Complete Singles As & Bs 1952-62

Don Gibson was a country singer and songwriter, whose influence and impact was achieved not only through his own hit singles, but also those by other artists who recorded his songs. He came to prominence in the mid-1950s, so was not part of the honky-tonk tradition that was established in the immediate post-war decade, his music having a more modern and contemporary flavour, occasionally transcending the divide between country and mainstream pop and rock 'n' roll. Perhaps his best-known song was "I Can't Stop Lovin' You", a No. 7 hit for him in 1958, but a worldwide No. 1 for Ray Charles a few years later. His first country No. 1 "Oh Lonesome Me", was also a pop hit for other artists in both the USA and UK. His US No.2 "Sea Of Heartbreak" was a UK pop hit in 1961. This great value 58-track 2-CD collection, with extensive booklet notes plus comprehensive discographical, chart, session and personnel information, comprises all his A & B sides for Columbia, MGM and RCA during the decade from 1952-62. It includes more than 20 country and pop chart entries, among them the No. 1s "Oh Lonesome Me" and "Blue Blue Day". It's a fine showcase for his distinctive talent.