Don Williams cuts Ronnie Bowman song

I don’t know about any of you, but I am a BIG fan of country legend Don Williams. The Gentle Giant smooth style appeals to nearly everyone, which is why he was one of the most successful artists of the 1970s and ’80s. Williams had been all but retired when he decided to begin playing select dates last summer. I had the pleasure of seeing Don perform in Renfro Valley last August at one of these shows, and let me tell you, he sounded as good as he ever did. His laid back demeanor and signature sound made for a very enjoyable time.

Don Williams is performing even more heavily this year, with dates overseas and the exciting news of a new album to be released in June! The album, And So It Goes, hits shelves June 19. Featuring special guests such as Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Keith Urban, in addition to Hall of Fame member, Williams, Nashville songwriters were chomping at the bit at the the chance to have a song recorded by one of the biggest hit-makers in country music history.

Congratulations to bluegrass’ very own Ronnie Bowman, whose What If It Worked Liked That is not only included on the album, but is the first song released to the general public.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Bowman, and get some more details on his new song.

“Well, what can I say about it? I got together one day with a couple of friends and co-writers, and started a discussion of what it would be like to eat and drink all you wanted and not gain any weight. That would be something wouldn’t it? And that turned into, how nice it would be if  you could wake up one day and just be a little younger and wiser (If I’d of known then what I know now so to speak). Next thing you know, we’re writing a song about it.

It’s just a lighthearted view of some things in life that we thought would be nice if it worked that way. For example, my older sister had recently passed away, and it was discussed how great it would be if you could reach out and hug someone that you loved and missed so much. Whenever you wanted. Wouldn’t that be great?

Anyway, what if you could hang out with your friends, drink a little coffee, play a little music, write a song, and hear Don Williams sing it. Imagine how ‘Awesome’ that would be. What if it worked like that?”

Sounds awesome to me! What If It Worked Like That fits Williams’ style to a T, and sounds as if it could be an established standard rather than a brand new single. Bowman’s songwriting and Williams’ voice are a match made in music heaven, and I am so glad it “worked like that!”

Here’s a video that Sugar Hill created to promote the CD, featuring comments on Williams’ music from Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and others.