a great summer read by Andy Williams

Biographies of great singers are always high on my must read list and this one is no exception. Singer Andy Williams has that cool easy style much like another of my favorites Perry Como.

His book "Moon River and Me" published last year by Viking is cool and easy...like visiting with an old friend....and that's how you feel with people like Andy Williams. His tv shows and albums have entertained us for years. Here's a great clip of him singing "Danny Boy"


Andy certainly has lead an interesting life. In this book he details his early years and how his father was the driving force behind getting him and his brothers in show business. He writes about what it was like to ride high with a top rated tv show, hosting the first Golden Globe awards, but ruining his marriage. He also talks about his ex-wife and the controversy surrounding her shooting her husband. Williams knew Bobby Kennedy and was getting ready to go to dinner with him when he was shot. Andy sang at his funeral and hasn't sung the song since.

The book is just like life, humorous and melancholy at times. Andy had high and low points but now seems very content with his new life and theater in Branson, Missouri. One of the most interesting updates is how just a few years ago several of his songs were used in commercials overseas, prompting a huge resurgence in his popularity there. Go get 'em, Andy!

Above left is a picture of this great biography. To the right is my copy if his "Greatest Hits" album, which I had autographed at his theater in Branson. That was a great show by the way. I understand he still does a Christmas show there. Vacation plans, anyone?