In celebration of the release of the new Don Williams tribute album, Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams, the Grand Ole Opry will honor his music and five-decade career with a special show on next Tuesday night’s Opry (5/30). Opry member Alison Krauss, John Prine, Jason Isbell, and Amanda Shires, all of whom appear on the new album honoring the man known as the “Gentle Giant,” will perform during the Tuesday night show. The Slate Creek Records collection is available at retailers and digital outlets today, just in time for Williams’ 78th birthday tomorrow.
The new project was assembled and produced by Williams ‘ longtime producer/friend Garth Fundis. Other artists covering Williams classics on the new CD include Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Brandy Clark, Lady Antebellum, Keb’ Mo’, Pistol Annies, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, and Trisha Yearwood. Gems like “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “Tulsa Time,” and “I Believe In You,” all appear on the new album.
The collection not only honors Williams’ artistic contributions, but supports a great cause as well, since all guest artist performances were donated in support of MusiCares, the charitable foundation of The Recording Academy. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for those in the music industry in times of need, covering a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. A majority of the proceeds from album sales will go to MusiCares.
Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams Track Listing:
1. “Tulsa Time” – Pistol Annies
2. “I Believe in You” – Brandy Clark
3. “We’ve Got a Good Fire Goin’” – Lady Antebellum
4. “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” – Dierks Bentley
5. “Amanda” – Chris Stapleton feat. Morgane Stapleton
6. “Till The Rivers All Run Dry” – Alison Krauss
7. “Love Is On A Roll” – John Prine feat. Roger Cook
8. “If I Needed You” – Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires
9. “Maggie’s Dream” – Trisha Yearwood
10. “Lord I Hope This Day is Good” – Keb’ Mo’
11. “Good Ole Boys Like Me” – Garth Brooks
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
