Rest in Peace Andy Williams.
On Tuesday evening at the age of 84, one of my all-time favorite singers passed away. He had a year-long battle with cancer. Andy Williams, you will be greatly missed!!!
When I was a little girl, I used to love listening to his records. Yes, real vinyl records. I don’t remember exactly the age that I was introduced to his talent, but for as long as I can remember, I have liked him very much.
One day many moons ago, my mother and I (and maybe some other family – I don’t quite remember) went to a store. We saw a display of an Andy Williams album. I ran up to it and wanted to hug the album cover and I said, very loudly, Andy Wullwums. He was my FAVORITE!!
His smooth voice is as great now as it was back then. I still love to hear him sing. It is sad to know that his time here on earth is finished. But I am glad that he is no longer suffering and in pain from his cancer.
A few minutes before writing this posting, I listened to his version of “Moon River” from his television show. It was an amazing rendition and gave me goosebumps. Still as great a singer as I remember.
The words to that song are:
- Moon River, wider than a mile
- I’m crossing you in style some day
- Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
- Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way
- Two drifters, off to see the world
- There’s such a lot of world to see
- We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ’round the bend
- My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me.
Can’t you just hear him singing? Great lyrics and I must say, Andy Williams recorded my favorite version!!
I love that he introduced the world to the Osmond family and Donny and Marie! They were also favorites of mine growing up. And, he had many other talented people on his show over the years — including Dinah Shore, Perry Como and the Bee Gees.
Did you know that he had 27 top 40 singles and a career that spanned 50 years? I found that information in a Boston Globe article about him. Isn’t that amazing?! What a talent.
Christmas to me doesn’t begin until I heard his version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” It is such a great song and always makes me happy!
No matter what mood I am in, if I hear his version of the song, I sing along at the top of my lungs and smile. The happiness lasts for a while too!! That song will be bittersweet this year.
To the family and friends of Andy Williams, you are in my thoughts and prayers. And, to you other fans, we lost a great talent but were honored to enjoy his music for all of those years.
I Still Wonder... 