Spanning
more than 45 years, the music of Don Williams continues to connect
adoring fans around the world, and soon they’ll have a chance to
experience those iconic hits in a whole new way. Starting October 31, Don Williams: Music & Memories of The Gentle Giant
takes residency at Nashville’s famed Schermerhorn Symphony Center for
three nights of reflection of the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s
music, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony, with Keith Urban serving
as the show’s curator.
“Don Williams and his music are strong threads in the tapestry of my
life,” said Urban. “I jumped at the chance to play even a small role in
this incredible concert experience. There is no better way to celebrate
him and his legacy than reliving those musical moments and I’m honored
to be part of continuing to share his story and music.”
Williams – (1939-2017) – was one of the earliest Country artists to take
their music globally. In addition to his North American success, The
Gentle Giant toured extensively throughout Europe and Africa and his
legendary songs reached all corners of the globe and continue to capture
the hearts of fans worldwide. His catalog is among the most streamed
music from his era.
“This style of show has never been done before in Country music and it’s
very fitting that we present Don and his music to the fans in this
way,” says Robert Pratt, Don’s long-time manager. “Don was a very quiet
and private person who loved performing for his legion of fans. I am
especially happy to bring his music back to the fans and premiere this
new show in Nashville with the symphony and then take it on the road
throughout 2020.”
The concert is a musical journey through historical video performance of
Don Williams, plus special guest singers live onstage, all accompanied
by Don’s touring band and the Nashville Symphony.
During
his career, Williams scored 17 No. 1 hits including “I Believe In You”,
“It Must Be Love”, “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good” and “Tulsa Time.” He
was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, and was best
known for his straightforward, yet smooth bass-baritone voice and soft
tones which earned him the nickname The Gentle Giant of Country Music.
Exclusive pre-sale tickets for these shows go on sale via Ticketmaster
with code GENTLEGIANT on Monday, May 27 for a limited time of 80 hours
in celebration of Don’s 80th birthday. Tickets are also currently
available with Nashville Symphony season ticket packages at NashvilleSymphony.org, 615.687.6400 or the Schermerhorn Symphony Center box office. Any remaining tickets will go on sale July 19, 2019 at 10 am.
About Don Williams:
Williams first came to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the folk
group The Pozo-Seco Singers. The trio recorded several hit records, with
the biggest being “Time.” By 1971, Williams had gone solo, and had
signed a publishing deal with Jack Clement. The Hall of Fame producer
was so taken with Don’s style that he offered him a recording contract
with his JMI Records in 1972. Early hits included “Atta Way To Go” and
“Come Early Morning,” as well as “We Should Be Together,” which became
his first Billboard top ten hit from 1974. He then moved to ABC / Dot
(Later MCA), where the hits increased. Tracks such as “Rake and Ramblin’
Man,” “Tulsa Time,” and “Nobody But You” helped to make him one of the
most-played artists on Country Radio in the 1970s and 1980s. He took
home the Male Vocalist of the Year trophy from the Country Music
Association in 1978, and notched his biggest hit in 1981 with “I Believe
In You,” which also crossed over to the top-30 on the Hot 100.
Subsequent moves to Capitol Nashville and RCA kept Williams on the
charts into the 1990s, as he continued to play for huge crowds on the
road. His success in the United States is well-documented, but the music
of Don Williams has made him an international star – with followings in
such places as Africa, England and New Zealand. He has placed 52
singles in the top-40 on the Country charts in the United States, with
17 going all the way to the top spot. Williams was a member of The
Country Music Hall of Fame and The Grand Ole Opry. Williams appeared in
the films W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings and Smokey & The Bandit II
with Burt Reynolds.