Andy Williams: 1927-2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by: Donna Hopper
After a year-long battle with bladder cancer, American crooner and television personality Andy Williams died last evening in Branson, Missouri at the age of 84.
Williams began performing professionally in 1938 as part of The Williams Brothers with siblings Bob, Don, and Dick, before moving on to a solo career in 1953.
After landing a regular spot on Tonight Starring Steve Allen, Williams signed a recording contract with the small New York-based label, Cadence Records.
He soon charted his only Billboard No. 1 hit single with Butterfly.
After moving to Columbia Records, signing what was at that time the biggest recording contract in history, his 1962 release Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes became his first Billboard Top 10 LP and his first gold certified record.
Throughout his career, Williams garnered 45 Hot 100 singles in Billboard Magazine, and recorded 42 studio albums, 17 of which received gold certification.
He continued to perform live up until the time of his death.
Williams leaves behind his wife, Debbie, and three children from a previous marriage.
