He first performed in a children's choir at his local Presbyterian church. Williams and his three older brothers Bob, Dick, and Don, formed a quartet, the Williams Brothers, in the late 1930s. The brothers performed on radio in the Midwest, first at WHO in Des Moines, Iowa, and later at WLS in Chicago and WLW in Cincinnati. Williams graduated from Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. They appeared with Bing Crosby on the hit record "Swinging on a Star" (1944). This led to a nightclub act with entertainer Kay Thompson from 1947 to 1951.
Williams's solo career began in 1952 after his brothers left the act. He recorded six sides for RCA's label "X," but none of them were popular hits. After landing a spot as a regular on Steve Allen's Tonight Show in 1955, he was signed to a recording contract with Cadence Records, a small label in New York run by conductor Archie Bleyer. His third single, "Canadian Sunset" (1956) hit the Top Ten, and was soon followed his only Billboard #1 hit, "Butterfly" (a cover of a Charlie Gracie record on which Williams imitated Elvis Presley). More hits followed, including "The Hawaiian Wedding Song," "Are You Sincere," "The Village of St. Bernadette," and "Lonely Street," before Williams moved to Columbia Records in 1961, having moved from New York to Los Angeles. In terms of chart popularity, the Cadence era was Williams's peak although songs he introduced on Columbia became much bigger standards. Two top ten hits from the Cadence era, "Butterfly" and "I Like Your Kind of Love" were apparently believed to not suit Williams's later style; they were not included on a Columbia reissue of his Cadence greatest hits in the 1960s.
During the 1960s, Williams became one of the most popular vocalists in the country and signed what was to that time the biggest recording contract in history. He was primarily an album artist, and at one time he had earned more gold albums than any solo performer except Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. By 1973 he had earned as many as 17 gold album awards. Among his hit albums from this period were Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses (number one for 16 weeks in mid-1963), The Andy Williams Christmas Album, Dear Heart, The Shadow of Your Smile, Love, Andy, Get Together with Andy Williams, and Love Story. In these recordings Williams displays an incredible vocal technique along with an uncanny ability to make each song his very own, often rivaling or surpassing the version by the original artist. These attributes, along with his natural affinity for the music of the 1960s and early 1970s, combined to make him one of the premier easy listening singers of that era.
Williams forged an indirect collaborative relationship with Henry Mancini, although they never recorded together. Williams was asked to sing Mancini and Johnny Mercer's song "Moon River" at the 1962 Oscar Awards (where it won), and it quickly became Williams's theme song. This was repeated the next year with the pair's "Days of Wine and Roses" (which also won), Mancini's "Dear Heart" at the 1965 awards and "The Sweetheart Tree" (also written with Mercer) at the 1966 awards.
Williams also competed in the teenage-oriented singles market as well and had several charting hits including "Can't Get Used to Losing You," "Happy Heart," and "Where Do I Begin", the theme song from the 1970 blockbuster film, Love Story. Building on his experience with Allen and some short-term variety shows in the 1950s, he became the star of his own weekly television variety show in 1962. This series, The Andy Williams Show, won three Emmy Awards for outstanding variety program. Among his series regulars were the Osmond Brothers. He gave up the variety show in 1971 while it was still popular and retrenched to three specials per year. His Christmas specials, which appeared regularly until 1974 and intermittently from 1982 into the 1990s, were among the most popular of the genre. Williams has recorded eight Christmas albums over the years. He hosted the Grammy Awards for three consecutive years in the 1970s. He returned to television to do a syndicated half-hour series in 1976-77.
In the early 1990s, Williams gave up most of his touring schedule in order to open his own theatre in Branson, Missouri, the Andy Williams Moon River Theater. He continues to do 8 to 12 shows a week from September to December and occasionally makes tours of Europe earlier in the year.
His 1967 recording of "Music to Watch Girls By" was a surprise UK hit in 1999, when it reached number 9 after featuring in an advert (beating the original peak of number 33 in 1967). In 2002 he took part in a new duet of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" with British actress and singer Denise van Outen. Nearly everything Williams ever recorded has now been made available on CD through a series of compilations from 1997 to 2004.
Williams met Claudine Longet when he pulled over to aid her on a Las Vegas road. She was a dancer at the time at the Folies Bergere. They married on Christmas Day, 1961, and had three children, Noelle, Christian, and Robert. They separated in 1969 and finally divorced 6 years later. In 1976 Longet was charged with fatally shooting her boyfriend, skier Vladimir "Spider" Sabich and Williams supported her. He married a second time in May 1991 to the former Debbie Haas. They make their homes at Branson, Missouri and La Quinta, California. Williams' homes have been featured in Architectural Digest, and he is a noted collector of modern art. Williams is an avid golfer. He hosted a major golf tournament in San Diego for many years, which was known as the Andy Williams San Diego Open during that time.
Williams' birthplace is a tourist attraction open most of the year.
The Christmas Waltz
Andy Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas,
"May your New Year dreams come true"
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too
Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me
(It's that time of year when the world falls in love)
(Ev'ry song you hear seems to say)
"Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true"
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too
Andy Williams's song The Christmas Waltz is a classic holiday tune that perfectly captures the magic and joy of Christmas time. The opening lyrics describe a cozy and festive atmosphere with frosted window panes and candles gleaming inside, and the painted candy canes on the tree further evoke the image of a traditional Christmas scene. The mention of Santa Claus and his sleigh being filled with gifts for both the listener and the singer adds to the excitement of the holiday season.
The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, as it references the tradition of Christmas music and the good wishes that come with it. The line "It's that time of year when the world falls in love" is a powerful sentiment, as it suggests that Christmas brings people together in a way that is unique and special. The reference to "every song you hear" is also symbolic of the ubiquity of Christmas music during the holiday season, further emphasizing the importance of music in spreading holiday cheer.
The final verse of the song reinforces the simple message of goodwill and hope for a happy and prosperous New Year. The use of the waltz rhythm throughout the song also adds to the sense of celebration and festivity, making it a popular choice for holiday parties and gatherings.
Overall, The Christmas Waltz is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season. With its memorable lyrics and cheerful melody, it continues to be a beloved addition to any Christmas music playlist.
Line by Line Meaning
Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
The beauty of the season is highlighted by the frosted window panes and the flickering candle lights inside, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Painted candy canes on the tree
The tradition of decorating the tree with bright and colorful ornaments is captured by the image of candy canes in bright contrasting colors.
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things
The excitement of receiving gifts from Santa is conveyed through the imagery of him filling his sleigh with goodies for everyone.
Things for you and for me
The anticipation of receiving Christmas presents is not just for the singer, but also for the listeners of the song.
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
The season of Christmas brings a sense of joy and love that permeates the entire world, bringing people together.
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say 'Merry Christmas,
The omnipresence of Christmas carols during the holiday season is reflected in the line, conveying the universal message of spreading joy and cheer.
May your New Year dreams come true'
The holiday season is not just about celebrating Christmas, but also about looking forward to a promising and fulfilling new year.
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
The song itself is a special gift from the singer, conveying his emotions in a unique and musical way through the use of three-quarter time signature.
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too
The singer extends his heartfelt wishes to the listeners, hoping that they also experience the same joy, love, and happiness during the holiday season.
Lyrics © Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind