Don Williams honored by Nashville symphony

Mary Jane Farmer | May 24, 2019 | Reply

Photo by Mary Jane Farmer

PRESS RELEASE FROM 2911 MEDIA

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.

Courtesy photo

“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.

Photo by Mary Jane Farmer

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 was born the youngest of three sons on May 27, 1939, in Floydada, Texas. He grew up in Portland, where he graduated from highschool. He 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.”
RCA kept Williams on the charts into the 1990s, as he continued to play for huge crowds on the road. He 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.