Allen Reynolds)
‘Oh, Misery’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Miller’s Cave’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘I Don’t Think About Her No More’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams, Volume II’ (JMI Records, 1974) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.
Don Williams’ second album, ‘Don Williams, Volume II’ (JMI Records, 1974), was released, in 1996, by England’s Edsel Records, as a special ‘2-on-1′ CD set, along with Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume I’ (JMI Records, 1973).
On Monday 30 January 2012, England’s Hux Records released ‘Don Williams, Volume 1’ (JMI Records, 1973), along with ‘Don Williams, Volume 2’ (JMI Records, 1974), as a special ‘2-for-1‘ CD set (HUX128).
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Which Way Do We Go’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Country Feeling’ (RCA Records, 1974).
Lynn Anderson (Friday 26 September 1947 – Thursday 30 July 2015) recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Smile For Me’ (Columbia Records, 1974).
Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Too Late To Turn Back Now’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man’ (RCA Records, 1974).
Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 – Sunday 25 September 2016) recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘I’ll Do Anything It Takes’ (United Artists Records, 1974).
Johnny Rodriguez recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Songs About Ladies & Love’ (Mercury Records, 1974).
On Friday 5 February 2016, England’s Hux Records released Johnny Rodriguez‘s ‘Songs About Ladies & Love’ (Mercury Records, 1974), along with Johnny Rodriguez‘s ‘My Third Album’ (Mercury Records, 1974), as a special ‘2-for-1‘ CD set (HUX148).
On Wednesday 25 September 1974, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Don Williams: Volume III’ (ABC / Dot Records, 1974), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me’ (written by Alan Turney) (No.1 for one week in September 1974)
‘The Ties That Bind’, which was written by Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008) and Vin Corso (No.4, 1974)
Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams: Volume III’ (ABC / Dot Records, 1974) also included the following tracks:
‘Fly Away’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Ghost Story’ (written by Joe Allen)
‘Goodbye Really Isn’t Good At All’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Such A Lovely Lady’ (written by Don Williams)
‘When Will I Ever Learn’, which was written by Jim Rushing and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Why Lord Goodbye’ (written by Don Williams)
‘I’ve Turned You To Stone’ (written by Jim Rushing)
‘Lovin’ Understandin’ Man’ (written by Jim Rushing)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams: Volume III’ (ABC / Dot Records, 1974) included the following:
Joe Allen (bass)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (electric guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Shane Keister (keyboard, Moog)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, marimba)
Tommy Smith (trumpet)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Don Williams and Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (acoustic guitars)
Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams: Volume III’ (ABC / Dot Records, 1974) reached No.3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.
In April 1975, Don Williams saw the release of ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975), which was produced by Allen Reynolds and Don Williams, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You’re My Best Friend’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.1 for one week in June 1975)
‘(Turn Out The Light &) Love Me Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in November 1975)
Don Williams’ ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:
‘Help Yourselves To Each Other’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘I Don’t Wanna Let Go’ (written by Jim Rushing)
‘Sweet Fever’ (written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee)
‘Someone Like You’ (written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee)
‘Where Are You’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Tempted’ (written by Alan Turney)
‘You’re The Only One’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Reason To Be’ (written by Don Williams)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Shane Keister (piano, keyboards)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Bill McElhiney (arrangements)
Garth Fundis and Ronnie Dean (engineers)
Don Williams’ ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
In September 1975, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits’ (Dot Records, 1975), which included the following tracks:
‘Amanda’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.33, 1973) / the ‘B’ side of this track was ‘I Recall A Gypsy Woman’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘Come Early Morning’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.12, 1973)
‘The Shelter of Your Eyes’ (written by Don Williams) (No.14, 1973)
‘Atta Way To Go’ (written by Don Williams) (No.13, 1974)
‘She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man’ (written by Bob McDill) / this track was an album track from 1974
‘Down The Road I Go’ (written by Don Williams) (No.62, 1974)
‘I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me’ (written by Alan Turney) (No.1 for one week in September 1974)
‘We Should Be Together’ (written by Allen Reynolds) (No.5, 1974)
‘The Ties That Bind’, which was written by Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008) and Vin Corso (No.4, 1974)
‘Ghost Story’ (written by Joe Allen) / this track was an album track from 1974
‘Don’t You Believe’ (written by Don Williams) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘I Recall A Gypsy Woman’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds) / this track was the ‘B’ side of ‘Atta Way To Go’ (written by Don Williams), which reached No.13 in 1974
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Down The Road I Go’ and included the track on ‘Look At Them Beans’ (Columbia Records, 1975).
Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975) recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘The Classic Style’ (ABC Records, 1975); the track was subsequently included on Lefty Frizzell’s ‘The ABC Collection’ (ABC Records, 1977).
Dickey Lee recorded Don Williams’ ‘You Make It Look So Easy’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Rocky’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975).
Apart from his major achievements within the country music genre, Don Williams has also appeared in two movies; the first was ‘WW & The Dixie Dance Kings’ for 20th Century Fox in 1975, which was directed by John G. Avildsen, and starred Burt Reynolds (Tuesday 11 February 1936 – Thursday 6 September 2018) in the title role, Jerry Reed Hubbard (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Monday 1 September 2008), Ned Beatty (Tuesday 6 July 1937 – Sunday 13 June 2021), Don Williams (as Leroy) and Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017).
On Monday 5 April 1976, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Harmony’ (Dot Records, 1976), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Til The Rivers All Run Dry’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Don Williams (No.1 for one week in March / April 1976)
‘Say It Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in August 1976)
‘She Never Knew Me’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.2, 1976)
Don Williams’ ‘Harmony’ (Dot Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘You Keep Coming Round’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Don’t You Think It’s Time’ (written by Don Williams)
‘I Don’t Want The Money’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Where The Arkansas River Leaves Oklahoma’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Maybe I Just Don’t Know’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Magic Carpet’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012)
‘Time’ (written by Michael Merchant)
‘Ramblin’ (written by Don Williams) / this track was an instrumental
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Harmony’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1976) included the following:
Joe Allen (electric bass, upright bass, background vocals, harmony vocals)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Garth Fundis and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (background vocals, harmony vocals)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Shane Keister (keyboards)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, conga, marimba)
Sharon Vaughn (harmony vocals)
Don Williams (lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar)
Don Williams’ ‘Harmony’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1976) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 – Sunday 25 September 2016) recorded Don Williams’ ‘We’re All The Way’ and included the track on ‘Mercy / Ain’t Love Good’ (United Artists Records, 1976).
Dickey Lee recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Angels, Roses & Rain’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976).
Crystal Gayle recorded Don Williams’ ‘Forgettin’ ‘Bout You’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Crystal’ (United Artists Records, 1976).
On Monday 17 January 1977, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Visions’ (Dot Records, 1977), which was produced by Don Williams, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Some Broken Hearts Never Mend’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.1 for one week in May 1977)
Don Williams’ ‘Visions’ (Dot Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘Time On My Hands’ (written by Laying Martine)
‘I’ll Forgive But I’ll Never Forget’ (written by Don Williams)
‘I’m Getting Good At Missing You’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘In The Mornin’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Missing You, Missing Me’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Fallin’ In Love Again’ (written by David Williamson)
‘We Can Sing’ (written by Don Williams)
‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Expert At Everything’ (written by Joe Allen and Deon Lay)
‘Cup O’Tea’ (written by Harlan White)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Visions’ (Dot Records, 1977) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) and Garth Fundis (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ, vibes)
Shane Keister (piano)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Lennie Haight, Carl Gorodetzky, Wilfred Lehmann, George Binkley, John Allan Catchings, Marin Katahn, David Vanderkooi, Donald Christian Teal and Kathryn Plummer (strings)
Chuck Cochran (arrangements)
Garth Fundis (engineer)
Don Williams’ ‘Visions’ (Dot Records, 1977) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
On Tuesday 13 September 1977, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Country Boy’ (Dot Records, 1977), which was produced by Don Williams, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I’m Just A Country Boy’ (written by Fred Hellerman and Marshall Baker) (No.1 for one week in November 1977)
‘I’ve Got A Winner In You’, which was written by Don Williams and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.7, 1978)
‘Rake & Ramblin’ Man’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.3, 1978)
Don Williams’ ‘Country Boy’ (Dot Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘Louisiana Saturday Night’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Overlookin’ & Underthinkin’ (written by Don Williams, Joe Allen and Deon Lay)
‘Sneakin’ Around’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Look Around You’ (written by Buck Lindsey and Bill Joor)
‘Too Many Tears (To Make Love Strong)’ (written by Jim Rushing)
‘It’s Gotta Be Magic’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Falling In Love’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Country Boy’ (Dot Records, 1977) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keybords, accordion, vibes, arrangements)
Shane Keister (keyboards)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Garth Fundis (vocals)
Lennie Haight, Carl Gorodetzky, Wilfred Lehmann, George Binkley, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), John Allan Catchings, Marin Katahn, David Vanderkooi, Donald Christian Teal and Kathryn Plummer (strings)
Don Williams’ ‘Country Boy’ (Dot Records, 1977) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane (Monday 1 April 1946 – Wednesday 4 June 1997) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Til The Rivers All Run Dry’, which was co-written with Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024), and included the track on ‘Rough Mix’ (United States: MCA Records, 1977 / United Kingdom: Polydor Records, 1977); the album reached No.44 on the United Kingdom Albums Chart in 1977, and No.45 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1977.
In 2006, Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane’s ‘Rough Mix’ (United States: MCA Records, 1977 / United Kingdom: Polydor Records, 1977) was remastered and released by Hip-O Records, the re-issue record label for Universal Music Group.
Stella Parton recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Country Sweet’ (Elektra Records, 1977); the track reached No.60 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘One of A Kind’ (Epic Records, 1977).
Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Lay Down Beside Me’ and included the track on ‘Kenny Rogers’ (United Artists Records, 1977).
Eric Clapton recorded Don Williams’ ‘We’re All The Way’ and included the track on ‘Slowhand’ (RSO Records, 1977).
In 1978, Don Williams was awarded a Country Music Association (CMA) Award for ‘Male Vocalist’.
On Wednesday 23 August 1978, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Tulsa Time’ (written by Danny Flowers) (No.1 for one week in January 1979) / this track was also recorded by Eric Clapton, who included it on ‘Backless’ (RSO Records, 1978), a double album, which was recorded ‘live’ at Budokan Theatre in Tokyo, Japan in December 1979 when Eric Clapton was touring to support ‘Backless’ (RSO Records, 1978), his latest record at that time
The sleeve of Eric Clapton’s ‘Just One Night’ (RSO Records, 1980) contained a Japanese painting by Ken Konno / Eric Clapton’s ‘Just One Night’ (RSO Records, 1980) reached No.2 on the Billboard Albums Chart in 1980, and No.3 on the United Kingdom Albums Chart in 1980
Eric Clapton’s recording of ‘Tulsa Time’ (written by Danny Flowers) reached No.30 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1980.
A ‘live’ version from 1978 appears on Eric Clapton’s ‘Crossroads 2: Live In The Seventies’, a box set, which was released in 1996; this is a different performance from that featured on ‘Just One Night’ (RSO Records, 1980).
Reba McEntire recorded ‘Tulsa Time’ (written by Danny Flowers) for her 1995 album, ‘Starting Over’ (MCA Records, 1995), but it was not included on the final release; it was eventually released on a compilation album, ‘Comfort From A Country Quilt’ (Universal Music Special Markets, 1999), in 1999.
‘Lay Down Beside Me’ (written by Don Williams) (No.3, 1979)
‘It Must Be Love’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in September / October 1979)
Don Williams’ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
‘I Would Like To See You Again’, which was written by Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) and Larry Atwood
‘You’ve Got A Hold On Me’ (written by David Williamson)
‘Tears of The Lonely’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘All I’m Missing Is You’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Give It To Me’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Not A Chance’ (written by Don Williams)
‘When I’m With You’ (written by Don Williams)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) (guitar)
Barry Burton (guitar, ukulele)
Garth Fundis (guitar, vocals)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (fiddle, mandolin)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Shane Keister (piano, keyboards)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Roy Christensen (cello)
Marvin Chantry and Gary Vanosdale (viola)
George Binkley, Carl Gorodetzky, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Steven Smith and Pamela Vanosdale (violin)
Biff Watson, David Williamson and Pat McInemey (vocals)
Chuck Cochran (arrangements)
Don Williams’ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978, and No.161 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1978.
On Monday 23 April 1979, Don Williams saw the release of ‘The Best of Don Williams, Volume 2’ (ABC Records, 1979), which included the following tracks:
‘(Turn Out The Light &) Love Me Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in November 1975)
‘Til The Rivers All Run Dry’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Don Williams (No.1 for one week in March / April 1976)
‘Rake & Ramblin’ Man’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.3, 1978)
‘I’m Just A Country Boy’ (written by Fred Hellerman and Marshall Baker) (No.1 for one week in November 1977)
‘Some Broken Hearts Never Mend’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.1 for one week in May 1977)
‘Tulsa Time’ (written by Danny Flowers) (No.1 for one week in January 1979)
‘She Never Knew Me’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.2, 1976)
‘Falling In Love’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) / this track was an album track from 1977
‘I’ve Got A Winner In You’, which was written by Don Williams and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.7, 1978)
‘You’re My Best Friend’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.1 for one week in June 1975)
‘Say It Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in August 1976)
On Friday 19 October 1979, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Portrait’ (MCA Records, 1979), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Love Me Over Again’ (written by Don Williams) (No.1 for one week in February 1980)
‘Good Ole Boys Like Me’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.2, 1980)
Don Williams’ ‘Portrait’ (MCA Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
‘It Only Rains On Me’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘We Never Tried It With Each Other’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘We’re All The Way’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Circle Driveway’ (written by Joe Allen)
‘You Get To Me’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Steal My Heart Away’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Love’s Endless War’ (written by Roger Cook)
‘Woman, You Should Be In Movies’ (written by Buddy Cannon)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Portrait’ (MCA Records, 1979) included the following:
Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), Barry Burton and Bob McDill (guitar)
Don Williams (vocal)
Garth Fundis (guitar, vocals)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Shane Keister (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
The Nashville String Machine (strings)
Biff Watson, David Williamson and Pat McInemey (vocals)
Chuck Cochran (arrangements)
Don Williams’ ‘Portrait’ (MCA Records, 1979) reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
In 1980, in England, Don Williams was cited by Country Music People as the ‘Country Star of The Decade’; Don Williams enjoyed two pop music hit singles in England, ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (No.35, 1976) and ‘I Recall A Gypsy Woman’ (No.13, 1976).
Universal Pictures, in 1980
Directed by Hal Needham
(Friday 6 March 1931 – Friday 25 October 2013)
Apart from his major achievements within the country music genre, Don Williams has also appeared in two movies; the first was ‘WW & The Dixie Dance Kings’ for 20th Century Fox in 1975, while the second was ‘Smokey & The Bandit II’ for Universal Pictures in 1980, which was directed by Hal Needham (Friday 6 March 1931 – Friday 25 October 2013).
‘Smokey & The Bandit II’ (Universal Pictures, 1980) included the following cast:
Burt Reynolds (Tuesday 11 February 1936 – Thursday 6 September 2018)
Jackie Gleason (Saturday 26 February 1916 – Wednesday 24 June 1987)
Jerry Reed (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Monday 1 September 2008)
Dom DeLuise (Tuesday 1 August 1933 – Monday 4 May 2009)
Brenda Lee
Phil Balsley (a member of The Statler Brothers)
Lew DeWitt (Saturday 12 March 1938 – Wednesday 15 August 1990) (a former member of The Statler Brothers)
Don Reid (a member of The Statler Brothers)
Harold Reid (Monday 21 August 1939 – Friday 24 April 2020) (a former member of The Statler Brothers)
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
Don Williams
On Monday 4 August 1980, Don Williams saw the release of ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Believe In You’, which was written by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1980) / this track also reached No.24 on the Billboard Top 100 pop music singles chart in 1980
‘Falling Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.6, 1981)
Don Williams’ ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘It’s Good To See You’ (written by Alan Taylor)
‘I Want You Back Again’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Simple Song’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Ain’t It Amazing’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Just Enough Love (For One Woman)’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012)
‘I Keep Putting Off Getting Over You’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Rainy Nights & Memories’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Jim Rushing
‘Slowly But Surely’ (written by Bob McDill)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal)
Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Philip Donnelly (passed away on Thursday 28 November 2019) (guitar)
Garth Fundis (guitar, vocals)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings (strings)
Biff Watson, David Williamson and Pat McInemey (vocals)
Chuck Cochran (arrangements)
Don Williams’ ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980, and No.57 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1980.
Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 – Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Lay Down Beside Me’ and included the track on ‘Special Songs’ (Liberty Records, 1980); the original version of this track was included on Don Williams’ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978), and reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
In 1981, Don Williams was awarded a Country Music Association (CMA) Award for ‘Album of The Year’ for ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980).
Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 – Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Lay Down Beside Me’ and included the track on ‘Only The Hits’ (Liberty Records, 1981).
The original version of ‘Lay Down Beside Me’ (written by Don Williams) was included on Don Williams’ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978), and reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
In July 1981, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Miracles’ (written by Roger Cook) (No.4, 1981)
‘If I Needed You’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997) (No.3, 1981) / this track, which was a duet with Emmylou Harris, was also included on Emmylou Harris’ ‘Cimarron’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981)
‘Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good’ (written by Dave Hanner) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1982)
Don Williams’ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘Fair Weather Friends’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) and Joe Allen
‘I Don’t Want To Love You’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Years From Now’, which was written by Roger Cook and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)
‘Especially You’ (written by Rick Baresford)
‘Now & Then’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Smooth Talking Baby’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004)
‘I’ve Got You To Thank For That’, which was written by Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) and Blake Mevis (1949 – Wednesday 9 February 2022)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Billy Sanford, Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Barry Burton (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Chuck Cochran (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Pat McLaughlin (mandolin)
Mickey Raphael (harmonica)
Biff Watson (synthesizer)
Roger Cook (ukulele, vocals)
Danny Flowers (vocals)
Chuck Cochran (arrangements)
Don Williams’ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981, and No.109 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1981.
In November 1981, Emmylou Harris saw the release of ‘Cimarron’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981).
One of the included tracks was ‘If I Needed You’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997), and reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981; a duet with Don Williams, the track was also included the track on Don Williams’ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981).
In April 1982, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Listen To The Radio’ (MCA Records, 1982), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Listen To The Radio’ (written by Fred Knipe) (No.3, 1982)
‘Mistakes’ (written by Richard Feldman) (No.3, 1982)
‘If Hollywood Don’t Need You (Honey, I Still Do)’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in March 1983)
Don Williams’ ‘Listen To The Radio’ (MCA Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
‘Don’t Stop Loving Me Now’, which was written by Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004), Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Mark True
‘Only Love’, which was written by Roger Cook, John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) and Sandy Mason Theoret (Monday 18 December 1939 – Wednesday 1 April 2015)
‘Fool, Fool Heart’ (written by Jennifer Kimball)
‘I Can’t Get To You From Here’ (written by Frank Knipe and Stephen Chandler)
‘Standin’ In A Sea of Teardrops’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘If She Just Helps Me Get Over You’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘Help Yourselves To Each Other’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
Don Williams’ ‘Listen To The Radio’ (MCA Records, 1982) reached No.6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982, and No.166 on the Billboard Top pop music albums chart in 1982.
Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 – Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘B.J. – Billie Jo Spears Today’ (Ritz Records, 1983).
In April 1983, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Yellow Moon’ (MCA Records, 1983), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Love Is On A Roll’, which was written by Roger Cook and John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) (No.1 for one week in July 1983)
‘Nobody But You’, which was written by JD Martin and John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) (No.2, 1983)
‘Stay Young’ (written by Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1984)
Don Williams’ ‘Yellow Moon’ (MCA Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:
‘I’m Still Looking For You’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘The Story of My Life’, which was written by Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Saturday 1 September 2012) and Burt Bacharach (Saturday 12 May 1928 – Wednesday 8 February 2023)
‘Wrong End of The Rainbow’ (written by Richard Leigh and Milton Blackford)
‘Yellow Moon’ (written by Richard Brannan)
‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’, which was written by Bob McDill and John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘If Love Gets There Before I Do’, which was written by Dickey Lee and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022)
‘I’ll Take Your Love Anytime’, which was written by Tommy Rocco, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Austin Roberts
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Yellow Moon’ (MCA Records, 1983) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Billy Sanford (guitar, mandolin)
Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) (rhythm guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Garth Fundis (vocals)
The Nashville String Machine (strings)
Don Williams’ ‘Yellow Moon’ (MCA Records, 1983) reached No.12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983, and No.44 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1983.
On Monday 13 February 1984, Don Williams saw the release of ‘The Best of Don Williams, Volume 3’ (MCA Records, 1984), which included the following tracks:
‘I Believe In You’, which was written by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1980) / this track also reached No.24 on the Billboard Top 100 pop music singles chart in 1980
‘Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good’ (written by Dave Hanner) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1982)
‘Lay Down Beside Me’ (written by Don Williams) (No.3, 1979)
‘Mistakes’ (written by Richard Feldman) (No.3, 1982)
‘Miracles’ (written by Roger Cook) (No.4, 1981)
‘Good Ole Boys Like Me’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.2, 1980)
‘It Must Be Love’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in September / October 1979)
‘Listen To The Radio’ (written by Fred Knipe) (No.3, 1982)
‘If Hollywood Don’t Need You (Honey, I Still Do)’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in March 1983)
‘Love Me Over Again’ (written by Don Williams) (No.1 for one week in February 1980)
On Monday 14 May 1984, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘That’s The Thing About Love’ (written by Richard Leigh and Gary Nicholson) (No.1 for one week in August 1984) / this track was also recorded by Teea Goans, who included it on ‘Swing, Shuffle & Sway’ (Crosswind Corporation, 2017)
‘Maggie’s Dream’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and Lisa Silver (No.11, 1984)
‘Walkin’ A Broken Heart’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Alan Rush (No.2, 1984)
‘It’s Time For Love’ (written by Bob McDill and Hunter Moore) (No.20, 1985)
Don Williams’ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Only Game In Town’ (written by Joe Allen and Ralph Murray)
‘Leavin’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Beautiful Woman’ (written by Graham Lyle)
‘True Blue Hearts’ (written by Don Williams)
‘I’ll Never Need Another You’ (written by Ronnie Rogers)
‘I’ll Be Faithful To You’ (written by Paul Kennerley)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984) included the following:
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Billy Sanford and Don Williams (acoustic guitars)
Billy Sanford and Steve Gibson (electric guitars)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar)
Garth Fundis and Don Williams (harmony vocals)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (arrangements for violins, violas and cellos)
Nashville String Machine (string section)
Don Williams’ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
On Monday 11 November 1985, Don Williams saw the release of ‘The Best of Don Williams, Volume 4’ (MCA Records, 1985), which included the following tracks:
‘Love Is On A Roll’, which was written by Roger Cook and John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) (No.1 for one week in July 1983)
‘That’s The Thing About Love’ (written by Richard Leigh and Gary Nicholson) (No.1 for one week in August 1984)
‘Maggie’s Dream’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and Lisa Silver (No.11, 1984)
‘Louisiana Saturday Night’ (written by Bob McDill) / this track was an album track from 1977
‘Falling Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.6, 1981)
‘Stay Young’ (written by Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1984)
‘Nobody But You’, which was written by JD Martin and John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) (No.2, 1983)
‘Walkin’ A Broken Heart’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Alan Rush (No.2, 1984)
‘It’s Time For Love’ (written by Bob McDill and Hunter Moore) (No.20, 1985)
‘Cup O’Tea’ (written by Harlan White) / this track was an album track from 1977
Don Williams’ ‘The Best of Don Williams, Volume 4’ (MCA Records, 1985) reached No.60 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
On Friday 17 February 1986, Don Williams saw the release of ‘New Moves’ (Capitol Records, 1986), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘We’ve Got A Good Fire Going’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) (No.3, 1985)
‘Heartbeat In The Darkness’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) (No.1 for one week in August / September 1985)
‘Then It’s Love’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) (No.3, 1986)
‘Senorita’ (written by Danny Flowers and Hank DeVito) (No.4, 1987)
‘I’ll Never Be In Love Again’ (written by Bob Corbin) (No.4, 1987)
Don Williams’ ‘New Moves’ (Capitol Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘Shot Full of Love’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘We Got Love’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Send Her Roses’ (written by Pat McLaughlin)
‘Light In Your Eyes’ (written by Don Williams)
‘It’s About Time’ (written by John Virgin)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘New Moves’ (Capitol Records, 1986) included the following:
Billy Sanford and Steve Gibson (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Allen and Dave Pomeroy (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Shane Keister (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Pat McLaughlin (mandolin)
Danny Flowers (harmonica
Jim Horn (saxophone, flute)
The Nashville String Machine (strings)
Garth Fundis, Dave Loggins and Biff Watson (vocals)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (arrangements)
Don Williams’ ‘New Moves’ (Capitol Records, 1986) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
On Wednesday 14 October 1987, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Traces’ (Capitol Records, 1987), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’ (written by Mike Reid and Rory Bourke) (No.9, 1987)
‘Another Place, Another Time’ (written by Bob McDill and Paul Harrison) (No.5, 1988)
‘Desperately’, which was written by Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021) and Kevin Welch (No.7, 1988)
‘Old Coyote Town’ (written by Larry Boone, Paul Nelson and Gene Nelson) (No.5, 1988)
Don Williams’ ‘Traces’ (Capitol Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘Easy Touch’, which was written by Rory Bourke, Tommy Rocco and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021)
‘Come From The Heart’, which was written by Richard Leigh and Susanna Clark (Saturday 11 March 1939 – Wednesday 27 June 2012)
‘Running Out of Reasons To Run’ (written by Jim Rushing and JD Martin)
‘Looking Back’, which was written by Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008), Brook Benton (Saturday 19 September 1931 – Saturday 9 April 1988) and Belford Hendricks (Tuesday 11 May 1909 – Saturday 24 September 1977)
‘Til I Can’t Take It Anymore’, which was written by Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008) and Dorian Burton
‘You Love Me Through It All’ (written by Hunter Moore and Niles Borop)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Traces’ (Capitol Records, 1987) included the following:
Billy Sanford and Pat Flynn (guitar)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Biff Watson (piano, keyboards)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Jim Horn (saxophone, flute)
The Nashville String Machine and The Memphis Horns (strings)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (vocal arrangements)
Janie Fricke recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988).
In January 1989, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Prime Cuts’ (Capitol Records, 1989), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included the following tracks:
‘Old Coyote Town’ (written by Larry Boone, Paul Nelson and Gene Nelson) (No.5, 1988)
‘Heartbeat In The Darkness’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) (No.1 for one week in August / September 1985)
‘I’ll Never Be In Love Again’ (written by Bob Corbin) (No.4, 1987)
‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’ (written by Mike Reid and Rory Bourke) (No.9, 1987)
‘What’s The Score’ (written by Buddy Cannon and Raleigh Squires) / this track was previously unreleased
‘We’ve Got A Good Fire Going’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) (No.3, 1985)
‘Desperately’, which was written by Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021) and Kevin Welch (No.7, 1988)
‘She’s A Heartful’ (written by Bob McDill and Paul Harrison) / this track was previously unreleased
‘Another Place, Another Time’ (written by Bob McDill and Paul Harrison) (No.5, 1988)
‘Then It’s Love’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) (No.3, 1986)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Prime Cuts’ (Capitol Records, 1989) included the following:
Billy Sanford and Pat Flynn (guitar)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Biff Watson (piano, keyboards)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Jim Horn (saxophone, flute)
The Nashville String Machine and The Memphis Horns (strings)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (vocal arrangements)
On Friday 28 April 1989, Don Williams saw the release of ‘One Good Well’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1989), which was produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘One Good Well’, which was written by Mike Reid and Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997) (No.4, 1989)
‘I’ve Been Loved By The Best’ (written by Bob McDill and Paul Harrison) (No.4, 1989)
‘Just As Long As I Have You’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and JD Martin (No.4, 1990)
‘Maybe That’s All It Takes’ (written by Beth Nielsen Chapman) (No.22, 1990)
Don Williams’ ‘One Good Well’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘Learn To Let It Go’ (written by Rory Bourke and Mike Reid)
‘Cryin’ Eyes’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Broken Heartland’ (written by Paul Nelson and Gene Nelson)
‘Why Get Up’ (written by Bill Carter and Ruth Ellsworth)
‘We’re All The Way’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Flowers Won’t Grow (In Gardens of Stone)’ (written by Bob McDill and Bucky Jones)
‘If You Love Me, Won’t You Love Me, Like You Love Me’ (written by Bob McDill and Bucky Jones)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘One Good Well’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1989) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Biff Watson and Mac McAnally (guitar)
Sonny Garrish and Paul Franklin (steel guitar, Dobro)
Dave Pomeroy (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and Steve Turner (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keyboards)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Roy Christensen (cello)
Garth Fundis, Bruce Dees and Mike Reid (vocals)
The Nashville String Machine (strings)
Don Williams’ ‘One Good Well’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1989) reached No.54 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
In 1990, John Conlee recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) for 16th Avenue Records; the track was subsequently included on ‘Country Heart’ (Varese-Sarabande Records, 2006).
On Tuesday 7 August 1990, Don Williams saw the release of ‘True Love’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1990), which was produced by Don Williams, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Back In My Younger Days’ (written by Danny Flowers) (No.2, 1990)
‘True Love’ (written by Pat Alger) (No.4, 1991)
‘Lord, Have Mercy On A Country Boy’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.7, 1991)
Don Williams’ ‘True Love’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Darlin’, That’s What Your Love Does’, which was written by Hugh Prestwood (Thursday 2 April 1942 – Sunday 22 September 2024)
‘Come A Little Closer’ (written by Bob McDill and Paul Harrison)
‘Just Cause I’m In Love With You’, which was written by Jesse Winchester (Wednesday 17 May 1944 – Friday 11 April 2014)
‘Donald & June’ (written by Craig Bickhardt)
‘Diamonds To Dust’, which was written by Dan Fogelberg (Monday 13 August 1951 – Sunday 16 December 2007)
‘Jamaica Farewell’ (written by Lord Burgess)
‘Loving You’s Like Coming Home’ (written by Bob McDill)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘True Love’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1990) included the following:
Billy Sanford and Mac McAnally (guitar)
Russ Pahl (steel guitar, Dobro)
Dave Pomeroy (bass)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keyboards)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and John Gardner (drums, percussion)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 – Tuesday 6 December 2011) and Garth Fundis (vocals)
The Nashville String Machine (strings)
Don Williams’ ‘True Love’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1990) reached No.56 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
On Tuesday 10 March 1992, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Currents’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1992), which was produced by Allen Reynolds, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘It’s Who You Love’, which was written by Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), Kieran Kane and Rory Bourke (No.73, 1992)
‘Too Much Love’ (written by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway) (No.72, 1992)
Don Williams’ ‘Currents’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1992) also included the following tracks:
‘Only Water (Shining In The Air)’, which was written by Hugh Prestwood (Thursday 2 April 1942 – Sunday 22 September 2024)
‘That Song About The River’ (written by Charles John Quatro and Steve Gillette)
‘Catfish Bates’, which was written by Alex Harvey (Monday 10 March 1947 – Saturday 4 April 2020)
‘So Far, So Good’, which was written by Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 – Tuesday 6 December 2011), Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) and Troy Seals
‘In The Family’, which was written by Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 – Tuesday 6 December 2011), Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) and John Greenebaum
‘Standing Knee Deep In A River (Dying of Thirst)’ (written by Bob McDill, Dickey Lee and Bucky Jones)
‘Lone Star State of Mind’ (written by Pat Alger, Gene Levine and Fred Koller)
‘The Old Trail’ (written by Charles John Quatro and Steve Gillette)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Currents’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1992) included the following:
Billy Sanford and Chris Leuzinger (guitar)
Russ Pahl (steel guitar, Dobro)
Dave Pomeroy (bass)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Pete Wasner (piano, keyboards)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and John Gardner (drums, percussion)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
The Nashville String Machine (strings)
Kathy Mattea, Kathy Chiavola, Craig Bickhardt, Allen Reynolds, Debbie Nims, Hurshel Wayne Wiginton (Saturday 29 January 1938 – Monday 6 March 2017) and Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 – Tuesday 6 December 2011) (vocals)
On Tuesday 23 May 1995, Don Williams saw the release of ‘The Best of Don Williams’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1995), which was produced by Don Williams, Garth Fundis and Allen Reynolds, and included the following tracks:
‘Lord, Have Mercy On A Country Boy’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.7, 1991)
‘Cryin’ Eyes’ (written by Don Williams) / this track was an album track from 1989, and was originally included on Don Williams’ ‘One Good Well’ (RCA Nashville Records 1989)
‘I’ve Been Loved By The Best’ (written by Bob McDill and Paul Harrison) (No.4, 1989)
‘Just As Long As I Have You’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and JD Martin (No.4, 1990)
‘In The Family’, which was written by Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 – Tuesday 6 December 2011), Eddie Setser and John Greenebaum / this track was an album track from 1992
‘Standing Knee Deep In A River (Dying of Thirst)’ (written by Bob McDill, Dickey Lee and Bucky Jones)
‘True Love’ (written by Pat Alger) (No.4, 1991)
‘We’re All The Way’ (written by Don Williams) / this track was an album track from 1989, and was originally included on Don Williams’ ‘One Good Well’ (RCA Nashville Records 1989)
‘It’s Who You Love’, which was written by Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), Kieran Kane and Rory Bourke (No.73, 1992)
‘One Good Well’, which was written by Mike Reid and Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997) (No.4, 1989)
‘Back In My Younger Days’ (written by Danny Flowers) (No.2, 1990)
‘Maybe That’s All It Takes’ (written by Beth Nielsen Chapman) (No.22, 1990)
On Tuesday 8 August 1995, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Borrowed Tales’ (American Harvest Records, 1995), which was produced by Don Williams, and included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Fever’ (written by John Davenport and Eddie Cooley) / this track was released as a single in 1995, but it did not chart
Don Williams’ ‘Borrowed Tales’ (American Harvest Records, 1995) also included the following tracks:
‘Crying In The Rain’, which was written by Howard Greenfield (Sunday 15 March 1936 – Tuesday 4 March 1986) and Carole King
‘Lay Down Sally’ (written by Eric Clapton, Marcella Detroit and George Terry)
‘My Rifle, My Pony & Me’ (written by Paul F. Webster and Dimitri Tiomkin)
‘I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)’, which was written by Rusty Gabbard and Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Reason To Believe’, which was written by Tim Hardin (Tuesday 23 December 1941 – Monday 29 December 1980)
‘Games People Play’, which was written by Joe South (Wednesday 28 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 September 2012)
‘If You Could Read My Mind’, which was written by Gordon Lightfoot (Thursday 17 November 1938 – Sunday 1 May 2023)
‘Peace Train’ (written by Cat Stevens)
‘Long Black Veil’, which was written by Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006) and Danny Dill (Friday 19 September 1924 – Thursday 23 October 2008)
‘Letter’ (written by Wayne C. Thompson)
‘You’ve Got A Friend’ (written by Carole King)
‘Pretend’ (written by Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman and Frank LaVere)
In 1996, England’s Edsel Records released Don Williams’ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume I’ (JMI Records, 1973), along with Don Williams’ ‘Don Williams, Volume II’ (JMI Records, 1974), as a special ‘2-on-1’ CD set.
On Tuesday 8 October 1996, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Flatlands’ (American Harvest Records, 1996), which was produced by Don Williams, and included the following tracks:
‘Shadowland’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘What Does It Matter To Me’, which was written by Don Williams, Ken Mevins and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)
‘Glass House’, which was written by Don Williams, Ken Mevins and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)
‘We Should Only Have Time For Love’ (written by Jim Rushing and Wayland Patton)
‘I Need You To Want Me’ (written by Don Williams)
‘This Side of The Sun’ (written by Gary Tanner)
‘Gulf Shore Line’, which was written by Harley Allen (Monday 23 January 1956 – Wednesday 30 March 2011), Mel Besher and Carson Chamberlain
‘Wash It All Away’ (written by Tim Williams)
‘Which Way Is Santa Fe’, which was written by Don Williams, Dave Pomeroy and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)
‘No Problem’ (written by Don Schlitz and Billy Livsey)
‘Leaving For The Flatlands’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Silver Turns To Gold’ (written by Danny Flowers and Vincent Santoro)
‘Restless’ (written by Don Williams and Tim Williams)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘Flatlands’ (American Harvest Records, 1996) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Mike Nobles and Tim Williams (guitar)
Russ Pahl (steel guitar, Dobro, autoharp)
Matt McKenzie (bass)
Kenneth Blevins (drums, percussion)
Sam Bush (fiddle, mandolin)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keyboards)
Wayland Patton Strings: Carl Gorodetsky, Pam Sixfin, Lee Larrison, Connie Ellison, Mary Vanosdale, David Davidson, Kristin Wilkinson, Richard Grosjean, Monisa Angell, Alan Umstead, Robert Mason and Anthony LaMarchina
Donna McElroy, Dennis Wilson and Garth Fundis (vocals)
Chris Jones & The Night Drivers (Markie Sanders, Doug Knecht and Jesse Brock) recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘No One But You’ (Rebel Records, 1997); the track featured guest vocals from Lynn Morris.
On Tuesday 27 October 1998, Don Williams saw the release of ‘I Turn The Page’ (Giant Records, 1998), which was produced by Don Williams and Doug Johnson, and included the following tracks:
‘Take It Easy On Yourself’ (written by Bill LaBounty and Steve O’Brien)
‘Her Perfect Memory’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) and Doug Johnson
‘Elise’ (written by Graham Lyle and Tom McGuiness)
‘Ride On’ (written by Doug Johnson)
‘Something ‘Bout You’ (written by Kevin Welch)
‘Cracker Jack Diamond’, which was written by Ronny Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010) and Neil Trasher / this track was released as a single in 1998, but it did not chart on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in the United States, but it did reach No.87 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1998
‘From Now On’ (written by Don Schlitz and Gary Burr)
‘Pancho’ (written by Dave Hanner)
‘Handful of Dust’ (written by Tony Arata)
‘Harry & Joe’ (written by Len Handler and A.J. Gundell)
‘How Did You Do It’ (written by Bob Corbin and Dave Hanner)
‘I Sing For Joy’ (written by Gary Burr, Doug Johnson and Don Williams)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘I Turn The Page’ (Giant Records, 1998) included the following:
Billy Sanford and John Clausi (guitar)
Dan Dugmore (guitar, steel guitar, Dobro)
Joe Compito (bass)
Brian Barnett (drums)
Sam Bush (fiddle, mandolin)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ, synthesizer)
Matt Rollings (piano, organ)
Kirk Jelly Roll Johnson (harmonica)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and Shannon Forrest (percussion)
Joey Miskulin (accordion)
John Catchings, David Davidson, Cate Myer, Janet Askey, Elisabeth K. Small, Jim Grosjean, Lee Larrison, Pamela Sixfin, Alan Umstead, Catherine Umstead, Gary Vanosdale, Mary Kathryn Vanosdale and Karen Winkelmann (strings)
Liana Manis, Ron Wallace, Curtis Young, Dennis Wilson, Kim Parent, Vince Gill and Garth Fundis (vocals)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (arrangements)
Don Williams’ ‘I Turn The Page’ (Giant Records, 1998) reached No.69 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1998.
In 2002, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Follow Me Back Home’ (Orpheus Records, 2002), which included the following tracks:
‘Storybook Children’ (written by Chip Taylor and Billy Vera)
‘Always Something There To Remind Me’, which was written by Burt Bacharach (Saturday 12 May 1928 – Wednesday 8 February 2023) and Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Saturday 1 September 2012)
‘Comin’ Apart’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Ruby Tuesday’ (written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards)
‘Spend Some Time With Me’ (written by J. Hayes)
‘There’s No Angel On My Shoulder’ (written by Chip Taylor)
‘In My Life’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney
‘Follow Me Back To Louisville’
‘Long Walk From Childhood’
‘There’s Never Been A Time’ (written by Don Williams)
‘On Her Way To Being A Woman’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Ordinary’
‘Where Do I Go From Here’ (written by Frank J. Myers)
Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Songs From The Workbench’ (Shell Point Records, 2002).
On Tuesday 27 April 2004, Don Williams saw the release of ‘My Heart To You’ (Compendia Records / Intersound Records, 2004), which was produced by Don Williams and Robert Pratt, and included the following tracks:
‘Running In The Fast Lane’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Fly Away’ (written by Don Williams)
‘I’ll Be Faithful To You’ (written by Paul Kennerley)
‘Oh, Misery’ (written by Don Williams)
‘My Heart To You’ (written by Don Williams)
‘One Like Me’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Rose’ (written by Amanda McBroom)
‘When I’m With You’ (written by Don Williams)
‘Get Away’ (written by Don Schlitz)
‘Wonderful Tonight’ (written by Eric Clapton)
‘Years From Now’, which was written by Roger Cook, Alonzo Tucker and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘My Heart To You’ (Compendia Records / Intersound Records, 2004) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Billy Sanford and John Claust (guitar, vocals)
Russ Pahl (guitar, steel guitar, Dobro)
Matthew McKenzie (bass, vocals)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and Steve Turner (drums, percussion)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, keyboards)
Jim Hoke (accordion)
Carl Gorodetzky, Alan Umstead, Pamela Sixfin, Robert Mason and Kristin Wilkinson (strings)
Chip Davis and Billy Davis (vocals)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (arrangements)
Dave Sinko and Cory Stone (engineers)
Solomon Burke (Thursday 21 March 1940 – Sunday 10 October 2010) recorded Don Williams’ ‘Atta Way To Go’ and included the track on ‘Nashville’ (Shout! Factory, 2006).
Alison Krauss recorded Don Williams’ ‘Lay Down Beside Me’ and included the track on ‘A Hundred Miles Or More: A Collection’ (Rounder Records, 2007).
Liz Talley recorded Don Williams’ ‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘More Than Satisfied’ (Diamond Music Group, 2009).
On Tuesday 19 June 2012, Don Williams saw the release, in the United States, of ‘And So It Goes’ (Sugar Hill Records, 2012); the album, which was produced by Garth Fundis, was made available, on Monday 30 April 2012, in certain non-United States markets, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, and included the following tracks:
‘Better Than Today’ (written by Leslie Satcher and Jeff Stevens)
‘Heart of Hearts’ (written by Al Anderson, Stephen Bruton and Sharon Vaughn)
‘She’s With Me’ (written by Don Williams and Tim Williams)
‘I Just Come Here For The Music’ (written by Doug Gill, John Ramey and Bobby Taylor) / this track, which featured guest vocals from Alison Krauss, was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2012, but it did not chart
‘Infinity’ (written by Anthony Smith)
‘What If It Worked Like That’ (written by Ronnie Bowman, Lynn Hutton and Jason Sellers)
‘She’s A Natural’ (written by Rick Bowles and Rob Crosby)
‘Imagine That’, which was written by Kieran Kane and Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021) / this track was a duet with Keith Urban
‘First Fool In Line’ (written by Byron Hill and Tammi Kidd)
‘And So It Goes’ (written by Mike Noble, Don Williams and Tim Williams)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams’ ‘And So It Goes’ (Sugar Hill Records, 2012) included the following:
Don Williams (vocal, guitar)
Billy Sanford, J.T. Corenflos (Wednesday 6 November 1963 – Saturday 24 October 2020) and Mike Noble (guitar)
Matt McKenzie (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and John Gardner (drums, percussion)
Jenee Fleenor (fiddle)
Tyson Rogers (piano, keyboards)
Sam Bacco (marimba)
Anthony LaMarchina (cello)
Kris Wilkinson (viola)
David Angell, David Davidson and Pamela Sixfin (violin)
Chip Davis, Billy Davis, Tim Williams, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban (vocals)
Kris Wilkinson (arrangements)
Gordon Hammond and Garth Fundis (engineers)
Don Williams’ ‘And So It Goes’ (Sugar Hill Records, 2012) reached No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2012, and No.100 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 2012.
On Tuesday 11 March 2014, Don Williams saw the release of ‘Reflections’ (Sugar Hill Records, 2014), which included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Be Here In The Morning’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997)
‘Talk Is Cheap’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016), Morgane Hayes and Chris Stapleton
‘I Won’t Give Up On You’ (written by Britton Cameron and Jordyn Shellhart)
‘Sing Me Back Home’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘Working Man’s Son’ (written by Jim Collins and Bob Regan)
‘Healing Hands’ (written by Rex Benson and Steve Gillette)
‘If I Were Free’, which was written by Jesse Winchester (Wednesday 17 May 1944 – Friday 11 April 2014)
‘Stronger Back’ (written by Doug Gill)
‘Back To The Simple Things’ (written by Marty Dodson, Jennifer Hanson and Mark Nesler)
‘The Answer’ (written by Tony Arata and Steve Warner)
Don Williams’ Billboard No.1 Singles
‘I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me’ (No.1 for one week in September 1974)
‘You’re My Best Friend’ (No.1 for one week in June 1975)
‘(Turn Out The Light and) Love Me Tonight’ (No.1 for one week in November 1975)
‘Til The Rivers All Run Dry’ (No.1 for one week in March / April 1976)
‘Say It Again’ (No.1 for one week in August 1976)
‘Some Broken Hearts Never Mend’ (No.1 for one week in May 1977)
‘I’m Just A Country Boy’ (No.1 for one week in November 1977)
‘Tulsa Time’ (No.1 for one week in January 1979)
‘It Must Be Love’ (No.1 for one week in September / October 1979)
‘Love Me Over Again’ (No.1 for one week in February 1980)
‘I Believe In You’ (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1980) / this track also reached No.24 on the Billboard Top 100 pop music singles chart in 1980
‘Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good’ (No.1 for one week in February / March 1982)
‘If Hollywood Don’t Need You’ (No.1 for one week in March 1983)
‘Love Is On A Roll’ (No.1 for one week in July 1983)
‘Stay Young’ (No.1 for one week in February / March 1984)
‘That’s The Thing About Love’ (No.1 for one week in August 1984)
‘Heartbeat In The Darkness’ (No.1 for one week in August / September 1985)
In 2016, Don Williams decided that the time was right for his final performance, following one of the most successful careers in the history of the country music business. ‘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’, the 76-year-old Don Williams said in a statement at the time.
On Friday 26 May 2017, Slate Creek Records released ‘Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams’ (Slate Creek Records, 2017), a Don Williams tribute album, which was produced by Garth Fundis, and included the following tracks:
‘Tulsa Time’ (written by Danny Flowers) / this track was performed by Pistol Annies
‘I Believe In You’, which was written by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004) / this track was performed by Brandy Clark
‘We’ve Got A Good Fire Goin’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) / this track was performed by Lady A
‘Some Broken Hearts Never Mend’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) / this track was performed by Dierks Bentley
‘Amanda’ (written by Bob McDill) / this track was performed by Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton
‘Til The Rivers All Run Dry’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Don Williams / this track was performed by Alison Krauss
‘Love Is On A Roll’, which was written by Roger Cook and John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) / this track was performed by John Prine and Roger Cook
‘If I Needed You’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997) / this track was performed by Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires
‘Maggie’s Dream’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and Lisa Silver / this track was performed by Trisha Yearwood
‘Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good’ (written by Dave Hanner) / this track was performed by Keb’ Mo’
On Friday 8 September 2017, Don Williams passed away, at his home in Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama following complications with emphysema; Don Williams was 78 years old.
Earning more than fifteen No.1 Billboard country music hit singles, and selling millions of albums throughout the decades, Don Williams quickly made his name in the industry and became a staple of any true country music collection, later being called one of the most influential legends to ever hit the charts.
On Wednesday 27 September 2017, a memorial service, in honour of Don Williams and his legacy in music, was held at CMA Theatre in Nashville, which was part of The Country Music Hall of Fame campus and was located at 222 5th Avenue South.
The Don Williams memorial service was intended for the music industry, friends and family. Doors opened at 4:00pm, with services beginning at 4:30pm.
• Visit Don Williams’ official Site at don-williams.com