CP108 AndyWilliams v2Final
4/3/08
1:51 PM
Page 20
A
ndy’s
ccolades
He recently turned 80, completed a sold-out tour of the UK and Asia, launched a new
restaurant, presented at the Grammys, —- IS debuting 4 all-new shows for his 17th
season in Branson, IS being honored at the Beverly Hills Hilton May 19,
WILL be this year’s Grand Marshall of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade—-AND in the world
of song, his voice
still proves
who’s boss.
The incomparable Andy Williams
FREE COUPONS: www.BransonSavings.com
By Richard Freihofer,
Editor & Publisher
P
resident Ronald Reagan referred to the voice of Andy
Williams as “a national treasure.” Singers and experts of
song marvel at how he literally transforms a song and
makes it his own, a stroke of brilliance even more uncanny for
looking and sounding so easy. His iconic music and television
career has spanned over six decades, barely pausing to catch a
breath. And the honors just keep on coming.
He is especially proud of the award Hollywood is bestowing
upon him this Spring, one recognizing him for his humanitarian
efforts and charitable works as well as his stature in the American
songbook. In a star-studded gala event in his honor this May 19
at
everly Hilton Hotel,
ociety of Singers will present
Andy Williams with their prestigious ELLA Award. Past recipients
of the ELLA (named after jazz great Ella Fitzgerald) include
Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Julie Andrews, Celine Dion, Elton John,
Rosemary Clooney and the list goes on.
Andy was an international superstar and authentic American
idol when his brother Don invited him to visit Branson in 1991.
Later that year, against the advice of his Hollywood friends, Andy
broke ground on the beautiful Moon River
atre, opening his
ac-co-lade (ak' lad' ) n. 1 a gesture with
sword conferring knighthood 2 anything
done or given as a sign of great
respect, approval, appreciation, etc.
(usually pl.) words of praise
— From Webster’s
e
Branson show the following Spring. Just as his voice transformed
a song, that milestone event transformed Branson.
wn’s first
non-country show was followed by others; Andy’s star-status tripping the floodgates for a multitude of other big name stars who
suddenly began pouring into town.
His birthplace in Wall Lake, Iowa is a tourist attraction. His
Branson theater is a masterwork for architecture and décor, (the
first theater ever featured in Architectural Digest). Its design gloriously celebrates the rocky cliffs, waterfalls, ferns and trees of
the Ozarks, while decorated inside with Andy’s fabulous collection of modern art and photos of him performing with the
likes of Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Michael
Jackson and so many others.
Next door, the elegant Moon River Grill is adorned with art
masterpieces, gold records and lovely views, serving culinary
treasures from the Williams’ own family recipes.
On stage this year is Andy in Concert joined by a new all-star
production called
ntertainers. Later, Andy teams up with
Hollywood leading lady Ann-Margret. In the fall, he stars in a
live recreation of the great Andy Williams All-Star Variety Show,
which reigned for 9 years on NBC.
TV classic which became a fixture in the American home and
heart;
ndy Williams Christmas Show!
It’s a life and career on display. On stage, it’s the performance
of a lifetime.
Spring / Summer 2008
Star of NBC TV’s Andy Williams Show, the longest running
variety show in TV history (9 years), which earned 3 Emmys
and is still considered the best of that enormously popular
genre. Guests on the show included every major star of music,
stage, screen, and television; from Bob Hope and Bing Crosby
to
each Boys and Beatle John Lennon.
Star of TV’s Andy Williams Christmas Special over a period
of nearly 30 years
Launched the careers of several stars, including
smonds,
verly Brothers, Ray Stevens and Jimmy Buffet.
Recorded nearly 70 albums, 18 albums going Gold, 3
Platinum. His album sales were only matched by Sinatra,
Elvis, and Johnny Mathis.
Holds the record for hosting the most Grammy Awards
telecasts in history (7)
Appeared in 7 movies
First performed with his brothers, one who today is an agent
living in Branson.
Was a close friend of Senator (and presidential candidate)
Robert Kennedy. Millions will never forget Andy singing at
Kennedy’s funeral.
Sang Moon River at
scars in 1962, where it won. (It
was used in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Was once signed to the biggest recording contract in history.
Became a regular on the original Tonight Show, starring
Steve Allen.
Sang with Bing Crosby on the hit record Swinging on a Star
in 1944.
Unforgettable hits: Moon River, Dear Heart, Days of Wine
and Roses,
hadow of Your Smile, Can’t Get Used to
Losing You, Where Do I Begin? (the theme song from the
Hollywood blockbuster Love Story,) Can’t Help Falling in
Love, Happy Heart, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,
Butterfly, and so many more.
An avid golfer and for 20 years the namesake of a major
tournament;
ndy Williams San Diego Open
Featured in
impsons; (Fictional character Nelson
Muntz is a huge Andy fan)
In 2007 performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Father of two sons, one daughter.
Married to the former Debbie Meyer.
make their
home in Branson and La Quinta, California.
For tickets to any of these shows, call 1-800-666-6094
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