THE MEMORY OF THEIR MUSIC – PURE FAME MEDIA

THE MEMORY OF THEIR MUSIC

By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger

Photographer: George Whylie

Videographer: Maxine Nolan

Oh such a sweet melody it is! ‘Moon River’…….. Sometimes it reverberates in our heads when we fall into that relaxed and romantic frame of mind. But, alas, we have lost the man behind the song, Andy Williams. Williams passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at the age of 84 after battling bladder cancer.

This talented musical artist had a voice that could easily charm with handsome and debonair looks that continually swayed the ladies and brought them to their knees. Not a Christmas ever goes by without a holiday song or two from Andy’s Christmas album collection. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” has ranked #5 on Billboard’s ‘Top 10 Holiday Songs’ for over 10 years now. Williams was so likable with an easygoing personality to match and he hosted the GRAMMYs, the Golden Globes and the People’s Choice Awards more than just once.

He proudly raised three wonderful children. Andy started his career on radio and made his way to television where among his accomplishments, he hosted his own variety show introducing the world to little Donny Osmond, rock star Elton John and featuring popular groups like The Beach Boys on a regular weekly basis. The show itself scored three Emmy Awards. In the last 20 years, he was content performing on stage at his Moon River Theatre in Branson, MO doing what he loved to do best. His talents even stretched into journalism as he completed his autobiography, “Moon River and Me: A Memoir” in 2009.

The Recording Academy released this statement on Andy William’s death on Wednesday, September 26, 2012:

Andy Williams’ smooth voice and casual style turned the songs he sang into timeless classics and made him one of America’s top pop singers. As host of his own weekly variety series, “The Andy Williams Show,” he helped put both established and emerging talent in front of American audiences. Williams was the first host of the live GRAMMY Awards telecast and hosted the show for seven consecutive years, beginning with the 13th Annual GRAMMY Awards in March 1971, at the Hollywood Palladium. The entertainment industry has lost a giant piece of its living history today, but Williams’ legacy will forever be enshrined in the annals of music and television. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who will miss this American treasure.Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

As we enter into the last three months of the year 2012, we look back in retrospect on the tremendous musical talent that we lost this year.

But mark your calendars for November 16, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. CBS plans to air a musical tribute to one of the lovely ladies of all times and a singing sensation, Whitney Houston. We lost Whitney in February of this year.

This is bound to be a special treat as we celebrate Whitney in life through interviews and performances by various artists paying homage to this six-time GRAMMY winner on “We Will Always Love You: A GRAMMY Salute to Whitney Houston”. Such award-winning artists as Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Usher are the first performers to be announced.

Viewers will get to see never before seen footage and listen to exclusive interviews, along with artists sharing their memories of Houston. The one-hour program will feature highlights of Whitney’s career.

We will be able to remember her as the successful musical legend that she turned out to be, selling more than 170 million combined albums, songs and videos; earning her 6 GRAMMYs, 2 EMMY Awards and countless other awards and accolades. “We Will Always Love You: A GRAMMY Salute to Whitney Houston” will take place live on October 11, 2012 at The Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and then will be rebroadcast on television on November 16th.

Although we have lost the unforgettable smiles of both Andy Williams and Whitney Houston, we still have their magical music and such a memory of both.

PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images and USA Today Media Gallery