Who Is Andy Williams? Age, Biography and Wiki
Andy Williams was born on December 3, 1927, in Wall Lake, Iowa, and passed away on September 25, 2012. Renowned for his rich baritone voice, he rose to fame in the late 1950s and became one of the most beloved singers of his time. Though he has been gone for over a decade, Williams remains an influential figure in the music industry, with a career spanning over six decades. His signature songs like “Moon River” have earned him a lasting place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Occupation | Republicans |
---|---|
Date of Birth | December 3, 1927 |
Age | 84 Years |
Birth Place | Wall Lake, Iowa, US |
Horoscope | Sagittarius |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 25 September, 2012 |
Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Andy Williams's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Andy Williams stood at a height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and maintained a weight that fluctuated throughout his life. In his prime, it was reported that he had a healthy weight, contributing to his charismatic stage presence. His physical attributes were often complemented by his debonair style, which made him a recognizable figure in entertainment.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Williams was married twice during his lifetime. He first married Claudine Longet in 1961, with whom he had three children: Bobby, Noelle, and Christian. After their divorce in 1975, he later married Debbie Meyer in 1991. Together, they enjoyed a significant period of their lives before his passing in 2012. While there are no current relationship rumors posthumously, Williams’ legacy continues to be celebrated by his family and fans.
Williams and Thompson, however, remained very close, both personally and professionally. She mentored his emergence as a solo singing star.
She coached him, wrote his arrangements, and composed many songs that he recorded, including his 1958 top-20 hit "Promise Me, Love", and later, "Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells" on his 1964 number-one The Andy Williams Christmas Album.
Using her contacts in the business, Thompson helped Williams land his breakthrough television gig as a featured singer for two and a half years on Tonight Starring Steve Allen; it helped that the producer of the series, Bill Harbach, was Kay's former aide-de-camp.
Thompson also got Williams his breakthrough recording contract with Cadence Records, whose owner, Archie Bleyer, had gotten early career breaks because of Kay and owed her a favor.
Meanwhile, Williams sang backup on many of Thompson's recordings through the 1950s, including her top-40 hit "Eloise", based on her bestselling books about the mischievous little girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York.
Thompson also served as a creative consultant and vocal arranger on Williams's three summer-replacement network television series in 1957, 1958, and 1959. In the summer of 1961, Thompson traveled with Williams and coached him throughout his starring role in a summer-stock tour of the musical Pal Joey.
Their personal and professional relationship finally ended in 1962, after Williams met and married Claudine Longet, and Thompson moved to Rome.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Andy Williams’ net worth was estimated to be around $45 million. This fortune was accumulated through his successful music career, television specials, and live performances. His annual earnings varied, but his continued success with albums and shows throughout the years established him as a cornerstone in the music industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Williams’ career took off in a big way after joining the Williams Brothers quartet, but it was his solo act that truly catapulted him to fame. The Andy Williams Show became a staple on television, providing a platform for both his music and for featuring guest stars. Beyond music, he made smart investments including the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, enhancing his brand and securing his legacy in Branson, Missouri.
Howard Andrew Williams (December 3, 1927 – September 25, 2012) was an American singer. He recorded 43 albums in his career, of which 15 have been gold certified and three platinum certified. He was also nominated for six Grammy Awards. He hosted the Andy Williams Show, a television variety show, from 1962 to 1971, along with numerous TV specials.
The Andy Williams Show won three Emmy Awards. He sold more than 45 million records worldwide, including more than 10 million certified units in the United States.
Social Network
Though Andy Williams himself did not utilize social media—having passed before its rise—his music and legacy are prevalent on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram through fan accounts and tribute pages. Fans continue to share his work, ensuring that his influence endures in today’s social landscape.
After landing a spot as a regular on the Tonight Starring Steve Allen in 1954, Williams was signed to a recording contract with Cadence Records, a small label in New York, run by conductor Archie Bleyer.
Williams's third single, "Canadian Sunset", reached number seven in the top 10 in August 1956; it was followed in February 1957 by his only Billboard number-one hit, "Butterfly", a cover of a Charlie Gracie record. "Butterfly" was also number one for two weeks on the UK Singles Chart in May 1957.
More hit records followed, including "Hawaiian Wedding Song" (US number 11), "Are You Sincere?" (US number three in February 1958), "The Village of St. Bernadette" (US number seven in December 1959), "Lonely Street" (US number five in September 1959), and "I Like Your Kind of Love" with Peggy Powers (US number eight in May 1957).
Education
Williams attended the University of Southern California, where he briefly studied music before pursuing his career in entertainment. His educational background provided a foundation that enhanced his musical talents and helped him navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry.
While living in Cheviot, Ohio, Williams attended Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He finished high school at University High School, in West Los Angeles, because of his family's move to California. At age 17, Williams joined the United States Merchant Marine and served until the end of World War II.