Andy Williams Death: 'Moon River' Singer Dies of Cancer at 84
Andy Williams, the 1960s hit-maker and "Moon River" crooner, died on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at his home in Branson, MO at the age of 84. Williams had been fighting an ongoing battle with bladder cancer. The 17-gold and 3-platinum record star celebrated his 75th year in showbiz as of 2012.
Williams started out in a singing group with his three older brothers in the late 1930s. The band made it to Hollywood but ultimately broke up in 1952 - prompting Williams to set off on a solo career. He changed his sound over to pop, and in the early 1960s experienced some success with a number of hits including "Can't Get Used to Losing You." Williams made it big with a romantic rendition of the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" hit "Moon River" at the 1962 Oscar Awards- the tune soon became his theme song and led to his renowned fame.
Williams - a good looking man known for his signature look of a turtleneck worn under a bright pullover sweater - claimed that he never got tired of singing "Moon River," whose melody he considered "beautiful" and whose lyrics he called "timeless."
"The Andy Williams" show was launched by NBC in 1959 and stayed on the air until 1971. The show returned on-air years following as a Christmas special. Some big-names featured on "The Andy Williams" show include: Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Phyllis Diller, the Mamas and the Papas, Elton John, and the Jackson 5. The show also debuted the talents of the Osmond Brothers. "The Andy Williams Show" received three Emmy Awards. Williams also appeared in a number of films, including 1964's "I'd Rather be Rich."
Williams continued to perform concerts well into the 2000s, primarily at his own Moon River Theatre in Branson (established in 1992). It was on the stage of this theater where Williams first announced to fans in November 2011 that he had bladder cancer.
Williams is survived by his wife Debbie and his three children, Robert, Noelle, and Christian.