Andy Williams 1927-2012
Legendary singer Andy Williams died Tuesday night at his home in Branson, Missouri following a year-long battle with bladder cancer. He was 84.
Williams began singing at age 11 with his three older siblings in the Williams Brothers quartet. He ventured out on his own with a solo career in 1953, recording eighteen Gold and three Platinum-certified albums including his signature song ‘Moon River.’
He hosted seven Grammy Awards telecasts in the 70’s and had his own syndicated television variety show that aired from 1976-1977.
He headed to the Ozarks in 1991 where he built the Moon River Theater in Branson. He created a unique show that featured a rotating group of guest celebrities. In November and December of each year the theater has hosted its popular Andy Williams Christmas Show.
Williams was a close friend of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. His first wife, French-born dancer Claudine Longet, fatally shot alpine ski racer Spider Sabich in Aspen, Colorado the year after she divorced the father of her three children.
Williams is survived by second wife Debbie and his children, Robert, Noelle and Christian.
Check out a 1960’s performance of ‘Moon River’ below:
Photo: WENN