Famed crooner Andy Williams, known best for his rendition of "Moon River," died yesterday (September 25) after losing his battle with bladder cancer. He was 84 and passed away at his home in Branson, MO.
The Iowa-born singer began performing as a child in the 1930s when he and his brothers formed a quartet called the Williams Brothers. He eventually went on to achieve solo popularity in the 1950s and '60s, scoring a No. 1 with "Butterfly" and landing additional hits with "Canadian Sunset," "Are You Sincere," "Lonely Street" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You."
Williams became closely associated with the song "Moon River" after he began performing it in the early '60s, although his version was not the original (which was sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's), nor did it chart. The song provided the name for Williams's Moon River Theatre, which he opened in 1992 in Branson. He later opened the Moon River Grill next door.
In addition to being a recording artist, Williams hosted his own variety show, The Andy Williams Show, which ran on and off for more than a decade from the late '50s to the early '70s. He also hosted various specials and Grammy telecasts, and founded his own label called Barnaby Records.
Williams is survived by his second wife Debbie Meyer, and his three children from his previous marriage.
The Iowa-born singer began performing as a child in the 1930s when he and his brothers formed a quartet called the Williams Brothers. He eventually went on to achieve solo popularity in the 1950s and '60s, scoring a No. 1 with "Butterfly" and landing additional hits with "Canadian Sunset," "Are You Sincere," "Lonely Street" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You."
Williams became closely associated with the song "Moon River" after he began performing it in the early '60s, although his version was not the original (which was sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's), nor did it chart. The song provided the name for Williams's Moon River Theatre, which he opened in 1992 in Branson. He later opened the Moon River Grill next door.
In addition to being a recording artist, Williams hosted his own variety show, The Andy Williams Show, which ran on and off for more than a decade from the late '50s to the early '70s. He also hosted various specials and Grammy telecasts, and founded his own label called Barnaby Records.
Williams is survived by his second wife Debbie Meyer, and his three children from his previous marriage.
