Ronald Reagan called Andy Williams a ‘National Treasure.
He was much like the Osmond Brothers he would later help bring to prominence. Williams was the clean cut guy next door; he could have been the Nelson’s neighbor. No, he wasn’t even Hollywood. He was more Great Wall, Iowa, where he grew up – or Branson, Mo. where he was the first non-country act to open a theater in a resort area of over 80 different such venues. As Donny and Marie might say, ‘He’s a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock and roll’ Williams crossed over into various musical styles but his signature style was that of a crooner, ala ‘Moon River.’ I remember when ‘Can’t Get Lose To Losing YOu’ came out; I liked that one, even as a rock and roll kid. ‘Butterfly’ was even more rocky, at least for the era.
Unfortnately , I never saw Williams live in concert. I went to Branson but his concerts were sold out that weekend. I felt bad for Any when he got caught in the trap of Claudine Longet, his girlfriend at the time. But the episode didn’t tarnish Williams clean cut image.
Williams would become best known for his TV Christmas shows, the last of a breed to bring the wholesome music in a variety format many of us looked forward to at Christmas. Nobody else has come close in replicating the Christmas variety show.
Ronald Regan called Andy Williams a ‘National Treasure.
