In this written blog, Jamie Dyer talks about his connection to country music legend Don Gibson.
I recall many times in my childhood, sitting in the car with my uncle, listening to classic Country music. He had a compilation of tracks that I practically memorized and now remember with fondness.
It was a fairly standard collection, but my exposure to classic Country sounds was limited back then. The compilation featured songs from artists like Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, and more. One standout track was “Oh Lonesome Me” by Don Gibson.
That song stuck in my head for years afterward. Not just because of its catchy refrain, but also because of the jaunting guitar in both the rhythm and lead sections. I was also struck by Gibson’s vocal ability, something I tried to replicate but found impossible to match.
Since then, I’ve seen Don Gibson pop up on rescreenings of The Midnight Special on YouTube, particularly during one of their country music extravaganzas from the mid-70s. The show included a lineup of country legends: Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Charlie Rich, and many others. However, it was Don Gibson—usually performing just one number—who stole the show for me. His moving voice, accomplished musicianship, and captivating stage presence drew me in every time.
Don Gibson was born in Shelby ,North Carolina in 1928. A prolific songwriter and musician, he had hits including “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, “Oh Lonesome Me”, “Sea of Heartbreak” and “Sweet Dreams”. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. He passed away in 2003, at the age of 75.
Rediscovering Avid
Fast forward to last week, and I’m doing some research for work. I often browse through independent and reissue record labels, looking for material to review. That’s when I stumbled upon Avid, a company that specializes in reissues of vintage Pop, Easy Listening, Classical, Folk, Rhythm and Blues, Country, and Rock and Roll. They compile three to five albums from one artist onto two discs.
At one point, I was an avid buyer of these releases—if you’ll excuse the pun. In my collection, I have remasters of Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Kitty Wells, Brenda Lee, Ricky Nelson, and Chuck Berry. I’ve always found them to be of the highest quality and an absolute steal at £6.99 or £7.99 per unit. To get an artist’s best work at a decent price in a compact package makes their catalog a must-buy for me.
The other day, I was browsing through Avid’s Country selection and was surprised by how many big names they’ve covered; A number of these are artists whom I know one or two of their songs, that’s their wide air catalog eludes me. I recently had to lighten my vinyl collection—parting with albums by Marty Robbins and Slim Whitman due to space issues—but I can now replace them with something more condensed.
One artist I don’t own in any format, though, is Don Gibson. Avid is selling a set containing Gibson’s first five albums, plus a couple of bonus tracks. These albums span 1958 to 1962, mostly under the direction of legendary guitarist and producer Chet Atkins.
From what I’ve heard, this period covers Gibson’s golden years. At some point, I’ll invest in this set, spurred on by my deep connection to that one track I heard so many years ago.
Even if I’m not as much of a fan of his wider work, I know I’ll still appreciate it. Sure, I could opt for a greatest hits compilation, but I believe the true measure of an artist is found in their albums. Something tells me that beneath “Sea of Heartbreak”, “Don’t Tell Me Your Troubles”, and “Oh Lonesome Me” lies some undiscovered gold waiting to be heard. I look forward to finding it with great anticipation. What is your favourite song by Don Gibson? Let us know on social media or by commenting below.
Albums mentioned in this article:
Don Gibson: Five Classic Albums Plus (Oh Lonesome Me / That Gibson Boy / Look Who’s Blue / Sweet Dreams / Some Favorites Of Mine)
Kitty Wells: Five Classic Albums Plus (Kitty Wells’ Country Hit Parade / Lonely Street / Dust On The Bible / Kitty’s Choice / Heartbreak USA)
Marty Robbins: Four Classic Albums (Marty Robbins / Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs / More Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs / Just A Little Sentimental)
Slim Whitman: Five Classic Albums (Favourites / Sings Country Hits / Sings / Just Call Me Lonesome / Once In A Lifetime)
Brenda Lee: Four Classic Albums (Brenda Lee (Miss Dynamite) / This Is Brenda / All The Way / Brenda, That’s All)
Ricky Nelson: Four Classic Albums (Ricky / Ricky Nelson / Ricky Sings Again / Rick Is 21)
Chuck Berry: Four Classic Albums (After School Session / One Dozen Berrys / Chuck Berry Is On Top / Rockin’ At The Hops)
Bill Haley: Five Classic Albums (Rock Around The Clock / Rock With Bill Haley / Rock N Roll Stage Show / Rockin’ Around The World / Bill Haley’s Chicks)
Buddy Holly: Four Classic Albums (That’ll Be The Day / Buddy Holly / The Chirping Crickets / The Buddy Holly Story Vol 2)
