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Soft-Spoken Country Music Hall Of Famer Don Williams Dies

Don Williams grew up in Texas and worked in the oil fields and even as a bill collector as he started his music career.
courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame
Don Williams grew up in Texas and worked in the oil fields and even as a bill collector as he started his music career.

Smooth-singing Don Williams has died after a short illness. The Country Music Hall of Famer was known for being soft-spoken. Even many of his hits, like "It Must Be Love" were low-key.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TKRYyA05o4

Williams grew up in the Texas panhandle and came to Nashville in the 1970s. He had a 15-year run where every single ended up in the top 40 country charts. "Tulsa Time" and "It Must Be Love" were some of his biggest hits.

More: Read about Williams' beginnings from his publicist

"Don Williams offered calm, beauty, and a sense of wistful peace that is in short supply these days," Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said in a statement. "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."

Williams performed his final concert last year and had been living in Ashland City. He was 78.

Copyright 2017 WPLN News

Blake Farmer
Blake Farmer is WPLN's assistant news director, but he wears many hats - reporter, editor and host. He covers the Tennessee state capitol while also keeping an eye on Fort Campbell and business trends, frequently contributing to national programs. Born in Tennessee and educated in Texas, Blake has called Nashville home for most of his life.