Don Williams, ‘And So It Goes’ Album Features Special Country Guests

In spite of his determination to spend more time on his Tennessee farm with his family, one of country music's most beloved entertainers, Don Williams, has come out of retirement to record his first album in eight years. And he's celebrating the occasion with some musically-minded friends. 'And So It Goes,' set for release on June 19 on Sugar Hill Records, will feature special guests Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, along with Keith Urban, who was on hand when Don received the ASCAP Golden Note award last year.

Reuniting with acclaimed Nashville producer Garth Fundis, with whom he'd worked for seventeen years on many of his best-known hits, including 'Tulsa Time,' 'I Believe in You,' and 'Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,' the album reacquaints fans with the mellow voice that has earned the Texas-born singer the nickname 'Gentle Giant.' In 2010, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"I didn't do this album because I just felt that I was going to die if I didn't do another one," says the singer, "but because of all of that encouragement to do it. So here we are -- and now I'm feeling good about it. When we started back up again, it was like we'd never quit."

Recorded with his long intact working band, guests Keith Urban, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill add both instrumental and vocal backing to the disc. Alison adds harmonies to a tune titled 'I Just Come Here for the Music.' Songwriters on the 10-tune collection include Kieran Kane, Ronnie Bowman, Al Anderson and Leslie Satcher, along with Don's son Tim Williams, and Don himself.

"The only description that I've ever had for songs I choose to do," notes the 72-year-old legend,"is that they affect me emotionally and that, hopefully, they have something to say that will touch other people."

Don Williams will be on tour in support of the new album with tour dates expected to be announced soon.