Andy Williams is a US pop, jazz and easy listening vocalist from Wall Lake, Iowa, born in 1927 and died in 2012. He begins singing as a child in a Presbyterian church choir, then performs with his three older brothers Bob, Dick and Don as the Williams Brothers. The quartet appears on radio in the Midwest, including stations in Des Moines, Chicago and Cincinnati, and with Bing Crosby on the hit record “Swinging on a Star” in 1944.

Early career and solo breakthrough

After working with Kay Thompson in a nightclub act from 1947 to 1951, Williams starts his solo career in 1952 when his brothers leave the act. He records six sides for RCA’s X label, but they do not chart. His profile rises after he becomes a regular on Steve Allen’s Tonight Show in 1955 and signs to Cadence Records in New York, run by conductor Archie Bleyer. His third single, “Canadian Sunset,” reaches the Top Ten in 1956, followed by his only Billboard number one, “Butterfly.” Other Cadence hits include “The Hawaiian Wedding Song,” “Are You Sincere,” “The Village of St. Bernadette” and “Lonely Street.”

Columbia years and recording success

Williams moves to Columbia Records in 1961 after relocating from New York to Los Angeles. His Cadence period is his biggest chart phase, but songs he introduces on Columbia become enduring standards. In the 1960s he becomes one of the country’s most popular vocalists and signs what is described as the biggest recording contract of its time. He records mainly as an album artist and earns more gold albums than any solo performer except Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley; by 1973 he has as many as 17 gold album awards.

His albums from this period include Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, The Andy Williams Christmas Album, Dear Heart, The Shadow of Your Smile, Love, Andy, Get Together with Andy Williams and Love Story. “Days of Wine and Roses” remains at number one for 16 weeks in mid-1963. His interpretation of songs is often noted for strong vocal control and for making material his own, which helps establish him as a leading easy listening singer of the era.

Film songs, standards and singles

Williams develops an indirect connection with Henry Mancini through Oscar performances of songs associated with Mancini and Johnny Mercer. He sings “Moon River” at the 1962 Academy Awards, and it becomes his theme song after winning the Oscar. He later performs “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Dear Heart” and “The Sweetheart Tree” at subsequent ceremonies. He also has pop chart singles including “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” “Happy Heart” and “Where Do I Begin,” the theme from the film Love Story.

Television and Christmas material

Williams becomes the star of his own weekly television variety series, The Andy Williams Show, in 1962. The programme wins three Emmy Awards for outstanding variety program, and the Osmond Brothers are among its regular performers. He ends the series in 1971 and later shifts to three specials a year. His Christmas specials run regularly until 1974 and then intermittently from 1982 into the 1990s. He records eight Christmas albums over his career. He also hosts the Grammy Awards for three consecutive years in the 1970s and returns to television in a syndicated half-hour series in 1976 and 1977.

Later years and other interests

In the early 1990s, Williams reduces touring and opens the Andy Williams Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri. He performs there regularly through the year, with additional European touring at times. His 1967 recording of “Music to Watch Girls By” becomes a UK hit in 1999 after appearing in an advert, reaching number 9. In 2002 he records a duet version of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” with Denise van Outen.

Williams marries Claudine Longet in 1961 and they have three children: Noelle, Christian and Robert. They separate in 1969 and later divorce. He marries Debbie Haas in 1991. He lives in Branson, Missouri and La Quinta, California, collects modern art, and is an avid golfer. He also hosts a major golf tournament in San Diego for many years under the name Andy Williams San Diego Open. His homes are featured in Architectural Digest, and his birthplace becomes a tourist attraction.