Upcoming Tribute To Country Giant Don Williams To Feature Keith Urban

Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams will be posthumously honoured with a three-night multi-media event from 31 October featuring Keith Urban and the Nashville Symphony. Don Williams: Music & Memories of the Gentle Giant will also feature former members of his band and will take place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville.

The celebration will feature favourites from the long and distinguished career of the man known far and wide as the “Gentle Giant,” enhanced by stories and visual elements. The production will be narrated by Urban, who was both a friend and longtime admirer. Williams died in September 2017 at the age of 78, leaving a track record of 45 top ten country singles, 17 of them No. 1s.

“Don Williams and his music are strong threads in the tapestry of my life,” said Urban in a statement. “I jumped at the chance to play even a small role in this incredible concert experience. There is no better way to celebrate him and his legacy than reliving those musical moments, and I’m honoured to be part of continuing to share his story and music.”

Adds Williams’ longtime manager Robert Pratt: “This style of show has never been done before in country music, and it’s very fitting that we present Don and his music to the fans in this way. Don was a very quiet and private person who loved performing for his legion of fans. I am especially happy to bring his music back to the fans and premiere this new show in Nashville with the symphony and then take it on the road throughout 2020.”

Guitarists Michael Noble and Steve Peavey, keyboardist Chris Nole, drummer John Garner and bassist Mark Johnson, all of whom were members of Williams’ band, will take part. Other guests are expected to be added to the production. Tickets for Don Williams: Music & Memories of the Gentle Giant will go on sale on 27 May, which would have been his 80th birthday, for 80 hours.

Format: UK English