Don Gibson is definitely one of the most talented composers of his era. Don Gibson songs all played their most important roles in bringing to the bigger audience the message about the Nashville songwriting community’s creativity, ability, and capacity.
Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Don Gibson considered himself a songwriter first and a singer second. He didn’t fake the feelings of hopelessness and misery he captured so briefly in his best songs. So, it was no surprise that his influence runs deep, far, and wide – with his songs being recorded by various music legends, including Elvis Presley, Kitty Wells, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, and so much more.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of Gibson’s greatest hits. Keep on scrolling below!
1. Oh Lonesome Me
While this may have been a simple country song, it has nevertheless endured the test of time – mainly because of its lyrics that capture the universal feelings of losing someone you love and the various artists that have covered it, keeping it alive through the years.
Written by Gibson and produced by another heavyweight of the genre, Chet Atkins, “Oh Lonesome Me” follows a man’s breakup and misery. While he knows he should be out there having fun, he doesn’t have the courage to break the blues.
2. I Can’t Stop Loving You
Ever since he recorded and released this country ballad, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” has become one of the most phenomenal hits. Gibson wrote the song in 1957 while hanging out at his trailer, singing lyrics into his tape recorder.
At the time of his death in 2003, the country ballad had been recorded by over 700 artists – with Ray Charles’ version being the most notable one, reaching No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100. Conway Twitty duplicated that feat and had performed the song in his live shows, receiving a great audience reaction. Other artists who recorded the song were Sammi Smith, Elvis Presley, Faron Young, Frank Sinatra, Kitty Wells, and so much more.
3. Blue Blue Day
Another song written by Gibson, “Blue Blue Day,” followed a man’s sorrow when he discovered that his lover had now found somebody new. He felt like crying and dying, but there was nothing he could do.
The song reached No. 1 on the country charts, where it remained for a total of six weeks.
4. Woman (Sensuous Woman)
Gibson also had bouts of alcohol and drug abuse – and went on hiatus. Fourteen years later, he came back stronger to the No. 1 position with “Woman (Sensuous Woman).” The song has captured the country fans’ attention as it tells the story of a man having a lustful affair, repeatedly going astray from his marriage just to be with the woman that bewitched him.
5. Just One Time
The song was one of Gibson’s biggest hits. When it was released in 1960, the song quickly reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart while crossing over to the pop chart, ranking No. 29. Several notable artists also recorded “Just One Time,” this includes Kitty Wells, Dottie West, and Chet Atkins.
The song tells the story of a man’s desire to be with the woman he loves, even for a brief time; however, she has now found someone new.
6. Sea of Heartbreak
Gibson found himself describing the feelings of lost love, which he compared to being lost in a figurative sea of deeply sad emotion in this 1961 country hit song, “Sea of Heartbreak” – which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
The song has several notable versions, including Johnny Cash’s for his Grammy-winning album. His daughter Rosanne Cash also covered the song as a duet with Bruce Springsteen.
7. It’s All Over
Originally released by The Everly Brothers, the song stands out as it’s one of the few songs that feature Phil Everly on lead vocals, with Don Everly doing the harmony. However, “It’s All Over” did not make the chart in the United States.
A little over a decade later, Gibson covered the song for his album I’m All Wrapped Up in You – and you could tell it’s one of his most underrated songs.
8. Rings of Gold
Gibson teamed up with Dottie West for a country gem of ” Rings of Gold,” reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It’s the first of two duets pairing West and Gibson to reach the top 10 of the said chart.
More Don Gibson Songs That Show He’s Truly A Legend
Truly, Don Gibson is responsible for writing some of the most popular songs in country music history. Check out some more of his hits below.
Indeed, these Don Gibson songs helped define the sound of modern country music.
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