Biography of Don Gibson

This talented singer and songwriter had numerous crossover hits in the 60s and 70s, without even trying to cross over into the pop charts. It was simply that his rich and mellow voice, combined with his exceptionally well-written songs, appealed to many listeners, not only those in country. After failing with four different record labels early in his career, Don Gibson was heard by Chet Atkins, who was then working as an executive for RCA. The two songs Atkins heard? "Oh, Lonesome Me" and "I Can't Stop Loving You," both of which are now country standards and which Gibson wrote in a single day in 1958 in a Nashville house trailer. Gibson immediately joined the Opry, giving him the regular exposure that helped his records reach the charts right into the 80s. In the 70s he had over 40 charted songs, including "Woman, Sensuous Woman," a #1 in 1972. His compositions have been recorded regularly by other stars, from Ray Charles ("I Can't Stop Loving You") and Ronnie Milsap ("Legend in My Time") to Emmylou Harris ("Sweet Dreams"), to mention just a few among dozens. ~ David Vinopal