Howard Andrew Williams "ANDY" (December 3rd,1927-Sept.25th,2012) was an American singer who recorded 18 Gold and 3 Platinum Albums! He hosted the Andy illiams Show,a TV Variety Show from 1962 to 1971 and always has TV specials around the Holidays.

Every year I had the honor of talking to him about his annual Christmas Show at Gammage Auditorium in Tempe. He loved comng to the Valley and was always very accessible. Matte of fact...for one of the interview I was told to call him at home in Branson where his "Moon River Theatre" thrived!

When I called...his wife Debbie answered the phone and we talked abou everything for at least 3 minutes. Then Andy got on the phone for the interview. My point...calling Andy Williams at home was like calling a friend I'd known for years. I'll truly miss his visits to the Valley.

Growing up wit him on TV and records...was an honor!

Williams was an avid golfer, and hosted the PGA Tour golf tournament in San Diego from 1968-88 at Torrey Pines. Then known as the "Andy Williams San Diego Open", the tournament continues as the Farmers Insurance Open, usually played in February.

Williams' birthplace in Iowa is a tourist attraction, and is open most of the year.

On Friday, November 4, 2011, it was reported in the press that Williams has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The singer confirmed the condition in a surprise appearance that weekend at his theater in Branson, as reported by the Branson Tri-Lakes News.[16] He underwent chemotherapy treatments in Houston, Texas and then moved with his wife, Debbie, to a rented home in Malibu, California to be closer to cancer specialists in the Los Angeles area.[17]

On July 19, 2012, Williams's theater announced that Andy Williams had returned to Branson following cancer treatment and is "in good spirits and getting stronger every day" and had hoped to take the stage as scheduled in September.[18]

He died on September 25, 2012, at the age of 84, after a year-long battle with bladder cancer. RIP Andy...and THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING OUR FRIEND.

~Danny D.