Andy Williams.
That’s a name that many may not even recognize. But should. Most definitely should…
He is arguably the greatest crooner of all time. If you don’t know what a Crooner is–sweet mercy, just tell me you know what a crooner is!? Regardless, if Sinatra was silk, Andy Williams was satin. And these guys were peers. Friends. Favor-pullers. You’re definitely familiar with his version of It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year–the Christmas classic, which he recorded in 1963. …and of course, Henry Mancini’s Moon River, which is synonymous with Audrey Hepburn, as it is Andy Williams.
To say the least–Andy Williams was always in great company.
He’s still with us. I keep speaking about him in past tense. Doctor’s have explained to the legend, who has spent 75 years in show business, that there is nothing more they can do for his cancer, which began in his bladder and has become a nuisance that will claim his life. After seeking treatment in Houston, TX, and Los Angeles, Andy Williams has returned to his home in Branson, MO, where he has enjoyed his career revival by building a Moon River Theatre, and allowing audiences to just come to him. His peers called him crazy–and perhaps he was…crazy like a fox. It was an enormous success.
He has maintained his dignity and grace, even through the suffering that is associated with the horrible disease. He has asked everyone to simply remember him when he’s gone through the music that he loved throughout his life. His wife and three children are with him to share the time they have left.
Having met the man, I can easily state, he is a definitive example of what celebrity should be.
So sad. He is so talented.
We live in Branson and have enjoyed seeing Mr. Williams every chance we were given to see him. He is so loved by everyone in Branson. A great person and entertainer,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all!
I am so sorry to hear this. A GREAT SINGER.
May God Andy and his family.
He has had a great, long-time run in the entertainment industry. Quite an Icon in music.
Andy Williams has been a part of my life since I was six years old, and I am now 56 years old. My mom said I used to sit in front of the television and kiss his face on the screen when I was six and seven. I had planned to see him this year to help celebrate the 75th anniversary. I am so heartbroken this may not happen. I will always listen to Andy’s music for the rest of my life, and I want to thank him for the music he has given us all!! God Bless Mr. Williams.
Andy is the best singer of all time–past, present, and future!!! As President Reagan said, “Andy’s voice is a national treasure.” Christmas won’t be the same without Andy. I cherish all the times we have seen him in Branson.
I love Andy and his music so much. I have been able to see him many times in Branson and have visited with him on occasion. He is a sweet man and I’m sorry this is happening to him. I’m looking forward to seeing him this fall at his theater. My prayers are with him and his family.
Our hearts are broken. We will miss Andy…
I moved to Branson 20 years ago and grew up with my dad managing all 6 McGuffy’s restaurants. Andy would come in and greet my dad and my family like old friends. I grew up calling him Uncle Andy and didn’t realize who he was until I was about 14. He is a sweet, caring, talented man and I’m fortunate enough to have known him. We’re losing a real treasure.
When friends were listening to rock, I was listening to Andy Williams. His voice is so beautiful. It washes over you like a perfect summer breeze. When his show was on I would stare at his glorious blue eyes on our black & white set and sit inches from the screen, holding the microphone from my little reel to reel tape recorder close to the fabric covered speaker. A few years later I saw him in-person at The Garden State Arts Center. It was a dream come true for me. I have loved listening to and watching this glorious man for over 45 years. Mr. Williams you have been one of the greatest joys in my life. I love you.
ANDY YOU ARE A TRULLY ICON TO THE ENTERTAINMENT OF MUSIC,YOU GAVE
PEOPLE JOY JUST LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC AND WHEN YOU ARE FINALLY GONE TO YOUR MAKER I NO YOU WILL LOOK DOWN ON US AND SAY I DID IT TRULLY MY WAY YOU WILL TRULLY BE MISSED BY YOUR FRIENDS,AND FAMILY AND YOUR FANS MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ANDY WILLIAMS
I LIVED IN BRANSON MO ALL MY LIFE,I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST FOUND OUT THAT ANDY WILLIAMS WAS GOING TO OPEN A THEATER DOWN HERE I NEVER SEEN ALOT OF ANDY WILLIAMS FANS AS THERE WERE THAT NIGHT HE WOULD PACKED A SHOW EVERYNIGHT,I GOT A CHANCE TO TALK TO ANDY AFTER THE SHOW AND HE TOLD ME HE HAD DREAMS OF BUILDING A THEATER WERE HIS FAN FOR OVER 60 YRS CAN COME ANDD LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC,HE TOLD ME THIS WAS HIS WAY OF GIVING BACK TO HIS FANS ALL THE JOY HIS FANS SUPPORTED HIM AND HIS CARRIER I ASK ANDY IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN LIFE WHAT WOULD IT BE ANDY REPLIED I WOULD NOT CHANGE ANYTHING I WAS BLESS BY MY FANS AND BY GOD,AND WHEN GOD IS READY TO CALL ME I CAN TRULLY SAY THANK YOU TO MY FANS AND THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE,I WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE WORDS ANDY TOLD ME YOU ARE ANDY WILLIAMS BRANSON ICON
Some years ago President Ronald Reagan stood in front of an audience at the National Building Museum and said, “Andy Williams, I think we need to proclaim your voice a National Treasure”. How right he was, but might I add that not only is your voice a National Treasure, you, as a human being take top billing in every way.
Thank you for all that you have taught me as I stood in the wings of a theatre called Life.
From an evening at the Hudson Theater in New York City, till this very moment may I thank you for your kindness, friendship, your class and dignity.
May God Bless You,
Dale Walsh
a friend
Going to Branson will never be the same knowing Andy won’t be at The Moon River Theater anymore. We never went without seeing his show and always the highlight of our trip.
What a true and wonderful gentleman and the world is lucky we had him in our lives for so long! Heaven will truly be getting an angel!
Beautifully put x
I am very very sad to hear the news about Andy I have always been a fan since I can remember have nearly all of his LP’s he is a true crooner with the most beautiful smooth voice. But I take offence at your comment about the most charasmatic Michael Buble who has a sweet womderful voice & can sing everything from ballard to pop & jazz & might add is helping keep the American song book alive.
I remembered watching his show in Branson 15 years ago. It was like a dream to me to be able to see him face to face, given the fact that I used to listen to his songs when I was little and I came from far away, Indonesia
great fan of andy ..hes my all time best singer… im 59 years old .best andy song for me is allmost there and cant take my eyes of you……….great…..
I saw him live on stage at Scarborough when I was in my teens. Such happy memories of the Andy Williams Show; Andy’s sketches, songs and of course the bear! He has the most beautiful harmonious and melodic voice of velvet that I have ever heard. I am almost retired and I have loved his music since the first time I heard him in the 1960s. His songs will stay with me forever. Almost There, Danny Boy, Days of Wine and Roses…..I could go on and on. Every song is pure and beautiful. God bless you and be with you Andy Williams. Pass gently x
I remember my brother and me watching Andy’s second series with the “cookie bear” just before it left the air in 1971. After that we bought almost every cassette, reel to reel, and LP of his and have enjoyed listening to him through the years. He had a way with a song that let the music and words flow naturally and melodically, adding a genuine passion that never overshadowed the power of the song itself.
He was just as good a singer in the studio as he was in concert, and his TV show and Christmas shows were first rate. He deserves more credit for his contribution to popular music and entertainment than he has been given.
ANDY, MY HUSBAND IS WAITING IN HEAVEN FOR YOU. WE LOVED YOUR SONGS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR GODLY PERSONALITY. THERE WILL BE LOTS OF SINGING WHEN YOU ARRIVE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AS THEY WATCH YOU GETTING READY FOR YOUR PLACE IN HEAVEN.