Country Music tragically lost two great singers yesterday. A country music hall of famer in Don Williams and one who was in his country music prime, Troy Gentry. A sad day for those families. A sad day for country music.
Don Williams, the Gentle Giant
As one who is almost 48, I spent a good deal of my formative years listening to ole Don Williams, nicknamed “The Gentle Giant”. I remember such songs as, “Good Ole Boy Like Me,” “Tulsa Time,” “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good,” and “Love Me Tonight.” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO, Kyle Young, said Friday in a statement about Don that, “His music will forever be a balm in troubled times.
Everyone who makes country music with grace, intelligence, and ageless intent will do so while standing on the shoulders of this gentle giant.” It was a fitting epitaph.
I remember listening to Don Williams, as a 9-year-old, from an old analog clock radio while helping my grandfather restore a 1968 Ford Mustang. These were defining moments in my childhood and the soothing sounds of singers like Don Williams helped to illustrate that book.
Don Williams was born in 1939, in a little town called Floydada, on the plains of the Llano Estacado or staked plains, which were on the southern end of the Western High Plains in West Texas. He was, however, raised in Portland, Texas. Don first began performing professionally in Corpus Christi as one part of the duo, Strangers Two.
He later spent three years as a member of the country singing trio The Pozo Seco Singers, before signing a songwriting contract with a publishing company owned by Jack Clement, a singer, songwriter, and film producer. A year after that he began his solo career.
Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
In 2012 he released an album called, “And So It Goes,” and once more, in 2014 he released an album entitled, “Reflections.” But by 2016 he began having a series of health problems and announced his retirement from live performances in March.
Troy Gentry, Montgomery Gentry
Troy Gentry of the band, Montgomery Gentry, also passed from this world today following a helicopter crash.
Montgomery Gentry was best known for songs like, “What Do You Think About That?," “SomethingTo Be Proud Of,” and, “She Couldn’t Change Me.” Both born in Kentucky, Troy Gentry, and Eddie Montgomery, began performing first in the 90’s as part of two separate bands with Eddie Montgomery’s brother, John Michael Montgomery. Montgomery Gentry was formed in 1999.
Montgomery Gentry released six solo albums out of which came 20 chart singles for the duo on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. They had a number of #1 songs such as, "If You Ever Stop Loving Me," "Something to Be Proud Of," "Lucky Man," "Back When I Knew It All," and "Roll with Me."
Troy Gentry was born in Lexington Kentucky in 1967. He is survived by his wife Angie and his two children Kaylee and Taylor.
The country world’s heart goes out to them I’m sure. According to People.com, a friend had said, “Nobody loved life more,” than Troy Gentry.
It is certain he will be missed by many. His candle burned out much too soon. So today we say goodbye to two great country singers that gave the world so much Don Williams, and Troy Gentry. And with that, I’m going to listen to some music.
