Don Adams has died at 85.
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Parade reports that the singer-songwriter, perhaps best known for his work with Johnny Paycheck and George Jones, lost his long battle with cancer on Feb. 1.
The unsung outlaw country legend left behind his two brothers and five daughters.
Don Adams Grew Up With Music
Adams was born on Jan. 4, 1941. to his fiddle player father. Aside from growing up in a musical family, Adams was a childhood friend of Donald Eugene Lytle, better known as Johnny Paycheck. Paycheck would become a musical influence on Adams and his brothers.
Not only could Adams sing tenor, but he was also adept at playing both bass and rhythm guitar. His knack for harmonies made him a welcome stage presence. He and his brothers joined George Jones' "Jones Boys" backup group. They toured across the country and appeared on variety programs like The Jimmy Dean Show.
Adams Struck Out on His Own
It was in the early 1970s when Adams signed with Atlantic Records. His debut album, On His Way, featured the hit single "I've Already Stayed Too Long." Paycheck shared his admiration for his childhood friend during a radio interview.
"It's amazing how we've progressed in two years. I'm very grateful," said Paycheck. "I now have probably the biggest show, one of the biggest shows on the road. I carry a young man who does my front work for me, and he's now recording for Atlantic Records—Don Adams, who has just had a hit record 'I've Already Stayed Too Long.'"
Paycheck also told Adams to never give up and to work hard. That advice brought Adams to venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl, and even Carnegie Hall.
Modern audiences perhaps best know Adams from the show Tales From the Tour Bus. The animated show depicted the wild stories the star told about his life on the road with Jones and Paycheck.
However, Adams eventually settled down and returned to Ohio to be with his family. He often played locally and eventually was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame.
Fans called him "a legend."
