Don Williams, the American country music great who dominated the chats in the 1970s and 80s died Friday in Alabama, the US media has reported. US. He was aged 78.
Loved by many Ugandans, and millions across the world, Don Williams produced some of the most romantic, heartfelt country ballads of all time such as ‘Senorita’, ‘I believe in You’, ‘Lord I Hope this Day is Good’, ‘You’re My Best Friend’, ‘Some Broken Hearts Never Mend’ ‘I’m Just a Country Boy’ and many more.
For some, Don Williams’ leaves a permanent mark in their hearts and is regarded as the quintessential country musician always wearing a cowboy hat and strumming a guitar.
The deep-voiced singer struck a chord with many Ugandans partly because of his plain-spoken and clearly audible romantic lyrics that made it easy for his music to penetrate many people’s hearts more so in non-native English speaking countries.
Named male vocalist of the year by the Country Music Association in 1978, Williams released 52 Top 40 country singles in all, 45 of them rising as high as the Top 10, according to the New York Times.
Inspired by love, life, devotion, parenting and nature, as the popular themes of his music, Williams was often, and perhaps still remains the number one choice to soothe aching hearts. And for many, Williams’ warm and crisp lyrics helped them to reveal their feelings to those they love without opening their mouths.
Those who grew up in the 70s and 80s when Williams reigned now and will perhaps for rest of their earthly lives listen to his music with a huge sense of nostalgia.
RIP Don Williams.
