“Captivating Music History: The Journey of Don Williams’s ‘(Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight'”

“(Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight” – Don Williams (#1, 1975)
(written by Bob McDill)

Authored by Bob McDill, the enchanting melody “(Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight” illuminated the career path of the legendary Don Williams. The genesis of Williams’s solo journey was planted amidst the rich terrain of JMI Records, a tapestry of artistic brilliance woven by potent creative minds. Regrettably, the label’s administrative frailty couldn’t keep up with its artistic prowess, leading to its eventual downfall.

JMI, an acronym for “Jack Music, Inc.,” was the brainchild of music luminary Jack “Cowboy” Clement. Under his umbrella flourished an empire of music, encompassing a record company, publishing ventures, and the renowned Jack Clement Studios, later christened as the “Sound Emporium.” Spearheaded by Allen Reynolds, most of these enterprises found their roots in his stewardship, and he also took the reins as the producer behind Don Williams’s first two albums.

In the nascent stages, Don Williams donned the hats of both a songwriter and a song plugger for Clement’s publishing company. Yet, his efforts in both realms left him wanting more. Despite pitching top-tier compositions across Nashville, Williams frequently encountered the refrain that these gems were meant for his own vocal cords.

Reluctantly, he embraced this suggestion, and thus began his solo voyage in 1972, marked by the release of five singles under JMI. An extraordinary feat for an independent label, four of these tunes ascended to the Top 20 of the Billboard country chart. Among these, the apex was reached with “We Should Be Together” in 1974, soaring to the #5 spot.

From the inception of Williams’s recording journey, the steady supplier of his musical quiver was none other than Bob McDill, a fellow craftsman within the JMI stable. With time, McDill contributed an array of chart-toppers to Williams’s collection, with the zenith being the third #1 single, the timeless “(Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight.”

McDill, in reminiscing, regards the composition as a “modest little song,” initially not attaching excessive significance to it. However, the fervor of Chuck Neese, a fervent song advocate for the label, was palpable. Neese’s conviction in the potential of “(Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight” was steadfast, anticipating it would become an anthem for the ages in the hands of the right artist. That artist was Don Williams. The moment they serenaded him with the tune, destiny wove its magic just as Neese had prophesied.

A mere twelve weeks after its release, the evocative “(Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight” gracefully ascended to the summit of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart on November 1, 1975, etching its name into the annals of musical history.

Album: You’re My Best Friend
Artist: Don Williams
Released: 1975

Lyrics
I’ve been lonesome I’ve been empty I got an achin’ way down inside
I need someone someone to hold me
Pull down the shade turn out the light and love me tonight
Don’t think about tomorrow it don’t matter anymore
We can turn the key and lock the world outside the door
I need you so now come on let go now
Kick off your shoes turn out the light and love me tonight
Now don’t you worry we’re all alone now let your hair down sit by my side
Turn off the TV put on some music
Pull down the shade turn out the light and love me tonight
Don’t think about tomorrow