Don Williams: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American singer-songwriter (1939–2017)}} |
{{Short description|American country music singer-songwriter (1939–2017)}} |
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{{other people|Don Williams}} |
{{other people|Don Williams}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2011}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2011}} |
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| caption = Williams performing in 2006 |
| caption = Williams performing in 2006 |
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| birth_name = Donald Ray Williams |
| birth_name = Donald Ray Williams |
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| birth_date = {{ |
| birth_date = {{birth date|1939|05|27|}} |
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| birth_place = [[Floydada, Texas]], U.S. |
| birth_place = [[Floydada, Texas]], U.S. |
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| alias = Gentle Giant |
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| death_date = {{death date and age|2017|09|08|1939|5|27}} |
| death_date = {{death date and age|2017|09|08|1939|5|27}} |
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| death_place = [[Mobile, Alabama]], U.S. |
| death_place = [[Mobile, Alabama]], U.S. |
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| genre = [[Country music|Country]] |
| genre = [[Country music|Country]] |
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| occupation = Singer-songwriter, |
| occupation = Singer-songwriter, actor |
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| instrument = Vocals, guitar, piano |
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, piano |
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| years_active = 1964–2006<br />2010–2016 |
| years_active = 1964–2006<br />2010–2016 |
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| label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]], [[JMI Records]], [[Dot Records|Dot]], [[ABC Records|ABC]], [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], [[RCA Records|RCA]], American Harvest, [[Giant Records (Warner)|Giant]], [[Entertainment One Music|Koch]], [[Vanguard Records|Vanguard]], [[Sugar Hill Records]] |
| label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]], [[JMI Records]], [[Dot Records|Dot]], [[ABC Records|ABC]], [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], [[RCA Records|RCA]], American Harvest, [[Giant Records (Warner)|Giant]], [[Entertainment One Music|Koch]], [[Vanguard Records|Vanguard]], [[Sugar Hill Records (bluegrass label)|Sugar Hill Records]] |
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| past_member_of = [[Pozo-Seco Singers]] |
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| associated_acts = [[Keith Urban]], [[Bob McDill]], [[Dave Pomeroy]], [[Biff Watson]], [[Kenneth Blevins]], [[Terri Hollowell]] |
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| website = {{URL|www.don-williams.com}} |
| website = {{URL|www.don-williams.com}} |
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| module = {{Infobox military person |embed=yes |
| module = {{Infobox military person |embed=yes |
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'''Donald Ray Williams''' (May 27, 1939<ref name="LarkinCountry">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Country Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1993|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-726-6|pages=448/9}}</ref> – September 8, 2017)<ref name="Obit"/> was an American [[country music |
'''Donald Ray Williams''' (May 27, 1939<ref name="LarkinCountry">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Country Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1993|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-726-6|pages=448/9}}</ref> – September 8, 2017)<ref name="Obit"/> was an American [[country music]] singer, songwriter, and 2010 inductee into the [[Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum|Country Music Hall of Fame]]. He began his solo career in 1971, singing popular ballads and amassing seventeen number one country hits. His straightforward yet smooth [[bass-baritone]] voice, soft tones, and imposing build earned him the nickname "The Gentle Giant". In 1975, Williams starred in a movie with [[Burt Reynolds]] and [[Jerry Reed]] called ''[[W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/don-williams |title=Full List of Inductees » Country Music Hall of Fame |access-date=2013-04-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331210148/http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/don-williams |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref> |
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Williams has had a strong influence over a variety of |
Williams has had a strong influence over a variety of performers of different genres. His songs have been recorded by singers such as [[Johnny Cash]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[Ray Scott (singer)|Ray Scott]], [[Juice Newton]], [[Leon Russell]], [[Lefty Frizzell]], [[Josh Turner]], [[Sonny James]], [[Alison Krauss]], [[Billy Dean]], [[Charley Pride]], [[Kenny Rogers]], [[Lambchop (band)|Lambchop]], [[Alan Jackson]], [[Tomeu Penya]], [[Telly Savalas]], [[Waylon Jennings]], [[Pete Townshend]], and [[Tortoise (band)|Tortoise]] with [[Will Oldham|Bonnie "Prince" Billy]].<ref>[http://www.don-williams.com/info.html Manage Domain Name<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103061522/http://www.don-williams.com/info.html |date=January 3, 2007 }}</ref> His music is also popular internationally, including in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Ukraine, India, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe.<ref>[http://wliw.org/productions/donwilliams.html Don Williams: Into Africa<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003075427/http://wliw.org/productions/donwilliams.html |date=October 3, 2006 }} and Africa</ref> In 2010, the [[Country Music Association]] inducted Don Williams into the [[Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum|Country Music Hall of Fame]].<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100223/ap_en_mu/us_country_hall_of_fame 4 inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226185835/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100223/ap_en_mu/us_country_hall_of_fame |date=February 26, 2010 }}</ref> |
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Williams was among hundreds of artists whose material was destroyed in the [[2008 Universal Studios fire]].<ref name="Rosen2">{{cite news|last1=Rosen |first1=Jody |title=Here Are Hundreds More Artists Whose Tapes Were Destroyed in the UMG Fire |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/25/magazine/universal-music-fire-bands-list-umg.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=28 June 2019 |date=25 June 2019}}</ref> |
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==Early years== |
==Early years== |
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Williams was born, the youngest of three sons, on May 27, 1939, in [[Floydada, Texas]], United States.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> His parents were Loveta Mae (née Lambert; 1914 – 2007) and James Andrew "Jim" Williams (1898 – 1982).<ref>Texas Birth Index 1903-1997</ref> He grew up in [[Portland, Texas]], and graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1958. After Williams' parents divorced, Loveta Williams remarried, first to Chester Lang and then to Robert Bevers.<ref>Texas, Marriage Index, 1824-2014</ref> |
Williams was born, the youngest of three sons, on May 27, 1939, in [[Floydada, Texas]], United States.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> His parents were Loveta Mae (née Lambert; 1914 – 2007) and James Andrew "Jim" Williams (1898 – 1982).<ref>Texas Birth Index 1903-1997</ref> He grew up in [[Portland, Texas]], and graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1958. After Williams' parents divorced, Loveta Williams remarried, first to Chester Lang and then to Robert Bevers.<ref>Texas, Marriage Index, 1824-2014</ref> |
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On July 20, 1963, Williams' eldest brother Kenneth died |
On July 20, 1963, Williams' eldest brother Kenneth died from [[electrocution]] when he accidentally touched a live wire. He was 29 years old.<ref>Texas Death Certificates, 1903-1982</ref> |
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Prior to forming the [[Folk music|folk-pop]] group [[Pozo-Seco Singers]], Williams served with the United States Army Security Agency for two years |
Prior to forming the [[Folk music|folk-pop]] group [[Pozo-Seco Singers]], Williams served with the United States Army Security Agency for two years. After an honorable discharge, he worked various odd jobs in order to support himself and his family.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/williams-don|title=Don Williams Singer, songwriter, guitarist|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia.com|access-date=2017-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alancackett.com/don-williams|title=Don Williams|website=alancackett.com|access-date=2017-09-10}}</ref> |
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It was with the group the Pozo-Seco Singers that Williams, alongside Susan Taylor and Lofton Cline, recorded several records for [[Columbia Records]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/arts/music/don-williams-dead-country-singer.html?mcubz=1/|title=Don Williams, Singer of Plain-Spoken Country Songs, Dies at 78|newspaper=nytimes.com|date=8 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}</ref> He remained with the group until 1969; it disbanded the following year. |
It was with the group the Pozo-Seco Singers that Williams, alongside [[Taylor Pie|Susan Taylor]] and Lofton Cline, recorded several records for [[Columbia Records]].<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/arts/music/don-williams-dead-country-singer.html?mcubz=1/|title=Don Williams, Singer of Plain-Spoken Country Songs, Dies at 78|newspaper=nytimes.com|date=8 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}</ref> He remained with the group until 1969; it disbanded the following year. |
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==Solo career== |
==Solo career== |
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After the Pozo-Seco Singers disbanded, Williams briefly worked outside the music industry.<ref |
After the Pozo-Seco Singers disbanded, Williams briefly worked outside the music industry.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> Soon, however, Williams resumed his career in music. In December 1971, Williams signed on as a songwriter for [[Jack Clement]] with Jack Music Inc. In 1972, Williams inked a contract with [[JMI Records]] as a solo country artist. His 1974 song "We Should Be Together" reached number five, and he signed with [[ABC Records|ABC/Dot Records]].<ref>[https://www.don-williams.com/info/ "Facts about Don Williams"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101094826/http://www.don-williams.com/info |date=November 1, 2018 }}.Don Williams.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017</ref> At the height of the [[country and western]] boom in the UK in 1976, he had top-forty pop chart hits with "[[You're My Best Friend (Don Williams song)|You're My Best Friend]]" and "[[I Recall a Gypsy Woman]]".<ref>[http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/27690/don-williams/ "UK Charts history: Don Williams"]. Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 8, 2017</ref> |
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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. Only four of his 46 singles did not make it to the |
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. Only four of his 46 singles did not make it to the top ten during that time.<ref>[https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/country-music-s-gentle-giant-don-williams-dies-at-78-1.3215616/ "Country music’s ‘Gentle Giant’ Don Williams dies at 78"]. Theirishtimes.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017</ref> |
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"I Believe in You", written by [[Roger Cook (songwriter)|Roger Cook]] and [[Sam Hogin]], was Williams' eleventh number one on the country chart.<ref>Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 386.</ref> It was his only Top 40 chart entry in the U.S., where it peaked at number 24. It was also hit in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.<ref>Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition. Record Research. p. 680</ref> |
"I Believe in You", written by [[Roger Cook (songwriter)|Roger Cook]] and [[Sam Hogin]], was Williams' eleventh number one on the country chart.<ref>Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 386.</ref> It was his only Top 40 chart entry in the U.S., where it peaked at number 24. It was also a hit in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.<ref>Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition. Record Research. p. 680</ref> |
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Williams had some minor roles in Burt Reynolds movies. |
Williams had some minor roles in Burt Reynolds movies. In 1975, Williams appeared as a member of the Dixie Dancekings band in the movie ''[[W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings]]'', alongside Reynolds.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> Williams also appeared as himself in the Universal Pictures movie ''[[Smokey and the Bandit II]]'', in which he also played a number of songs.<ref>[http://musicrow.com/2017/09/don-williams-dies-at-78/Country Music Hall Of Fame Great Don Williams Passes]. MusicCrow.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017</ref> |
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Early in 2006, Williams announced his "Farewell Tour of the World" and played numerous dates both in the U.S. and abroad, wrapping the tour up with a sold-out "Final Farewell Concert" in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts on November 21, 2006. In 2010, Williams came out of retirement and was once again touring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.don-williams.com/news/|title=News – Don Williams – The Official Website|website=Don-williams.com|access-date=July 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909141915/http://www.don-williams.com/news|archive-date=September 9, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
Early in 2006, Williams announced his "Farewell Tour of the World" and played numerous dates both in the U.S. and abroad, wrapping the tour up with a sold-out "Final Farewell Concert" in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts on November 21, 2006. In 2010, Williams came out of retirement and was once again touring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.don-williams.com/news/|title=News – Don Williams – The Official Website|website=Don-williams.com|access-date=July 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909141915/http://www.don-williams.com/news|archive-date=September 9, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In March 2012, Williams announced the release of a new record, ''[[And So It Goes (album)|And So It Goes]]'' (UK release April 30, 2012; U.S./Worldwide release June 19, 2012), his first new record since 2004. The record |
In March 2012, Williams announced the release of a new record, ''[[And So It Goes (album)|And So It Goes]]'' (UK release April 30, 2012; U.S./Worldwide release June 19, 2012), his first new record since 2004. The record was his first with the independent Americana label [[Sugar Hill Records (bluegrass label)|Sugar Hill Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sugarhillrecords.com/news/23-country-music-legend-don-williams-to-release-qand-so-it-goesq-on-june-19th.html |title=Country Music Legend Don Williams to release "And So It Goes" on June 19th |publisher=Sugarhillrecords.com |access-date=2012-04-30}}</ref> The record includes guest appearances by [[Alison Krauss]], [[Keith Urban]], and [[Vince Gill]]. To accompany the release he embarked on a UK Tour. A much-loved country artist among British fans, he had his final UK tour in 2014.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/worldfolkandjazz/10808552/Don-Williams-Country-musics-Gentle-Giant.html Don Williams: Country music's Gentle Giant"]. The Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2017</ref> |
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In March 2016, Williams announced he was retiring from touring and cancelled all his scheduled shows. "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," he said in a statement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/03/01/don-williams-announces-retirement/81159156/ |title=Don Williams announces retirement |last=Watts |first=Cindy |date=March 1, 2016 |publisher=tennessean.com |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> |
In March 2016, Williams announced he was retiring from touring and cancelled all his scheduled shows. "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," he said in a statement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/03/01/don-williams-announces-retirement/81159156/ |title=Don Williams announces retirement |last=Watts |first=Cindy |date=March 1, 2016 |publisher=tennessean.com |access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> |
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Williams married Joy Janene Bucher in April 1960. They had two children. |
Williams married Joy Janene Bucher in April 1960. They had two children. |
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On September 8, 2017, Williams died in [[Mobile, Alabama]], |
On September 8, 2017, Williams died in [[Mobile, Alabama]], of [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|emphysema]].<ref name="Obit">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/country-star-don-williams-gentle-giant-dead-78-n799966|title=Country star Don Williams, "the Gentle Giant," dead at 78|website=[[NBC News]] |date=September 8, 2017 |access-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/country/news/don-williams-countrys-gentle-giant-dead-at-78-w501990 Don Williams, Country's 'Gentle Giant,' Dead at 78]. Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 8, 2017</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/arts/music/don-williams-dead-country-singer.html?mcubz=1|title=Don Williams, Singer of Plain-Spoken Country Songs, Dies at 78|author=Roslyn Sulcas|date=September 8, 2017|access-date=September 9, 2017|newspaper=New York Times}}</ref> |
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==Awards== |
== Awards and nominations == |
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=== Academy of Country Music Awards === |
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{{quote box|quote="He may not be the modest homebody he pretends to be, but he sure does project a convincing image of romantic-domestic contentment, complete with separation, sex, and second thoughts. Both the care of the songwriting and the assured, conversational lilt of the vocals divide the sentimentality from the sentiment."|source=— ''[[Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies]]'' (1981)<ref name="CG">{{cite book|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|year=1981|title=[[Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies]]|publisher=[[Ticknor & Fields]]|isbn=089919026X|chapter=Consumer Guide '70s: W|chapter-url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_chap.php?k=W&bk=70|access-date=March 22, 2019|via=robertchristgau.com}}</ref>|width=23%|align=right|style=padding:8px;}} |
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{{awards table}} |
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===Wins=== |
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'''[[Academy of Country Music]]''' (ACM) |
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|rowspan=2| [[14th Academy of Country Music Awards|1979]] |
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|Don Williams |
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'''[[Country Music Association]]''' (CMA) |
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|[[Academy of Country Music Award for Male Artist of the Year|Top Male Vocalist of the Year]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|"[[Tulsa Time]]" |
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|Single Record of the Year |
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|{{won}} |
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|- |
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|[[15th Academy of Country Music Awards|1980]] |
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|rowspan=2| Don Williams |
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|rowspan=2| Top Male Vocalist of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|rowspan=4| [[16th Academy of Country Music Awards|1981]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|''[[I Believe in You (Don Williams album)|I Believe in You]]'' |
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|[[Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|rowspan=2| "[[I Believe in You (Don Williams song)|I Believe in You]]" |
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|Single Record of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|Song of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|[[17th Academy of Country Music Awards|1982]] |
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|Don Williams and [[Emmylou Harris]] |
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|Top Vocal Duo of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|[[18th Academy of Country Music Awards|1983]] |
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|''[[Listen to the Radio (album)|Listen to the Radio]]'' |
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|Album of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|[[42nd Academy of Country Music Awards|2007]] |
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|Don Williams |
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|Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award |
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|{{included|Awarded}} |
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|} |
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=== Country Music Association Awards === |
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===Nominations=== |
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'''[[Academy of Country Music]]''' (ACM) |
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* 1976 / 1977 / 1978 / 1979 / 1980: [[Academy of Country Music Awards|ACM Top Male Vocalist]] |
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* 1980: [[Academy of Country Music Awards|ACM Album of the Year]] — ''I Believe in You'' |
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* 1980: [[Academy of Country Music Awards|ACM Single Record of the Year]] — "[[I Believe in You (Don Williams song)|I Believe in You]]" |
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* 1982: [[Academy of Country Music Awards|ACM Album of the Year]] — ''Listen to the Radio'' |
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{{awards table}} |
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'''[[Country Music Association]]''' (CMA) |
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|- |
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* 1976 / 1977 / 1979 / 1980 / 1981: [[Country Music Association Awards|CMA Male Vocalist of the Year]] |
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|1976 |
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* 1978 [[Country Music Association Awards|CMA Album of the Year]] — ''Country Boy |
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|rowspan=3| Don Williams |
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|rowspan=3| [[Country Music Association Award for Male Vocalist of the Year|Male Vocalist of the Year]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|1977 |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|rowspan=2| [[1978 Country Music Association Awards|1978]] |
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|{{won}} |
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|- |
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|''Country Boy'' |
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|[[Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|[[1979 Country Music Association Awards|1979]] |
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|rowspan=2| Don Williams |
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|rowspan=2| Male Vocalist of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|rowspan=2| [[1980 Country Music Association Awards|1980]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|"[[Good Ole Boys Like Me]]" |
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|rowspan=2| [[Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year|Single of the Year]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|rowspan=3| [[1981 Country Music Association Awards|1981]] |
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|"[[I Believe in You (Don Williams song)|I Believe in You]]" |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|Don Williams |
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|Male Vocalist of the Year |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|''[[I Believe in You (Don Williams album)|I Believe in You]]'' |
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|Album of the Year |
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|{{won}} |
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|- |
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|[[1982 Country Music Association Awards|1982]] |
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|rowspan=3| Don Williams and [[Emmylou Harris]] |
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|rowspan=3| [[Country Music Association Award for Vocal Duo of the Year|Vocal Duo of the Year]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|[[1983 Country Music Association Awards|1983]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|- |
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|[[1984 Country Music Association Awards|1984]] |
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|{{nom}} |
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|} |
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==Discography== |
==Discography== |
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*1976: ''[[Harmony (Don Williams album)|Harmony]]'' |
*1976: ''[[Harmony (Don Williams album)|Harmony]]'' |
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*1977: ''[[Visions (Don Williams album)|Visions]]'' |
*1977: ''[[Visions (Don Williams album)|Visions]]'' |
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*1977: ''Country Boy'' |
*1977: ''[[Country Boy (Don Williams album)|Country Boy]]'' |
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*1978: ''Expressions'' |
*1978: ''Expressions'' |
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*1979: ''Portrait'' |
*1979: ''Portrait'' |
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*1980: ''I Believe in You'' |
*1980: ''[[I Believe in You (Don Williams album)|I Believe in You]]'' |
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*1981: ''[[Especially for You (Don Williams album)|Especially for You]]'' |
*1981: ''[[Especially for You (Don Williams album)|Especially for You]]'' |
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*1982: ''Listen to the Radio'' |
*1982: ''[[Listen to the Radio (album)|Listen to the Radio]]'' |
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*1983: ''Yellow Moon'' |
*1983: ''Yellow Moon'' |
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*1984: ''[[Cafe Carolina]]'' |
*1984: ''[[Cafe Carolina]]'' |
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{{Don Williams}} |
{{Don Williams}} |
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{{Grand Ole Opry members}} |
{{Grand Ole Opry members}} |
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{{CMA Album of the Year}} |
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{{CMA Male Vocalist of the Year}} |
{{CMA Male Vocalist of the Year}} |
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{{2010s Country Music Hall of Fame}} |
{{2010s Country Music Hall of Fame}} |
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[[Category:Country musicians from Texas]] |
[[Category:Country musicians from Texas]] |
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[[Category:Country musicians from Alabama]] |
[[Category:Country musicians from Alabama]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas]] |
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[[Category:Songwriters from Texas]] |
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[[Category:MCA Records artists]] |
[[Category:MCA Records artists]] |
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[[Category:American country singer-songwriters]] |
[[Category:American country singer-songwriters]] |
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[[Category:United States Army soldiers]] |
[[Category:United States Army soldiers]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:MNRK Music Group artists]] |
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[[Category:Columbia Records artists]] |
[[Category:Columbia Records artists]] |
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[[Category:Dot Records artists]] |
[[Category:Dot Records artists]] |
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[[Category:Guitarists from Texas]] |
[[Category:Guitarists from Texas]] |
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[[Category:Deaths from emphysema]] |
[[Category:Deaths from emphysema]] |
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[[Category:Disease-related deaths in Alabama]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:24, 26 December 2024
Don Williams | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Donald Ray Williams |
Born | Floydada, Texas, U.S. | May 27, 1939
Died | September 8, 2017 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. | (aged 78)
Genres | Country |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, actor |
Instrument(s) | 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 |
Formerly of | Pozo-Seco Singers |
Website | www |
Military career | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service | United States Army |
Unit | United States Army Security Agency |
Donald Ray Williams (May 27, 1939[1] – September 8, 2017)[2] was an American country music singer, songwriter, and 2010 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He began his solo career in 1971, singing popular ballads and amassing seventeen number one country hits. His straightforward yet smooth bass-baritone voice, soft tones, and imposing build earned him the nickname "The Gentle Giant". In 1975, Williams starred in a movie with Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed called W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.[3]
Williams has had a strong influence over a variety of performers of different genres. His songs have been recorded by singers such as Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Ray Scott, Juice Newton, Leon Russell, Lefty Frizzell, Josh Turner, Sonny James, Alison Krauss, Billy Dean, Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers, Lambchop, Alan Jackson, Tomeu Penya, Telly Savalas, Waylon Jennings, Pete Townshend, and Tortoise with Bonnie "Prince" Billy.[4] His music is also popular internationally, including in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Ukraine, India, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe.[5] In 2010, the Country Music Association inducted Don Williams into the Country Music Hall of Fame.[6]
Early years
[edit]Williams was born, the youngest of three sons, on May 27, 1939, in Floydada, Texas, United States.[1] His parents were Loveta Mae (née Lambert; 1914 – 2007) and James Andrew "Jim" Williams (1898 – 1982).[7] He grew up in Portland, Texas, and graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1958. After Williams' parents divorced, Loveta Williams remarried, first to Chester Lang and then to Robert Bevers.[8]
On July 20, 1963, Williams' eldest brother Kenneth died from electrocution when he accidentally touched a live wire. He was 29 years old.[9]
Prior to forming the folk-pop group Pozo-Seco Singers, Williams served with the United States Army Security Agency for two years. After an honorable discharge, he worked various odd jobs in order to support himself and his family.[10][11]
It was with the group the Pozo-Seco Singers that Williams, alongside Susan Taylor and Lofton Cline, recorded several records for Columbia Records.[12] He remained with the group until 1969; it disbanded the following year.
Solo career
[edit]After the Pozo-Seco Singers disbanded, Williams briefly worked outside the music industry.[12] Soon, however, Williams resumed his career in music. In December 1971, Williams signed on as a songwriter for Jack Clement with Jack Music Inc. In 1972, Williams inked a contract with JMI Records as a solo country artist. His 1974 song "We Should Be Together" reached number five, and he signed with ABC/Dot Records.[13] At the height of the country and western boom in the UK in 1976, he had top-forty pop chart hits with "You're My Best Friend" and "I Recall a Gypsy Woman".[14]
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. Only four of his 46 singles did not make it to the top ten during that time.[15]
"I Believe in You", written by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin, was Williams' eleventh number one on the country chart.[16] It was his only Top 40 chart entry in the U.S., where it peaked at number 24. It was also a hit in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.[17]
Williams had some minor roles in Burt Reynolds movies. In 1975, Williams appeared as a member of the Dixie Dancekings band in the movie W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings, alongside Reynolds.[1] Williams also appeared as himself in the Universal Pictures movie Smokey and the Bandit II, in which he also played a number of songs.[18]
Early in 2006, Williams announced his "Farewell Tour of the World" and played numerous dates both in the U.S. and abroad, wrapping the tour up with a sold-out "Final Farewell Concert" in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts on November 21, 2006. In 2010, Williams came out of retirement and was once again touring.[19]
In March 2012, Williams announced the release of a new record, And So It Goes (UK release April 30, 2012; U.S./Worldwide release June 19, 2012), his first new record since 2004. The record was his first with the independent Americana label Sugar Hill Records.[20] The record includes guest appearances by Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill. To accompany the release he embarked on a UK Tour. A much-loved country artist among British fans, he had his final UK tour in 2014.[21]
In March 2016, Williams announced he was retiring from touring and cancelled all his scheduled shows. "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," he said in a statement.[22]
Personal life and death
[edit]Williams married Joy Janene Bucher in April 1960. They had two children.
On September 8, 2017, Williams died in Mobile, Alabama, of emphysema.[2][23][24]
Awards and nominations
[edit]Academy of Country Music Awards
[edit]Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1979 | Don Williams | Top Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated |
"Tulsa Time" | Single Record of the Year | Won | |
1980 | Don Williams | Top Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated |
1981 | Nominated | ||
I Believe in You | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
"I Believe in You" | Single Record of the Year | Nominated | |
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
1982 | Don Williams and Emmylou Harris | Top Vocal Duo of the Year | Nominated |
1983 | Listen to the Radio | Album of the Year | Nominated |
2007 | Don Williams | Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award | Awarded |
Country Music Association Awards
[edit]Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1976 | Don Williams | Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated |
1977 | Nominated | ||
1978 | Won | ||
Country Boy | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
1979 | Don Williams | Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated |
1980 | Nominated | ||
"Good Ole Boys Like Me" | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
1981 | "I Believe in You" | Nominated | |
Don Williams | Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated | |
I Believe in You | Album of the Year | Won | |
1982 | Don Williams and Emmylou Harris | Vocal Duo of the Year | Nominated |
1983 | Nominated | ||
1984 | Nominated |
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- 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
Songs written
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1993). The Guinness Who's Who of Country Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 448/9. ISBN 0-85112-726-6.
- ^ a b "Country star Don Williams, "the Gentle Giant," dead at 78". NBC News. September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
- ^ "Full List of Inductees » Country Music Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on March 31, 2013. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
- ^ Manage Domain Name Archived January 3, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Don Williams: Into Africa Archived October 3, 2006, at the Wayback Machine and Africa
- ^ 4 inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame Archived February 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Texas Birth Index 1903-1997
- ^ Texas, Marriage Index, 1824-2014
- ^ Texas Death Certificates, 1903-1982
- ^ "Don Williams Singer, songwriter, guitarist". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
- ^ "Don Williams". alancackett.com. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
- ^ a b "Don Williams, Singer of Plain-Spoken Country Songs, Dies at 78". nytimes.com. September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
- ^ "Facts about Don Williams" Archived November 1, 2018, at the Wayback Machine.Don Williams.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017
- ^ "UK Charts history: Don Williams". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 8, 2017
- ^ "Country music’s ‘Gentle Giant’ Don Williams dies at 78". Theirishtimes.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 386.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition. Record Research. p. 680
- ^ Music Hall Of Fame Great Don Williams Passes. MusicCrow.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017
- ^ "News – Don Williams – The Official Website". Don-williams.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
- ^ "Country Music Legend Don Williams to release "And So It Goes" on June 19th". Sugarhillrecords.com. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
- ^ Don Williams: Country music's Gentle Giant". The Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2017
- ^ Watts, Cindy (March 1, 2016). "Don Williams announces retirement". tennessean.com. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
- ^ Don Williams, Country's 'Gentle Giant,' Dead at 78. Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 8, 2017
- ^ Roslyn Sulcas (September 8, 2017). "Don Williams, Singer of Plain-Spoken Country Songs, Dies at 78". New York Times. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
External links
[edit]- 1939 births
- 2017 deaths
- People from Floydada, Texas
- People from Portland, Texas
- American male singer-songwriters
- Country musicians from Texas
- Country musicians from Alabama
- Singer-songwriters from Texas
- MCA Records artists
- American country singer-songwriters
- United States Army soldiers
- MNRK Music Group artists
- Columbia Records artists
- Dot Records artists
- ABC Records artists
- Capitol Records artists
- RCA Records Nashville artists
- Vanguard Records artists
- Sugar Hill Records artists
- Giant Records (Warner) artists
- Grand Ole Opry members
- Country Music Hall of Fame inductees
- Members of the Country Music Association
- American country guitarists
- American acoustic guitarists
- Guitarists from Texas
- Deaths from emphysema
- American male guitarists
- Singer-songwriters from Alabama