“Tears of the Lonely”: A Calming Reminder from Gentle Giant Don Williams

Donald Ray Williams, famously known as Don Williams, is an American singer-songwriter who initially recorded “Tears of the Lonely,” written by Wayland Holyfield.

Before continuing to pursue his solo career, Williams was part of a folk-pop group called Pozo Seco Singers. Together with Susan Taylor and Lofton Cline, they recorded several songs for Columbia Records until the group disbanded in 1970.

The track was released in his Expressions album in 1978 along with Don Williams’s greatest hits, “When I’m With You,” “Tulsa Time,” “Give It To Me,” and “Not A Chance.” Williams has also released 25 albums since, with some of his tracks becoming a major hit in the US Billboards.

About Williams and His Piece

Don Williams has signed contracts for different labels. However, he maintains control over what he writes and how he records. It is said that Williams refuses to sing any song that includes themes about marital infidelity, drinking, or fighting because he hasn’t done those things, which is why he cannot relate to them. He prefers to sing records about love and those that tell a story.

Listeners could connect to “Tears of the Lonely” because of how Don Williams could connect human emotions and feelings to the song. The song was sad but sung beautifully, and many people praised how it was written, how the music resonated with many people, and how Williams sang it with such emotion. 

Because of his distinctive bass-baritone, smooth, and soft voice, Williams earned the title of “Gentle Giant.” He has sung a lot of ballads since his solo career began in 1971, and 17 of his hit songs have already topped the charts.

Listen to Don Williams and his soothing voice in “Tears of the Lonely” below.