The Passing of Music Icons 2017 – Don Williams – September 8, 2017 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    This is a work in progress for the year 2017. When a music Icon passes, their life is documented in many online tributes. When I started this series, I had the intention of recalling personal memories relating to the musician. While there are many sources for the details of their life and death, for many years, I have tried to capture my personal feelings when a music Icon I enjoyed passes. I usually try to write a contemporaneous note and compile them at end of the year. I do this just as a reminder that all things must pass and musicians mark the mood of the times with their music. Bobby Tony

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The Passing of Music Icons 2017 – Don Williams – September 8, 2017

   Some entertainers storm the stage with a burst of fame and then fade away with the ever-changing taste of musical whim. Others have a long and varied career by adapting to the changing times. Still others just stick it out and keep doing what they do best. He became knows as the "Gentle Giant" of country music.


   Don Williams who passed on September 8, 2017 may have been in that latter group. He was 78 years old and had retired from touring in 2006 only to return in 2010. He finally announced his retirement from touring in 2016.

   He was a prolific songwriter, but my favorite songs of his were written by others and delivered in his baritone voice with the sincerity that would make one think he lived the lyrics.

   These songs were later Don's career but they seem to represent to me his music. If you were a southern boy and ever laid in bed late at night and listened to the Nashville radio stations you may be able to relate to the first song about Good ole boys.

1980 "Good Ole Boys Like Me" Writer Bob McDill



1980 "I Believe in You" Writers Roger Cook and Sam Hogin



1981 "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good" Writer Dave Hanner