Full name Andrew Williams; born December 3, 1930 (some sources say 1932), in Wall Lake, Iowa; son of Jay Emerson (a railway mail clerk) and Florence Bell (Finley) Williams; married Claudine Longet, December 15, 1961 (divorced); children: Noelle, Christian, Robert. Education: High school graduate. Addresses: Office --c/o 9000 Sunset Blvd., #1200, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

In an era dominated by the driving rhythms of rock and roll, Andy Williams has risen to superstardom by quite an opposite approach. Singer Williams projects a relaxed, affable style, at once soothing and romantic; his popularity has endured while other more faddish singers have come and gone. In fact, Williams reached the height of his success at just the moment--the late 1960s and early 1970s--when rock music seemed most hysterical. A 1968 campus poll picked him as the top male vocalist of the year, and his 1968 album Honey remained on the charts for more than six months. A New York Herald Tribune reviewer notes that Williams's appeal stems from his good-natured demeanor and his low-key approach to his songs. "He sings well in a casual style," the reviewer writes, "and doesn't attempt to overpower you with personality."

Williams was a professional singer at an age when most children are still playing in Little League. Born in the tiny town of Wall Lake, Iowa (population less than 1,000), he began performing with his three older brothers at the local Presbyterian church. He was only eight when the Williams Brothers made their radio debut at station WHO in Des Moines. Williams's father quit his job as a railway mail clerk in order to manage his sons' engagements, and soon the whole Williams family hit the road. From Des Moines they travelled to Chicago and then to Cincinnati; eventually they wound up in Los Angeles with a coveted Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture contract. Young Andy's education was piecemeal due to his uprooted lifestyle, but he did manage to graduate from high school in Los Angeles in 1947.

The Williams Brothers had to disband during the Second World War because the two oldest brothers were drafted. After the war the group reunited, adding comedienne Kay Thompson to the act. The team proved exceedingly successful in night clubs, with the four well-groomed Williams men counterpointing Thompson's buffoonery. From 1947 until 1953 they toured America and Europe and "spent their time making money hand over fist," to quote a Harper's magazine reviewer. In 1953 the brothers broke up the group in favor of solo work. Andy was unenthusiastic about his chances, but he began recording songs and making the rounds with them in the competitive New York market.

Williams auditioned for a spot on the Steve Allen Tonight show early in 1954. He was signed to a two-week run. When the two weeks ended, he continued to report to the set--and continued to be the featured singer on the show. The two-week contract was stretched into two and a half years, during which Williams appeared in comedy sketches as well as song features. The lengthy stint with Steve Allen offered Williams a wealth of new professional experiences--and it made him a star. He began to record on Cadence Records and earned his first two gold records with the singles "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" and "The Village of St. Bernadette."

Television has proven the perfect medium for Williams over the years. As early as 1958 he starred in his first variety show, the summer replacement "Chevy Showroom with Andy Williams." The next summer he hosted "The Andy Williams Show," and thereafter--for a decade--he starred in numerous specials, especially at Christmas time. Williams also continued to make records, moving to the Columbia label in the 1960s. He regularly placed singles in the Top 40 charts, and most of his albums were best sellers. This was especially true of his late-1960s, early-1970s work, including Born Free, Honey, Love, Andy, Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head, Andy Williams's Greatest Hits, and Love Story. Williams returned to a weekly variety show, "The New Andy Williams Show," for two seasons, 1970 and 1971. He has always preferred more sporadic television work, however, because he likes to rehearse and prepare thoroughly for each show.

Very few of Williams's hits over the years have been songs written especially for him. He is better known for his renditions of already popular numbers such as "You've Got a Friend," "The Impossible Dream," "MacArthur Park," and "Born Free." Williams's untrained voice--like that of Perry Como--is a rich baritone that never shows signs of strain or strays from the pitch. Unlike Como, however, Williams projects a more casual, middle-American persona, comfortable and wholesome without prudishness. A New York World-Telegram and Sun reporter has described Williams as an entertainer who "looks and acts like just what he is, a country boy from the Midwest who has made good in the big city." The description is not quite accurate--the suave Williams hardly comes across as a "country boy," nor does he suffer from the squeaky-clean reputation that hounds his contemporary, Pat Boone.

Time has not dulled Andy Williams's popularity, although he rarely places albums on the charts anymore. He still retains a busy schedule of club dates and television appearances, and he hosts the prestigious Andy Williams San Diego Golf Open each year. An avid golfer himself, Williams also enjoys tennis, art collecting, and reading. Williams told the New York Herald Tribune that he ignored rock and roll because "ballads are more welcome on TV." He added: "I wouldn't want to sing solely for teen-agers. Once they go to college, their musical taste changes, and then where would I be?" As Kay Thompson once observed in Look magazine, stars like Andy Williams "with a plain niceness about them, are the ones that last."

by Anne Janette Johnson

Andy Williams's Career

Singer, 1938--. Member of the Williams Brothers quartet, 1938-52; solo performer, 1952--. Signed with Cadence Records, 1954, had first million-selling singles, "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" and "The Village of St. Bernadette," 1955, released first album, Andy Williams Sings Steve Allen, 1956; star of numerous television specials and variety series, including "The Chevy Showroom with Andy Williams," 1958, "The Andy Williams Show," 1959, and "The New Andy Williams Show," 1970-71. Host of Christmas variety specials. Nightclub and concert performer in America and Europe, 1956--.

Andy Williams's Awards

Recipient of seventeen gold album citations, two Emmy Awards, and six Grammy awards.

Famous Works

Further Reading

Books

Periodicals

Visitor Comments Add a comment…

about 13 years ago

My Mom June Williams new Andy, remembers the Chicago Days on radio WLS....just wondered if Andy Williams would remember her. My great-grandfather was on there also - they called him the Harmonic King.... if he remembers - you have my email for contact.

about 13 years ago

We just wanted to let Andy know that we are his biggest fans. We are listening to his christmas album as we write. We even listen to it in the middle of the summer. We like june. We know all the words. Our favorite is when he has special guests stars Lori Morgan and the Osmonds. Just to le him know we love him the best. I am 50 and Judy is 53 so just let him know we love him.

over 14 years ago

Andy Williams will be in Los Angeles area for booksigning. If I could, I was planning on having him sign for a family of an old very close Texas neighbor (of mine --departed) who when I was a teenager, told me that he served in WWII with him and recalled Andy always singing even then. I was hoping to find a direct email to Andy or even his agent just to see if he recalls.

over 14 years ago

I saw you (Andy Williams) on TV this morning (10/12/09)and was thrilled. Have been listening to and learning from your music since I was a teen. When my Mom was too busy with other things, I learned how to harmonize by listening to your records. It was interesting to hear what your father told you as a child. When I was young, someone told me I could sing but it wasn't anything special. A devasting comment. I totally abandoned any plans to continue singing until I was in my 40's. Now at 61, I too enjoy singing so much more. Unfortunately, it's impossible to pursue a career here and in addition, we don't have the resources to move and start over at this stage of our lives. My husband started his own business 2 years ago and I'm an unemployment statistic, just like many other Americans today. Hopefully, some day, we will be able to visit you in Branson. I'm so glad you're still performing and you still sound soooo wonderful. Thanks and Good Luck, Pat.

over 14 years ago

Andy, I am shocked and disappointed in your comments about President Obama. I know you are a diehard Republican but why don't you keep your small minded comments to yourself and stop trying to undermine what the President is trying to accomplish. Bobby Kennedy would be ashamed of you!!!!!

over 14 years ago

Andy williams was never a good singer,he had great sound people. Anyone could be a good singer with great sound people..

almost 15 years ago

Hello Andy, My family and I visited your show and met you back stage, several years ago. I am an elementary school teacher and have played your music in my classroom during penmanship class for many years. The music was very relaxing for my students, while they practiced their writing. I was watching PBS tonight and thougt that it would be so wonderful if you could put together a special that could be shown on PBS for so many people. It would be a legacy as well and would be watched for many many years to come. Thanks again for allowing me to meet you. It was a retirement gift from my brother. Sincerely, Donna Ternes Wanner Ft. Collins, CO teach22004@comcast.net

over 16 years ago

i would like to be able to email andy williams. he was so great, and one of the most favorites, of his songs, is "butterfly". it was so well done, and i love to hear it often. i hope i can email him.