He died yesterday.
I fell madly, deeply, and truly in love with him on a beautiful, sunny day in 1980.
And through the years, when life has overwhelmed or shattered my heart, I could always turn to him to quiet the ugly stuff that rages inside — INSTANTLY.
His voice was sublime–smooth and rich and filled to the brim with understanding and kindness.
The exquisite magic of a Don Williams’ song started from the first few bars of the musical intro and the very first line.
Here are just a few–okay, more than few–examples of the quintessential magic that was Don Williams:
From “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend”: Coffee black, cigarettes. (Gives me chills–and I’ve never drank coffee or smoked cigarettes!)
From “Just ‘Cause I’m in Love with You“: It’s true you’ve got me going ‘round circles.
From “I’ve Been Loved by the Best“: Darling, if you ever leave me, well, I’ll just put my heart away.
From “I Keep Putting Off Getting Over You“: I keep your picture on the dresser. I keep your pillow on the bed.
From “Heartbeat in the Darkness:” Cadillac smiles and the latest styles in this world, they ain’t no part of me.
From “If Hollywood Don’t Need You”: Well, you know I’m not much good at writing letters.
From “Good Ole Boys Like Me“: When I was a kid, Uncle Remus would put me to bed.
From “Expert at Everything“: No one could love me the way that you love, but is it a matter of time.
From “I’m Getting at Missing You“: Solitaire. I’m getting good at Solitaire.
From his last CD “I Just Come Here for the Music” with Alison Krauss (the most angelic female voice ever). He still sounded AMAZING: He doesn’t mean to come on too strong.
And the one that started it for me. From “I Believe in You“: I don’t believe in superstars, organic food, and foreign cars.
Today, upon hearing the news, I wept.
He was–and is–my absolute favorite.
And I miss him already!
RELATED: Click HERE to read Don Williams & my love story!
What a beautiful, unblemished, pure love affair you have had with him all these years. The music will go on and on, won’t it?!
I love how you put that: beautiful, unblemished, pure love affair. That is EXACTLY what I have had with him. EXACTLY. The only man who has never broken my heart!
A wonderful tribute to a great artist! Well done and well written. I will miss him too. Thank goodness, he left us all those beautiful, heartfelt and soul wrenching songs. R.I.P.
Yes, thank goodness!
Love comes in so many forms of expression. This type of pure love is sometimes most sweet.
Love is mysterious. I never met Don or even attended one of his concerts, and yet, I feel so connected to him. And I know that we were kindred spirits! I love you Don!
I love him!