About the song
Don Williams and “Desperately Loving You”
Don Williams was a country music singer-songwriter known for his smooth, mellow voice and his gentle, romantic ballads. He was one of the most popular country music artists of the 1970s and 1980s, and he recorded over 20 albums during his career.
“Desperately Loving You” was written by Bob McDill and was originally released on Williams’s 1979 album, “Expressions.” The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1980 and was a Top 40 pop hit.
The song is a beautiful ballad about love and loss. It tells the story of a man who is struggling to cope with the loss of his beloved. The song’s lyrics are simple but poetic, and Williams’s gentle vocals perfectly capture the song’s message of love, loss, and longing.
“Desperately Loving You” has become a classic country song, and it has been covered by many other artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Alan Jackson. It is a timeless song about love and loss that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Background and Recording
“Desperately Loving You” was written by Bob McDill, a songwriter who had written several other hits for Williams, including “I Wouldn’t Want to Live If You Didn’t Love Me” and “Tulsa Time.” McDill wrote the song in the late 1970s, and he was inspired by the loss of his own father.
Williams recorded “Desperately Loving You” for his 1979 album, “Expressions.” The song was produced by Jack Clement, a well-known country music producer who had worked with some of the biggest names in the genre, including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson.
Success and Legacy
“Desperately Loving You” was released as the second single from Williams’s album, “Expressions.” The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1980 and was a Top 40 pop hit.
The song’s success helped to make Williams a household name, and it established him as one of the most popular country music artists of the 1970s. “Desperately Loving You” has become a classic country song, and it has been covered by many other artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Alan Jackson.
Critical reception
“Desperately Loving You” has been praised by critics for its simple, yet powerful lyrics and Williams’s gentle vocals. In a review of the song, AllMusic critic Thom Jurek wrote, “‘Desperately Loving You’ is a beautiful ballad about love and loss. The song’s lyrics are simple but poetic, and Williams’s gentle vocals perfectly capture the song’s message of love, loss, and longing.”
Impact and legacy
“Desperately Loving You” has had a lasting impact on country music. It is considered to be one of the most classic country songs of all time, and it has been covered by many other artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Alan Jackson. The song is a timeless ballad about love and loss that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Other notable covers
“Desperately Loving You” has been covered by many other artists, including:
- Emmylou Harris (1981)
- Willie Nelson (1982)
- Alan Jackson (1990)
- George Strait (1992)
- Garth Brooks (1998)
- Brad Paisley (2006)
- Luke Bryan (2013)
The song’s popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love and loss. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.