Don Winters born 17 April 1929

Don Winters (April 17, 1929 - August 17, 2002) was an American country singer and songwriter.

Don Winters was born in 1929 in Tampa, Florida, he was raised mostly in South Georgia, he was the son of entertainer "Pop" Winters who headed "The Southern Strollers." Don began performing with them in the late 40s but moved to Nashville in the 50s and recorded on Decca and RCA labels. He recorded a few duets with his sister Rita Marie Winters, who was born on August 15, 1932 and chose the stage name Rita Robbins, with whom she had already participated in Nita, Rita & Ruby. The stage name Rita Robbins has no personal connection to Marty Robbins. 

Don was a gifted vocalist, noted especially for his yodeling and long wind. He began recording for RCA Victor in 1953 with his sister Rita. Then from 1956 - 1966 he recorded for various labels which included Coin (1956) Columbia (1957) Decca (1960) Brunswick (1961-62) Hamilton, Sims (1963) Ashley, Robbins (1966).  

                                   

His solo efforts included his 1961 top-ten single of "Too Many Times" and another favourite,  "Shake Hands With A Loser. Around 1960 he joined Marty Robbins' band as a singer and guitar player. With Bobby Sykes the three were known as "The Marty Robbins Trio" and performed with Marty Robbins. During his 23 years with Marty, he was part of the band and a featured solo artist in his shows.

Most internet sources credit them as being in the recording sessions for Columbia Records from spring 1960 to Dec. 1964 although, however it is well known that Marty Robbin's producers Don Law and Frank Jones mainly used session staff from the Nashville A-Team. Strangely both Winters and Sykes are not mentioned in Marty's recording sessions except for two in 1960. in the early '70s he had a brief side career recording several albums of country covers and generic tribute albums along with the studio band, The Country Ramblers.

Don Winters, Bobby Sykes and Marty Robbins

Meanwhile he was a devoted and loyal friend to Marty Robbins, accompanying him to races and public appearances until his death in 1982. Later, in an interview with Swampland, reporter Michael Buffalo Smith asked him that as well as touring with Robbins if he also recorded with him. Winters replied " Oh yes. I did the background vocals on a lot of songs like “El Paso City” and “Devil Woman.” Not the original “El Paso City,” we re-recorded it."   

Winters recorded the album "The Yodeling King" with his sons Donnie and Dennis, The Winters Brothers Band in 1984 , and also did a few shows with them. His last last performance was with his sons on June 15, 2002, a few months later he passed away at his home in Nolensville, Tennessee on August 17, 2002. He was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 1994 from which he recovered, but died after a year's struggle with liver cancer. He is buried in Nolensville Cemetery in Nolensville, Tennessee, USA.

(Scant information edited from IMDB, Rock'n'Roll Records Forum & Rocky 52)