ARTIST SPOTLIGHT = Andy Williams (5 songs)

This popular singer recorded 44 albums (17 Gold & 3 Platinum) & hosted his own TV variety show (1962-1971), along with various specials. He died 09/25/2012.

#1
After Top 10 success with 1956’s “Canadian Sunset”, this song, written by Bernie Lowe & Kal Mann, was originally recorded by Charlie Gracie, whose version claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Williams’ version, from the same year, also claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but also claimed #1 in England & notched at #14 on the R&B chart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mzNVotewfI

#2
This song, originally released by Wayne Walker in 1957, was covered by Williams a year later; Williams’ version peaked in 1958 at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Elvis Presley also recorded this song (09/24/1973); it was released posthumously & reached #10 on the country charts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abophlgNKZg

#3
Written by Carl Belew, Kenny Sowder & WS Stevenson, this song was released September 1959 from his album of the same name. This single peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #20 on the R&B charts. It has been covered by Bobby Vinton, Carl Perkins & Bing Crosby.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxDsBixy1VI

#4
Composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, this song has been covered by many artists, but became Williams’ theme song, despite it never actually charting for him. He 1st recorded it in 1961 & performed it at the 1962 Academy Awards. He named his production company & Branson MO venue after it.

#5
This song, written by Jerome Pomus & Mort Shuman, was 1st made popular by Williams, whose 1963 version reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 (4 weeks) & claimed #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart (4 weeks). It also reached #2 in England. This song sparked a string of success on the Adult Contemporary chart, including such tunes as 1963’s “Hopeless”, 1964’s “Dear Heart”, 1967’s “Music To Watch Girls By”, 1968’s “Sweet Memories” & 1969’s “Happy Heart”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtsi14yVd60