Don Williams, the Country Music Hall of Fame singer known as “The Gentle Giant,” has died after a brief illness at age 78.
Williams performed music from a very young age, winning a talent contest when he was only 3 years old.
Williams had 16 No. 1 hits in the 1970s and '80s and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010. His nickname came from his smooth and mellow sound, which was unlike other country music artists of the time.
“He never let himself stray from what he felt about music. I think that’s where the consistency comes from. It had to work for him in a simple way,” producer Garth Fundis said of Williams, Billboard reported.
Even after he stopped hitting the charts with new songs, Williams continued to tour and make records until 2016 after trying to retire with a farewell tour in 2006. He toured internationally, including in Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
A tribute album, “Gentle Giants,” was recorded with singers such as Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, and Dierks Bentley singing Williams’ songs.
“I’m so thankful for my fans, my friends, and my family for their everlasting love and support,” Williams said when he finally retired in 2016, People reported.
Some of Williams' many fans, including other stars, posted their condolences on Twitter.
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