He belongs to an elite group going back to the days of Jim Reeves and including stars like Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Tom T Hall, George Jones and, in more recent times, Garth Brooks. All of these stars have captured a special place in the hearts of so many Irish country fans.

Ahead of his two shows in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on 22 and 23 May, billed as his final European tour, a new single, I’ll Be Here In The Morning, has been released from his brand new album, Reflections.

The album, now available in record stores and from Amazon and iTunes, is another masterpiece in the art of craft and delivery. The tall Texan with the hallmark hat and self-assured ease does laid-back like no one else in the business. His music transcends genres and generations.

Here, Don delivers a new collection of songs that look set to become classics. Each song honours the storytelling history pure country fans have come to expect from Don Williams.

Stronger Back, Back to The Simple Things, and Working Man’s Son celebrate the strength and integrity of everyday men and women. I'll Be Here In The Morning and I Won't Give Up On You are narratives of love performed in that old familiar manner that has long made him one of the true superstars of country music.

It was back in the 1970s that the spell of Don Williams first crossed the Atlantic.

His records shifted in huge volumes and his songs became part of the soundtrack of a generation. Gypsy Woman, Turn Out The Lights, We Should Be Together, Amanda, Some Broken Hearts Never Mend, Come early Morning, and the ever popular sing-along You’re My Best Friend, are part of country music culture here in Ireland.

He will hardly be able to leave Dublin if he does not perform one of the loveliest songs he ever recorded, Where The Arkansas River Leaves Oklahoma, a huge favourite with his Irish fans.

Don Williams sings the songs of everyday people with a beautiful simplicity, devoid of any overtones of false grandeur. His commanding presence and easy style sees him engage audience as only he can do.

Because of his special rapport with Irish audiences, he has chosen Dublin’s Olympia Theatre as the venue to record the tour DVD.

The show on Thursday, 22 May, is already sold out, but there are still a few tickets left for the concert on Friday, 23 May. These are available via Ticketmaster outlets.

For more information about Don Williams, visit www.don-williams.com. CL