BITTERSWEET, Ky. — Far too often this year I have written about great country music stars we have lost. Last week two of my favorites passed away – country music legend Don Williams died after a short illness and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry fame was killed in a tragic helicopter crash.

Williams was a Country Music Hall of Fame member and enjoyed one of the most successful careers of anyone who has graced a country music stage. His rise to fame really hit high gear in the early 1970s with such hits as “ Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “’Til the Rivers All Run Dry,” “It Must Be Love,” “I’m Just a Country Boy,” “Amanda,” “Tulsa Time” and “I Believe in You.”

He also had a huge duet hit, “If I Needed You,” with Emmylou Harris. This is one of my all-time favorite songs, by the way.

Williams had such a smooth voice and a gentle demeanor. In fact, he was known as the “Gentle Giant” – and what a giant he was in the country music world. In addition to being loved by his fans, Williams was also an inspiration to many other performers in different genres, including Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton and Keith Urban, to name a few.

He truly was one of a kind and there will never be another.

Sadly, on the same day, Gentry lost his life in that terrible accident. He and longtime friend and singing partner Eddie Montgomery were among the most popular duos to ever hit the Grand Ole Opry, where they were members. In fact, a memorial service was recently held at the Opry honoring Gentry and his contributions to country music.

Troy hailed from Kentucky and I remember meeting him years ago during an outdoor concert. He was still a rising star at the time, playing mostly local venues, but I could tell then that this guy was going places.

Joining Montgomery in the 1990s, these two had hit after hit with a country/Southern rock sound that often paid homage to hometowns and families.

The one thing I think was obvious about Gentry, in addition to his incredible talent, was his love for his family and the place he called home. Troy Lee Gentry never forgot where he came from and as much as I loved his music, I liked that the most about him.

The country music world will never be the same without these two greats. May they rest in peace and may we never forget them.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.