He worked in oil fields, drove a bread truck … Eight things you probably didn’t know about Don Williams

Born May 27, 1939, in Floydada, Texas, Donald Ray Williams was an American country singer and songwriter. He died on September 8, 2017.

Below are eight amazing facts about the music icon:

– Don Williams was three-years-old when he made his first public performance. He sang in a local talent contest and won first prize, an alarm clock.

– He grew up in Portland, Texas, and graduated in 1958 from Gregory-Portland High School.

– His first paid job in music: In 1957, while in high school, Don and a group of friends played and sang for the opening of Billups Service Station in Taft, Texas. They were paid a total of $25.

– During his teenage days, Williams also worked as a bill collector, drove a bread truck, worked in the Texas oil fields, in furniture retailing, in a smelting plant, and for Pittsburgh Plate Glass.

– In 1964, he formed the well-remembered Pozo Seco Singers, a very successful trio (Lofton Cline, Susan Taylor. and Don) who sang a variety of music from folk to pop and country. Their first single, Time, climbed into the national Top 10 and there were other chart hits by the group. The Pozos disbanded in 1969.

– Williams co-starred with Burt Reynolds in two films, W. W & The Dixie Dance Kings for 20th Century Fox, and Smokey & The Bandit II for Universal.

– Don Williams was the first country music artist to make a concept music video. It was produced in 1973 in support of his third single for JMI Records (Come Early Morning).

– When not playing his guitar or on tour, Williams loves fishing and tinkering with his prized ’56 Chevy.