Singer-songwriter wrote "I Can't Stop Loving You," Sweet Dreams" and "Oh Lonesome Me":
- Don Gibson, an elementary school dropout who wrote and recorded country standards like "I Can't Stop Loving You," has died, his lawyer said. He was 75.
Gibson's songs used plain language and riveting melodies to communicate strong emotions. He sang in a rich baritone and usually wrote about solitude and sadness involving love, earning him the nickname "the sad poet."
"Simple is the only way I can write," he once said.
Gibson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
Born on April 3, 1928, Gibson was a poor boy from Shelby, N.C., who dropped out of school in second grade. But he became a songwriting genius who sold millions of records.
"The only thing I was any good at was music," he said in a 1997 interview.
Between 1958 and the mid-1960s, Gibson's records and his compositions, including "Sweet Dreams" and "Oh Lonesome Me," were hits for himself and many other performers.
"I Can't Stop Loving You" was recorded by more than 700 artists, but Ray Charles had the big pop version in 1962.
"Don Gibson gave me my first country hit and for that I will be forever grateful," Charles said Tuesday. "Forty years ago, 'I Can't Stop Loving You' gave both my career and country music a complete new chapter. It allowed me to go in a whole different musical direction while bringing the country sounds to a new and wider audience.
"It was Don's wonderful creation that served as a springboard for this part of my life that remains one of the most cherished aspects of my career." [AP]
Article comments
1 - dude
Those happy hours
That we once knew
So long ago
Still make me blue
They say that time
Heals a broken heart
But time has stood still
Since we've been apart
2 - Dave
Hi,
Can anyone tell me if Don Gibson had a guitarist named Marvin Lanier in his band? WHere could I find more info on him?
Thanks for your time, Dave
3 - Natalie Davis
Oh, sad news! The good news is his amazing songs will live on. RIP, Mr. Gibson...
4 - Dan
Don had a great guitar player named Marvin Lanier who now lives in Charleston, South Carolina.
5 - Larry "Sharky" Finley
Marvin Lanier was Don Gibson's lead guitarist for many years. Marvin played with Ace Cannon for about 3 years while Don was battling an addiction problem. Marvin resumed work with Don during Don's brief attempt at a career "come back". I've had the priviledge of having heard Marvin Lanier play on a number of occasions. He is fantastic! Marvin now resides in North Charleston, SC where he grew up. -Larry Finley
6 - Chris Lanier
Hello Marvin Lanier is my father if you want to contact him email me and I will give you the details, We now live in Santee SC [Personal contact info deleted]
7 - Chris Lanier
My father Marvin Lanier is also selling one of his guitars that he used on the grand ole oprey with Don, [Personal contact info deleted]
8 - ToneZilla
Dave,
Don Gibson did have a guitarist named Marvin Lanier. He and my father were childhood friends thoughout the youth.
Marvin was from Charleston SC.
I got to go to the Opry with him to see Don and many other.
9 - kb
Chris, can you help me with some information about Don and your Dad? Does your dad rememmber Polly, Don's first wife? I am doing an article on his life, the people and friends he had 1955-1964. Any information would be so appreicated. Let me know how to contanct you/him or you can contanct me. thanks KB
10 - Beth
Chris Lanier
Please tell you Father hello for me and that recently the song "What's new Pussy Cat" has been running through my mind a lot....and that song always makes me think of him. I hope this finds him happy and in good health.
Thank you,
Beth Bargar Boudreaux
eboudreaux@cfl.rr.com
11 - Gerrald Frazier
Hi Chris,
My Dad played music and sang for your Dadlong ago before his move to Vegas. Dad, Clyde Frazier, would love to hear from him
12 - Janet Moore
Don Gibson was first married to my Aunt Polly (my Mom's sister). Not many people know this, but she actually wrote "I Can't Stop Loving You". My mom told me this about 30 years ago. Aunt Polly and Don had a daughter who lives in Arizona now. My Aunt Polly died back in the late 70's. She wrote other songs for him, too, but chose to stay in the background and give him the credit. He was a wonderful singer.
13 - BILL THRONEBURG
HELLO CHRIS,
MARVIN AND I WORKED, PLAYED TOGETHER FOR YEARS. PLEASE GIVE HIM MY BEST AND HOPE ALL IS WELL. WE SEND A SPECIAL HELLO TO DEBRA.
CALL OR EMAIL, I'D LOVE TO SAY HELLO AGAIN. WE ARE IN GA.
BILL AND JEAN THRONEBURG
14 - sue gibson chamberlain
My father and Don Gibson were first cousins. I never had the opportunity to meet him but would love to talk to someone that grew up with Don that might remember my dad. We all grew up in Shelby. Any information would be helpful. Can anyone give me the contact information for Marvin Lanier, the lead guitarist. My son is now a musician and I would love to meet him. Might also be interested in a guitar. Thanks so much. Sue Chamberlain [personal contact info deleted]