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Don Williams Coming Out of Tour Retirement

Don WilliamsDon Williams fans will have a few more chances to see the 'Gentle Giant' in concert. The Texas native, who will be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year, is returning to the road for a limited number of concert dates in the fall.

The smooth-voiced singer who will join Jimmy Dean as the newest member of the Hall of Fame at the Medallion Ceremony in late October, had a string of hits throughout his career, including 17 No. 1's. Among his chart-toppers were 'Tulsa Time' and 'You're My Best Friend.' Other hits include 'Good Ole Boys Like Me,' 'Rake and Ramblin' Man' and 'Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.' He also had a major pop-crossover hit with 'I Believe in You' in 1980. Before Don became a solo country star, he was a member of the folk-pop group the Pozo-Seco Singers.

The CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978, Don's single 'Tulsa Time,' was named CMA Single of the Year and was later covered by Eric Clapton. He made an appearance as a band member in the 1975 film, 'W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings,' starring Burt Reynolds, and in 'Smokey and the Bandit 2,' which starred fellow country star Jerry Reed. Ironically, Don also cut a song titled 'If Hollywood Don't Need You (Honey I Still Do),' in which he admonishes his lost love, "If you see Burt Reynolds, would you shake his hand for me."

The entertainer's trademark beaten-up Stetson was given to him to wear in 'W. W. and the Dixie Dancekings.' Although he had not worn hats very much prior to that film, he liked the style that they shaped for him and started wearing it after the movie was released. He once joked that he felt undressed if he went out without it.

Don announced his Farewell Tour of the World in 2006 and true to the name, he performed both in the U.S. and overseas, where he has a rabid fan following. His final concert to date took place in Memphis on Nov. 21, 2006.

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Jerry Hightower

I thought there was going to be a live CD of Don's final concert but never saw anything of it. Does anyone know anything about it? I had the pleasure of meeting Don at "The Gathering Of The Outlaws" with Waylon, Willie, David Allan Coe, Emmylou Harris and Don in Fort Worth many years ago.

June 20 2010 at 8:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dee

Such a talented, unassuming singer. His music and his concerts have a "no-flares" simplicity that draws you in like a magnet!!! I can't wait to see him again; even if it means travelling halfway across the country.

June 17 2010 at 2:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
boxdeadletter

He has a new website: http://www.don-williams.com/
The planned concert dates on listed on it.

June 16 2010 at 1:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
giarc1030

Hopefully there will be one near his hometown of Portland,TX

June 12 2010 at 8:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
linnnyp

Don Williams is probably one of the all-time great C&W performers, who never really got the super-star recognition he deserved. I "fell in love" with him in my teens (early 1970's) when he was not quite yet a well-know star. I saw him in person at the Merriweather Post Pavilion about 20 years ago, from front row, center, seats. Sure hope he makes it the Washington, DC, area on his tour, as I'll be there again, even after all these years.

June 12 2010 at 7:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jennifer

One of his shows will be in Branson, Mo at the Tri-Lakes Center.

June 12 2010 at 6:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
allymac98

I thought he was dead,someone playing a joke

June 12 2010 at 5:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bruce MacFarlane

I played "Listen to the Radio" some 20 years ago for money on WELE-FM Daytona Beach. The album is out of print but Don Williams will always remain special to me.

June 12 2010 at 5:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wizofeyez

Why can't we get something done about the stupid ads these stupid people post in here?

They are messing over a salute to one of the nicest guys ever in the music business.

June 12 2010 at 5:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jim

So where and when??

June 12 2010 at 3:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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