Ozarks Missing A Shinning Star - Andy Williams Dies At 84

ARRA News Service: - Moon River* legend and lover of the Ozarks Mountains, Andy Williams is dead at age 84. His spokesperson said, "Williams passed away last night (Tuesday) at home in Branson, Missouri following a year long battle with bladder cancer." Any Williams was a mid-westerner having been born and raised in Iowa. Below is a brief bio:

Wikepedia - Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams (December 3, 1927 – September 25, 2012) was an American singer who recorded eighteen Gold - and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owned the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri, named after the song "Moon River", with which he is closely identified.

Williams was born in Wall Lake, Iowa, the son of Jay Emerson and Florence (née Finley) Williams. Williams graduated from Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. He had three older brothers – Bob, Don, and Dick. . . .

In June 1991, Williams' brother Don invited him to the small Ozarks town of Branson, Missouri. Don Williams at the time was the manager for entertainer Ray Stevens, who had just opened a theater in Branson. While attending Stevens' show, Williams was encouraged by numerous Branson guests to open a venue in the town. This led Williams to build his own theater in Branson in time for the 1992 season, eventually opening on May 1, 1992. as the Moon River Theater. The name came from a song he made famous from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. It went on to become the first theater ever to be featured in Architectural Digest, and also won the 1992 Conservation Award from the State of Missouri.

On September 25, 2012, Williams died at the age of 84, having suffered from bladder cancer for a year. Williams is survived by his wife Debbie and his three children, Robert, Noelle and Christian.

Fellow conservative blogger Bill Holland was a friend of Andy Williams. Holland shared today, "During my time in Branson I had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with Andy. You could not find a Kinder, Gentler Person. He was Refreshing, and sometimes a little Silly but always in the best of Mood's. He Will be Missed. His Family, Debbie, Robert, Noel, and Christian and Andy will be in my Prayers...Sing Andy Sign, as I'm sure you will."

Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy remembered Williams in a statement: "Andy Williams' smooth voice and casual style turned the songs he sang into timeless classics and made him one of America's top pop singers. As host of his own weekly variety series, The Andy Williams Show, he helped put both established and emerging talent in front of American audiences. Williams was the first host of the live Grammy Awards telecast and hosted the show for seven consecutive years, beginning with the 13th Annual Grammy Awards in March 1971 at the Hollywood Palladium. The entertainment industry has lost a giant piece of its living history today, but Williams' legacy will forever be enshrined in the annals of music and television. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who will miss this American treasure."
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* Williams’ biggest hit was the Oscar-winning “Moon River” from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which ultimately became the song most associated nd performed by him.

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