Special Exhibit for Country Music Legend Don Williams
Arguably the biggest figure in country music during the 1970's and hands down the most recognizable voice, Don Williams was a sensation.
It was my great honor to introduce him on stage at the South Dakota State Fair one year. I will remember that experience for a lifetime. I went out there and said every possible thing I could come up with to give him the credit that he was due for the introduction.
With the crowd on their feet erupting in applause, I then made my way off the stage so he could come on. He stopped me half way down the back steps on the stage, leaned forward and looked me right in the eye and said in a slow deep voice, "Wow."
Then he went out and sat down on a stool with his guitar, hat and jean jacket and performed song after song.
Williams' illustrious career generated a total of 17 #1 Hits and 38 Top 5 Hits on Billboard's Hot Country Charts. 2019 also marks the 40th anniversary of his #1 hits "It Must Be Love" and "Love Me All Over Again."
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.
As many of Don’s accolades landed him in the history books, so will the premiere of Don Williams: Music and Memories of the Gentle Giant which takes its residency at Nashville’s famed Schermerhorn Symphony Center for three nights starting October 31 and will reflect on the Country Music Hall of Fame members music, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony.
On display will be Don’s 1971 MCI tour bus, "Gypsy Lady", which carried Don from show to show for many years until his retirement. In addition, inside the venue, ticketed patrons can view the medallion presented to Don as he was entering the Country Music Hall of Fame, his legendary cowboy hat and jean jacket along with Gold records and a few of his most recognizable guitars.