Can’t Get Used To Losing Andy Williams
by Ian Martin
The music world has lost another
of its icon. Balladeer, crooner and pop artist Andy Williams lost his battle
with cancer on September 25, 2012 approximately two months shy of his 85th
birthday, and a year after he was diagnosed with the disease.
Born Howard Andrew Williams, like
many other successful and noted American singers, Andy started his singing on
the church circuit where he performed in a children’s choir. He and his
brothers subsequently formed a quartet called the Williams Brothers. The
quartet had some success appearing on radio shows in the Mid-western part of
the United States. The quartet also appeared in musical films along the likes
of Bing Crosby.
In the early 1950’s Andy embarked
on a solo career. In less than no time his talent landed him a spot on the
Steve Allen television show. He mined gold and platinum along his solo career
path. Unfortunately time and space do me no justice just to even begin to tell
the Andy Williams’ story, and understandably so because his colorful career
spanned six decades.
However, I would be doing Andy
grave injustice (no pun intended) if I failed to mention some of his works
relative to his solo career. The Henry Mancini’s written “Moon River” which
many considered to be Andy’s signature song is the first that comes to mind.
Then there is “Where Do I Begin”, the theme song from the movie film “Love
Story”. “Speak Softly Love”, the vocal version of “Love Theme From The
Godfather”; “Almost There”; “Home Lovin’ Man”, “Can’t Get Used To Losing You”;
and “Lonely Street” are among other of his notables. And how can we forget his
version of “It’ The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”? Watching him singing it
on his Christmas television shows would make you want to believe that Christmas
is certainly the most wonderful time of the year.
Andy was also active outside the
music arena. He was an avid golfer and for over two decades he hosted the
Professional Golfers Association tournament in San Diego, California.
He prided himself on being a life
long Republican, yet, his loyalty and support was not confined to the
Republican Party. He had been a big time supporter of Democrats John Kennedy
and Bobby Kennedy in their bid for the White House. Andy also helped raised
funds for other prominent Democrats by performing at benefit concerts. He
openly knocked heads with the Nixon Administration in its effort to expel John
Lennon from the United States.
Andy, as we your fans say goodbye, we will never forget how
you permeated our homes and other places where you performed with good music
and a good voice. In your own words we want you to know that we ‘can’t get use
to losing you’. However, with the advent of technology, we will somewhat be
comforted knowing that we are able to listen to the good voice and good music
of you and others that have gone on before you and those who will follow after
you. Rest in peace, Andy. You have
crossed the “Moon River” in fine style.
from Ian Martin in
Brooklyn, New York
He wasn't one of my favourites - but my Dad loved him too! - Jean Anita
