Andy Williams ‘Moon River’ Singer Dies at 84

World News | admin | September 27, 2012 at 4:27 pm

Andy Williams ‘Moon River’ Singer Dies at 84: Well known for his silky smooth vocals and the famous class ‘Moon River’, singer Andy Williams died on Tuesday. He was battling bladder cancer for the past one year and died while surrounded by friends and family in his Branson, Missouri home. He was 84.

Andy Williams was a natural at singing. He took up singing unprofessionally at a very young age, and later began his musical career as a child. He started off with his brothers in a musical quartet, but he fame was attributed to his solo singing. Andy William’s death came a shock to the musical industry, and was a big loss for music.

Andy Williams became a household name in America after his television variety show ‘The Andy Williams Show’ became a hit. The show began in 1962 and aired via NBC for nine years. He also did many other television specials. Andy Williams was a successful recording artist – he recorded eighteen Gold certified albums and three Platinum certified albums.

His famous song ‘Moon River’ became his identity. He also owned a theatre in his hometown in Branson, Missouri, and named it the Moon River Theatre.

Andy Williams was born as Howard Andrew Williams on December 3, 1927 in Wall Lake, Iowa to parents Jay Emerson and Florence Williams. He had three older brothers Bob, Dick and Don, with whom he had formed a musical quartet called the Williams Brothers.

He also has eight films to his credit; these include Kansas City Kitty (1944), Something in the Wind (1947) and I’d Rather be Rich (1964). His first chart topping studio album was released in 1959; ‘Lonely Street’ was number 38 on the US top charts. His album ‘Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests’ (1963) was US number one at the time of its release.

Andy Williams was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year and his illness was reported to the media on November 4, 2011. After Andy William’s death he is survived by his wife Debbie and three children.