Videos by American Songwriter
On Tuesday, Don Williams – the “Gentle Giant” of country music – announced his retirement. The decision comes after Williams was forced to postpone his 2016 tour in early February due to an unexpected hip replacement surgery.
“It’s time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home,” Williams said in a press release announcing his decision. “I’m so thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting love and support.”
For his smooth baritone voice and laid-back, easy-going personality, the six-foot-one Williams earned the nickname the “Gentle Giant.” Williams spent six decades in the music business, amounting to a consistent string of decade-spanning hits. Songs like “Heartbeat In The Darkness,” “Back in My Younger Days” and “I Believe in You” are only a small sampling from Williams’ storied career.
Don Williams first gained notoriety in 1966 when he was a member of the folk-pop group The Pozo Seco Singers, who are perhaps best known for their swaying single “Time.” After the group disbanded in 1970, Williams went on to develop a prominent career as a solo country artist. He had a least one major hit every year from 1974-1991, including a duet with Emmylou Harris and Townes Van Zandt, “If I Needed You.” In all, Williams had 56 songs in the country music charts, 17 of which reached number one.
His success went on to earn him “CMA Male Vocalist of the Year” in 1978, and the Academy of Country Music named Williams’ song “Tulsa Time” Record of the Year in 1979. Watch Williams perform the song in 1982 below.
In 2010, Williams was honored with an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
