Andy Williams
Biography
Easily the most solid and long-lasting vocalist of his era, Andy Williams' laid-back delivery and expansive voice has charmed audiences for decades, from his first appearance with a brother quartet into his seventh decade of performance as the head of his own dinner theater in Branson, MO. Born in Wall Lake, IA, Williams sang in his church choir and later formed a quartet with his three brothers. The group performed on radio throughout the Midwest, then moved to Los Angeles to make it in show business. The Williams Brothers Quartet appeared on Bing Crosby's 1944 hit "Swinging On a Star" and appeared with comedienne Kay Thompson during the late '40s.
Andy Williams finally began his solo career in 1952, making several appearances on Steve Allen's Tonight Show before signing a contract with Archie Bleyer's Cadence Records in 1955. He hit the Top Ten in 1956 with his third single for the label, "Canadian Sunset." One year later, his soft-toned cover of the Charlie Gracie rockabilly nugget "Butterfly" hit number one (it's still his biggest hit). Additional Top Ten entries "Are You Sincere," "Lonely Street," and "The Village of St. Bernadette" followed before Williams moved to Columbia in 1961.
Despite another big hit in 1963, "Can't Get Used to Losing You," Williams failed to generate much action on the singles charts during the 1960s. Instead, his highly rated variety program on NBC-TV spurred interest in the ever-growing LP market for adult and middle-of-the-road audiences. The popular 1962 album Moon River & Other Great Movie Themes featured the song he's most identified with, and the following year's Days of Wine and Roses hit the top of the album charts. Nine more LPs hit the Top Ten for Andy Williams during the '60s, many organized around loose themes -- Broadway, ballads, and one album that featured members of his family. Though 1971's Love Story was a platinum success that sparked a Top Ten hit for the title song, his television show was canceled that year.
Andy Williams remained very popular during the '70s, especially for British audiences. His single "Solitaire" hit the Top Ten there in 1973, though it didn't even chart in America. Two of his subsequent albums also performed well, but only in Britain. He released relatively few LPs during the 1980s, but returned to the pop world in the early '90s when he founded his own theater/resort in the home-grown entertainment capital of Branson, MO. Williams continued to headline shows there during the rest of the decade and into the 2000s. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
I just love Andy Williams...I ' l l never forget watching his show every weekend as a young girl and the time he appeared here in Jacksonville . I took my little binoculars with me, so I could see him up close! He sang just as well then as in the old days. Next, Branson!
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such a great voice. andy and a handful of others should only be allowed to sing christmas music...ever y b o d y else just shut up!
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A huge, huge influence on me vocally.
http://www.G o r d y T h o m a s . c o m |
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The Best...never another like him or the wonderful music we used to have.
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Love Andy singing Moon River. I just saw him in Branson last fall. Great Show. He still sings beautifully.
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I think he was one of the very best in his days I really enjoy his his GREAT voice I used to really enjoy his Christmas shows |
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I love his music and I enjoyed his weekly TV show. For me, the most memorable character on the show was The Bear. He sure did love his cookies!!!! And yes Pandora, thankyou for not only Andy's music but all the other artists as well. A lot of the music holds a very deep well of good memories for me.
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i grew up listening to him..he was stable voice to my parents fighting..bu t he .got me thru it
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ANDY WILLIAMS WAS ONE OF THE GREAT BALLAD SINGERS,SO MANY WONDERFUL RECORDINGS THAT FOR A LONG TIME JUST KEPT COMING,SO EASY TO LISTEN TO HIS VOICE,I HAVE SEVERAL OLD LONG PLAYING RECORDS THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE I WAS MUCH,MUCH YOUNGER,I`M ON OLDER SIDE NOW AND STILL LOVE TO HEAR ANDY SING THE OLD RECORDINGS,T H A N K S PANDORA
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for me Andy Williams is the best. I listening as mush as possible he is great.
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Well, Mr. Williams doesn't really fit into my Pandora station but they're playing him anyway.
I will not complain. His delivery and smooth vocals are just too appealing to resist. He still gets my big thumbs up! |
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"Moon River" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You" are two of his signature songs!
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ANDY WILLIAMS IS THE BEST. HIS MUSIC TOUCHES YOU IN A MOOD OF LOVE. I NEVER GET TIRED OF LISTENING TO ANDY SING.
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The bio states "Easily the most solid and long-lasting vocalist of his era"... so why only three albums?? This guy has dozens!
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I've like Andy since 1970! I even named my son with him in mind (Andrew William)!!!
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His voice is so soft and sexy.It really relaxes my when im soaking in my bubble bath.
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I wonder if they have "The Most Wonderfull Time of the Year" It is the best Christmas song there is.
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