Don Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Williams
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Williams performing in 2006
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Donald Ray Williams |
| Born | May 27, 1939 Floydada, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | September 8, 2017 (aged 78) Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, Actor, |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, |
| Years active | 1964–2006 2010–2016 |
| Labels | Columbia, JMI Records, Dot, ABC, MCA, Capitol, RCA, American Harvest, Giant, Koch, Vanguard, Sugar Hill Records |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Unit | United States Army Security Agency |
Donald Ray Williams (May 27, 1939 – September 8, 2017) was a famous American country singer and songwriter. He was also an actor. In 2010, he was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
He started his solo singing career in 1971. He became very popular, with 17 of his songs reaching number one on the country music charts. People called him "The Gentle Giant" because he had a calm, deep voice and a kind personality. He even acted in a movie called W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings in 1975, alongside famous actor Burt Reynolds.
Many other famous singers, like Johnny Cash and Eric Clapton, have recorded his songs. His music was also very popular in many countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, and parts of Africa.
Contents
Don Williams' Early Life
Don Williams was born on May 27, 1939, in Floydada, Texas, USA. He was the youngest of three sons. He grew up in Portland, Texas, and finished high school there in 1958.
Before he became a solo singer, Williams was part of a folk-pop music group called the Pozo-Seco Singers. He also served in the United States Army Security Agency for two years. After leaving the army, he worked different jobs to support himself and his family.
With the Pozo-Seco Singers, Don Williams recorded several albums. He stayed with the group until 1969. The group broke up the next year.
Don Williams' Solo Music Career
After the Pozo-Seco Singers broke up, Don Williams took a short break from music. But soon, he returned to his music career. In 1971, he signed a deal to write songs for Jack Music Inc. Then, in 1972, he signed a contract with JMI Records to be a solo country artist.
His song "We Should Be Together" reached number five on the charts in 1974. After that, he signed with ABC/Dot Records. His first song with ABC/Dot, "I Wouldn't Want to Live If You Didn't Love Me," became a number one hit. This was the first of many top ten hits he had between 1974 and 1991. Only a few of his 46 songs during that time did not make it into the top ten.
His song "I Believe in You" was his eleventh number one hit on the country chart. It was also popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Don Williams in Movies
Don Williams also had small roles in movies with Burt Reynolds. In 1975, he appeared as a band member in the movie W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings. Williams also played himself in the movie Smokey and the Bandit II, where he performed some of his songs.
Retirement and Comeback
In 2006, Don Williams announced his "Farewell Tour of the World." He played many shows in the U.S. and other countries. He finished the tour with a sold-out concert in Memphis, Tennessee, in November 2006. However, in 2010, Williams decided to come out of retirement and started touring again.
In 2012, Williams released a new album called And So It Goes. This was his first new album since 2004. Famous artists like Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill appeared on the album. He went on a tour in the UK to support the album. His final UK tour was in 2014.
In March 2016, Williams announced he was retiring from touring for good. He canceled all his planned shows. He said he wanted to "hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home." He also thanked his fans, friends, and family for their support.
Don Williams' Family Life and Passing
Don Williams married Joy Janene Bucher in April 1960. They had two children together.
On September 8, 2017, Don Williams passed away in Mobile, Alabama. He was 78 years old.
Awards and Achievements
Don Williams received several awards for his music.
Awards Won
- Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM)
- 1978: ACM Single Record of the Year for Tulsa Time
- Country Music Association Awards (CMA)
- 1978: Male Vocalist of the Year
- Americana Music Honors & Awards
- 2022: President's Award
Awards Nominated For
- Academy of Country Music (ACM)
- 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980: ACM Top Male Vocalist
- 1980: ACM Album of the Year for I Believe in You
- 1980: ACM Single Record of the Year for "I Believe in You"
- 1982: ACM Album of the Year for Listen to the Radio
- Country Music Association (CMA)
- 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981: CMA Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1978: CMA Album of the Year for Country Boy
Don Williams' Albums
Don Williams released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:
- 1973: Don Williams Volume One
- 1974: Don Williams Volume Two
- 1974: Don Williams Vol. III
- 1975: You're My Best Friend
- 1976: Harmony
- 1977: Visions
- 1977: Country Boy
- 1978: Expressions
- 1979: Portrait
- 1980: I Believe in You
- 1981: Especially for You
- 1982: Listen to the Radio
- 1983: Yellow Moon
- 1984: Cafe Carolina
- 1986: New Moves
- 1987: Traces
- 1987: One Good Well
- 1990: True Love
- 1992: Currents
- 1995: Borrowed Tales
- 1996: Flatlands
- 1998: I Turn the Page
- 2004: My Heart to You
- 2012: And So It Goes
- 2014: Reflections
