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BORN
1922
DIED
2015
Don Robertson Obituary
Born: 12/5/1922 - Deceased: 3/16/2015
Don was a Grammy nominated writer and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as being an ASCAP songwriter, music publisher, pianist, singer and former recording artist for Capitol Records, RCA Victor and Monument Records.
Don had a world-wide million selling record on Capitol Records in 1956 with THE HAPPY WHISTLER. He was the whistler, writer and arranger. Elvis Presley recorded 14 of Don's songs as did country legend Eddy Arnold. There are over 700 different renditions & usages of Don's songs to date. A few of his 1950's and 60's pop standards were BORN TO BE WITH YOU (The Chordettes), HUMMINGBIRD (Les Paul & Mary Ford); and RINGO, a #1 pop hit for Lorne Greene in 1964. Robertson also wrote, or co-wrote, some of the most beloved country songs of all time: PLEASE HELP ME I'M FALLING (Hank Locklin), I REALLY DON'T WANT TO KNOW (Eddy Arnold) and I DON'T HURT ANYMORE (Hank Snow), also a hit r&b version by Dinah Washington. He was nominated for a Grammy award in 1967. That was also the year his name was added to the Walkway of Stars at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where some of his work was put on permanent exhibit.
Don is credited with originating the piano style known as Country Piano, or Nashville Slip-Note Style, made popular by Floyd Cramer. He also recorded as a singer and pianist for RCA Victor and Capitol Records as well as being a background keyboard player on recordings with Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, Duane Eddy, Al Martino and many others. For many years, visitors to Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida and Disney Parks in Japan and France could hear Don (as Gomer the computerized bear) playing his own innovative composition, PIANJO, in the opening number of the "Country Bear Jamboree."
In 1972, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Don resided at Lake Sherwood, California for 55 years. He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Irene, and their two sons Bobby and Jim along with 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Robertson
Jim Southern
March 16, 2025
Radio station KMOR in SLC, UT received the "Heart On My Sleeve" album in the mail back in 1966 (sic). The songs on it fit our format perfectly so all of our DJ's made sure we played it. I guess we must have stirred up some sales for it because a few months later I got a personally autographed copy from Don thanking me for my help. The LP still hangs on my wall where I show it off to anyone who visits me. Thank you, Don, for all that good music!
wings hauser
January 12, 2021
"sit down at the piano and don't get up....that's how you write a song"...he actually taught me how to write by applying those simple words of wisdom..
.love to all....wings hauser
Jim Southern
December 4, 2020
When he released his "Heart On My Sleeve" LP, a copy found it's way to my radio station, KMOR-AM in Salt Lake City. All of us at the station were familiar with most of the tracks so we played the songs on a regular basis. I guess we must have prompted some sales because a few months later, here came another copy, only this one had a very warm and personal message to me written and signed by Don. It still hangs on my wall to this day. One of my favorite memories!
John & Family Klos
April 13, 2015
Hi Irene & Family, We Were Very Sorry To Hear Of Don's Passing. You Made Such A Wonderful Couple For So Many Years.Please Take Care Of Yourself And Be Strong, We Are Thinking Of You, And May God Take Care Of You And Your Family.Our Memories Of Our Visit To California In 1980 Will Be With Us Forever. We Had Such A Wonderful Time. Don Was Such A Talented Person, He Will Be Greatly Missed, All Our Love, John, Edna, Lynne, Wendy & Family xoxo
jim balding
April 1, 2015
all my love to the family...a great man
Lance Hawkins
April 1, 2015
Don was a very gentle man who showed love and hospitality to all who came in contact with him. He will be missed.
March 28, 2015
Don was a big part of our lives for many years. He will be missed. Our Prayers are with Irene and family.
Love, Joan and Bob Scott
Jack and Jennifer Leonard
March 26, 2015
We remember sharing our experience, strength, and hope with Don over 38 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lynda & Gary Miller
March 22, 2015
May love and hope surround you and your family, Irene in these difficult days. God Bless you. with love,
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