The late, beautiful Jessi Zazu (Photo by Linwood)
Donald Ray Williams (May 27, 1939 – September 8, 2017) was an American country singer, songwriter, and 2010 inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame. He began his solo career in 1971, singing popular ballads and amassing 17 number one country hits. His straightforward yet smooth bass-baritone voice, soft tones, and imposing build earned him the nickname: “Gentle Giant” of country music.
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Williams had some minor roles in Burt Reynolds movies. In 1975, Don appeared as a member of the Dixie Dancekings band in the movie W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings alongside Reynolds. Don also appeared as himself in the Universal Pictures movie, Smokey and the Bandit II, in which he also played a number of songs.
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In March 2016, Williams announced he was retiring from touring and cancelled all his scheduled shows. “It’s time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I’m so thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting love and support,” he said in a statement.
On September 8, 2017, Williams died in Mobile, Alabama due to emphysema.
Read the whole article here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Williams
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Jessi Zasu of Those Darlins
Those Darlins was a rock and roll band from Nashville, Tennessee active between 2006 and 2016. The group has released three albums, their alt-country leaning self-titled debut Those Darlins in 2009, the garage rock influenced Screws Get Loose in 2011, and the more classic rock and roll Blur The Line in 2013. The band also owns and operates its own record label, Oh Wow Dang Records.
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On December 9, 2015, the band announced, via its Facebook page, that it was going on hiatus. “We’re here to deliver some unfortunate news… Those Darlins will be taking an indefinite hiatus effective after our final tour in January. We’ve had a really great run together, but the time has come for us to move in different directions. We really appreciate all the love and support from our friends, fans, and family over the years.” On March 17, 2016, Those Darlins played their last show ever at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn.
Frontwoman Jessi Zazu died on September 12, 2017, following a battle with cervical cancer; She was 28 years old.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Those_Darlins
On September 12, we lost Jessi, we’re still reeling and will be for a while.
We’re raising money to put together a memorial service (details forthcoming on the service) as well as help take care of remaining medical expenses.Thanks in advance for anything you can give to help ease the family’s burden.
From the desk of Linwood and Those Darlins HQ:
Yesterday I said goodbye to my best friend, long time partner in crime and hero, Jessi Zazu Wariner.
She maintained a sense of humor and a commanding presence up until and through her final moments. She was in the company of those who cared deeply about her and who she cared deeply about.
Shout-out to your contagious spirit that inspired all who crossed it. Shout-out to the creative dynamo who continued to flourish even against insurmountable odds. Shout-out to all the little triumphs over the last 16 months. Shout-out to the ridiculous van rides and the fights and to the fact that we never turned our backs on one another over the last decade. Shout-out to the dreams we made and the ones left to come. And shout-out to all of you who have supported her until the end.
https://www.youcaring.com/thefamilyofjessizazu-948456
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Harry Sandler, Rock Photographer & Famed Tour Manager, Dies at 73