Andy Williams Dies

ANDY WILLIAMS PASSES AWAY

As an ardent Andy Williams fan I am sad to announce the passing away of one of music's greatest icons. He passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday at his residence in Branson after fighting bladder cancer, as announced by his aide Paul Shefrin.

From his signature "Moon River" to countless other numbers which were sung or whistled by millions, Andy Willams ensured one hit after another during his career. "Ave Maria" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" were two great songs which were hits though never released as apart of an album.

Andy Williams

Other block busters were "Happy Heart", "Where Do I Begin" and Love Story's theme song in the 1970s. "Solitaire", "Home Lovin' Man" and "Almost There" were songs that stayed in the top ten for long periods of time and still haven't been forgotten.

Williams became a huge star in 1956, the same year as Elvis after singing the popular "Canadian Sunset." He went on to have eighteen gold records and three platinums. He was also nominated for the Grammy's five times and hosted it several times.

Andy Williams also did a variety of shows on TV including his own TV show "The Andy Williams Show" in 1962 and the famous "Osborn Brothers". In fact he won Emmy Awards for outstading variety program.

His boyish charm and tenor made sure that he was far more popular than many other stars during  his times.

Andy Williams was a singer who released several albums as Christmas Specials right into the nineties, a good reason why he has been popular with people of all ages.

There are many interesting facts about him that very few people know. Andy Williams was a staunch supporter of John Lennon especially during the days when the Beatle was going to be deported form the United States. Andy's show of support went a long way in ensuring that John Lennon stayed on in the United STates. Ringo Starr's album "Ringo" features a caricature of Andy WIllaim on its cover. Some people will also remember that Andy sung the national anthem in 1973 at the Super Bowl in Chicago.

Andy Williams also had some bad times during his life. One of the testing times he faced was just after his former wife Claudine Longet murdered her boyfriend, Spider Longet. Andy supported her right till the end and also helped their children something that was unprcedented from such a famous star.

We mourn the loss and convey our deepest sympathy to his wife Debbie and their three children.