Country music singer, Don Williams, on Friday died at the age of 78.
His publicist, Kirt Webster, said the cause was emphysema.
Kenny Rogers and other music stars have paid tribute to the fallen giant.
Sending my sincere and heartfelt prayers to the families & friends of Don Williams and @T_RoyMG.
— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) September 8, 2017
Rest in peace Don Williams
You left us a lot great musical memories— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) September 8, 2017
So sad to hear that “Gentle Giant” Don Williams has died! What an incredible legacy of great music he leaves behind. May he RIP. https://t.co/2kfgICRA7f
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 8, 2017
Born on May 27, 1939, Williams ruled the Billboard country chart in the 70s and 80, with 17 of his songs hitting No. 1.
The Gentle Giant, as he was called, was celebrated for his rich voice, soft delivery, storytelling style and romantic lyrics.
His hits included ‘I Believe in You’, ‘Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good’, ‘You’re My Best Friend’, ‘Some Broken Hearts Never Mend’, ‘Till the Rivers All Run Dry’ and ‘Back in My Younger Days’.
“Don Williams offered calm, beauty, and a sense of wistful peace that is in short supply these days,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, in a statement Friday.
“His music will forever be a balm in troublesome times. Everyone who makes country music with grace, intelligence, and ageless intent will do so while standing on the shoulders of this gentle giant.”
He won the Country Music Association’s awards for best male vocalist and best single for ‘Tulsa Time’ in 1978.
During his performances, he often walked onstage carrying a cup of coffee, sat on a barstool, sang and chatted amiably with the audience.
Williams also appeared in the movies W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings and Smokey and the Bandit II.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, but missed the ceremony because he had bronchitis.
His last studio album came out in 2014 and he was the subject of a tribute album, Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams, this year that included performances of his hits by Lady Antebellum, Garth Brooks and Chris Stapleton.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Joy Bucher; and their two sons, Gary and Timmy; and four grandchildren.
