Country Music Star Don Williams Dies At 78

NASHVILLE, TN — The Gentle Giant of country music has passed away. Don Williams, 78, died Friday after a short illness, his publicist announced. A native of Floydada, Texas, Williams topped the country charts in the 1970s and 1980s with hits such as “Tulsa Time,” “She Never Knew Me,” and “I Believe In You."

Known for his laid-back style, Williams built a following across America and abroad, and was named the Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978 by the Country Music Association, according to his publicist, Webster Public Relations. (For more updates and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

In the 1980s, he reached the country music charts with hits that included “Stay Young,” “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” and “One Good Well.” Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Williams announced his retirement last year with the release of a live CD and DVD recorded in Ireland, his publicist said. This year, he was the subject of a tribute album, "Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams," that included performances of his hits by artists such as Lady Antebellum and Garth Brooks.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Image: Don Williams (Webster Public Relations)