By SoDak
Don Williams, the “Gentle Giant,” has been a calming
presence throughout my entire life. I remember hearing his songs on the radio
before I was in kindergarten. His rich baritone voice was very smooth. It
creates a sense of comfort. He sang the occasional heartbreak song like other
country musicians, but he also had many that celebrated love. His songs are
simple, direct, and accessible. They are very mellow, somewhere between country
and folk music. The songs are short, even though Don Williams is never in a
hurry.
The list of his hit songs is long, including such greats as
“Come Early Morning,” “Atta Way To Go,” “We Should Be Together, “I Wouldn’t
Want To Live If You Didn’t Want Me,” “You’re My Best Friend,” “(Turn Out The
Light And) Love Me Tonight,” “Till The Rivers Run Dry,” “Say It Again,” “She
Never Knew Me,” “Some Broken Hearts Will Never Mend,” “I’m Just A Country Boy,”
“Rake & Ramblin’ Man,” “Lay Down Beside Me,” “Love Me Over Again,” “Good
Ole Boys Like Me,” “I Believe In You,” “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” “If I
Needed You,” “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” and “Maggie’s Dream.” Some of his
records in the 1980s suffered from orchestral arrangements and the general production
at the time. Despite these problems, his voice would often shine through the
schlock. When he came out of retirement, around the time he was inducted into
the Country Music Hall of Fame, he made several solid records.
Two of my favorite records by him are Expressions (1978) and Portraits
(1979). There are wonderful songs beyond the hits, such as “You’ve Got a
Hold on Me,” “All I’m Missing Is You,” “It Only Rains on Me,” “Circle
Driveway,” and “Woman You Should Be In Movies.” While Don Williams usually sang
songs written by other folks, he penned a few through the years. One of my
favorite songs he wrote is “You Get To Me.” Whenever I hear it, I have a strong
desire to dance with my wife, preferably doing a two-step as the sun is
setting.
Don Williams is linked to many fond memories growing up,
such as sitting around the fireplace, listening to the radio, on cold winter
nights. My mother and I would wash dishes while playing his records. His music
always made her happy, and she would sing along, while tapping her feet. My
parents would listen to his tapes while riding the motorcycle across the
country. Late at night, driving through the Black Hills with friends, we would
listen to a country radio station, relishing the times a Don Williams song would
be played. When I have a really shitty day at work, I often put on a Don
Williams record when I get home, as it helps me relax. I was able to see Don Williams
perform three times. He always sat in a chair, surrounded by a few other
musicians. Even on his last tour, his voice was still strong and filled with
warmth. The Gentle Giant will always have a special place in my life.
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