Andy Williams Dies At 84 – He Was The BEST!
By Alan on Sep 26 in Blog | 67 Comments
Andy Williams, Dies at 84
Tuesday night 9/25/2012 at his home in Branson, Missouri.
Andy Loved The Osmonds
And The Osmonds Loved Andy Williams!
When I heard this morning that Andy Williams had died, my heart felt a major loss; yet there was a peaceful feeling of love that warmed my soul for a dear friend. I knew he had been struggling with a health challenge but was told a few weeks ago that he was planning on returning to the stage. Andy had been quoted to have said ”I Have Done A Lot Of Things That I Love.”
We have known Andy Williams for a long time and we loved him. He was like an older brother and a part of our Osmond Family. “Mr. Williams”, as we first called him out of respect, first introduced us on one of his Andy Williams Shows in 1962, remembers Alan Osmond, the eldest and leader of The Osmond Brothers group.
We were a barbershop quartet and loved singing together just like Andy and his brothers Don, Dick and Bob Williams did when they were young. In fact, Andy’s father, Jay Williams, had just seen us on a TV Show that we had done from Disneyland with Walt Disney. 
He learned that we had met the Lennon Sisters and called them to get our phone number in Ogden, Utah.
I remember my father answering the phone one night and talking to Jay Williams who said that Andy has a new show on TV and wondered if we would consider coming to California and auditioning for it. Yes, was my father’s response! A few days later, we were all packed up and drove in our station wagon to Los Angeles to meet Andy Williams.
The rest is history. We walked into NBC in Burbank, California and met NBC’s manager Jerry McPhie who took us to meet Andy in the rehearsal hall where Andy and the dancers with the production staff were rehearsing. They took a break and we met Mr. Williams.
Andy thanked us for coming to California and asked us to sing a few songs for the staff and cast of the show. All I can remember was that they were laughing and clapping their hands! Andy loved the songs we sang and I’m sure reflected back to the days when he and his brothers were singing together. 
The producers liked us and our music and they applauded us. It was then where we met Don Williams, Andy’s brother, who later became our manager. Andy asked us if we would do two of his TV shows and then they would see what the audience reaction to us would be. Andy told us that the camera that had the red light on was the one we should look at. Jay took him seriously and it caused a great response as he kept turning his hed toward the camera. Andy said, “Keep it up Jay!”
After we had driven back home, we got a call saying that they’d received stacks of letters from people throughout America and Canada who saw the show saying they’s like to see more of The Osmond Brothers so they offered us a 5 year contract. We stayed with Andy Williams for over 7 years and had the most wonderful time of our lives. Andy challenged us to do lots of new things on TV.
We danced, juggled, played saxophones, pianos, rock and roll with guitars, bass and drums, did various production numbers, etc. I remember one week Andy said that Peggy Fleming was going to be on the show and it was going to be all ice. 
He said, “You ice skate don’t you?” I was about to say no when my father George said, “Yes, we’ll be ready!” We never went home but to an ice rink where we crash course learned to ice skate! In 5 days we skated backwards, did flips, shoot the ducks, and made the show! After the show, Andy called us and said, “Ice Capades called and wanted to know if you would go on tour with them!”
Yes, we worked hard to please Andy because he was a perfectionist. He always sang in tune and we learned to do the same. Because we were minors and couldn’t only work a few hours a day, we rehearsed long into the evenings at home to make sure we kept up that reputation of being the “One Take Osmonds”.
Andy Williams spent time with us indivually and collectively in coaching us in singing and developing breathing techniques that he had done. Andy gave us full stage production opportunities and broke the law of show business of “Never working with animals or kids!” 
If fact, he gave us numerous TV moments together with him on stage! That built a bond between us that could never be broken.
Andy sometimes got labeled as “the affable, 
boyishly handsome crooner who defined both easy listening and wholesome, easygoing charm” but, that is what made him popular with his TV audience! We Osmonds also got labeled as being “goody goody”and “too clean cut” and we were told we would never make it in show business! Well, with Andy William’s help and opportunities that came our way to prove ourselves, with hard work, we did! We give Andy much credit for launching not only The Osmond Brothers, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, Jimmy Osmond, but also my sons The Osmond Boys – The Osmonds Second Generation and what was on the table and in the works, was for Andy to launch The Osmond Girls (my granddaughters) The Osmonds Third Generation!
Everyone needs a break in Show Business and ANDY GAVE US OURS!
We left Andy Williams after 7 years on his TV Shows to pursue a pop/rock career and to appeal to our own teenage audience. Andy understood and even encouraged us. He also stepped up and offered us a label deal with his newly formed Barnaby Record label.
We toured with Andy. We laughed and had fun with Andy. Andy respected our religious beliefs as Mormons and even Andy’s father told him before he died, “Andy, listen to the Osmonds. The Osmonds have something!” That something is called The Family!
In behalf of my family, we offer our everlasting love to Andy and his family. We believe we are all God’s children and that families are forever! I am sure that my parents who have also gone on to the other side were there to welcome Andy along with Andy’s parents. That’s how close we were.
You can’t find a better singer than Andy Williams! Andy was the BEST! You can’t find a more loyal friend and supporter than Andy Williams. We were BEST of friends and families. When we worked with Andy on his TV series, he gave us the BEST musicians, the BEST wardrobe, the BEST choreographers, and many of the BEST spots on the show. When Andy established his Andy Williams Theater in Branson, Missouri, he called us and encouraged us to take a look at Branson, Missouri and in building a theater there. We did, and with Andy’s advice, we established our own Osmond Family Theater in Branson, Missouri and launched the Osmonds Second Generation, as well as worked together as a family there for over 10 years. Again, those years were the BEST!
We Osmonds have been BLESSED because of Andy Wlliams and we only wish him and his family and loved ones the VERY BEST OF LIFE FOR ALL ETERNITY!
Alan Osmond
For The Family
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[...] Read this story from the Osmond Family – written by Alan Osmond. [...]
Thanks for sharing this loving tribute with us Alan. Watching Andy’s shows on YouTube with all of you and Andy’s family -the nostalgia is overwhelming as I remember watching them all with my parents and they were so impressed with your talent of harmonizing.We watched together every Sat. night. Since then, I have been a fan of all of you and have been amazed at all the things your parents instilled in you. It makes me pleased to know that there are still wonderful families with values like your Thank you!
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Williams family and also to the Osmonds for the loss of their talented love one. Andy will be remembered by many and missed by many. He was a an extremely wonderful person…RIP Andy…Christmas won’t be the same without you…
Hey Friends! Thanks for show us to see What did Andy do work for the Osmonds does? I’m really appreciated it. I love to see Andy Williams and the Osmonds Family too. God Bless Andy! He did deserve it! I meant he was a great man, awesome work hard with help other family life and some of his friends too. Smile! Peace!
Por Andy Williams conocí a The Osmonds brothers, soy de argentina , les mando un gran abrazo y mis respetos a sus familiares y amigos
ALAN ..WHAT.A GREAT JOB ..MY PRAYS ARE WITH MR.WILLLAMS AND HIS FAMILY AND YOUR FAMILY TO..LOVE AND PRAYS
Alan, thank you for writing this tribute to Andy Williams his music will always be in our hearts. I am so very thankful for him in our lives and the Osmonds. The Osmonds have brought such joy to our lives and we have Andy Willaims to thank for that. We are thinking of the Williams family and he Osmonds during this difficult time. Love to you all!
Dear Alan，
Thank you for writing beautiful tribute ．
Andy is always with us ．
I love Andy ．
I love Osmonds．
Forever ！
Noriko Okumura
from Japan
I was in the store with my daughter when she said’ Oh mum Andy Williams died’.I stood there and cried like a baby in front of many costumers.I offer my deepest sympathy to Mr Willams family and friends not forgetting the millions of viewers like me who looked forward to family oriented shows in the early 70s.
RIP Andy we love you.
That was beautiful, Alan! He was a wondeful man! My condolences to you and your family, and especially to his family.
Hi Alan,
just one word
Wonderful!
Jo
What a beautiful touching tribute Alan.The world has lost a true legend. My thoughts are with the Osmond and Williams families. God bless x
Beautiful tribute Alan.
I grew up watching all of you and I loved even more listening to Andy and all the crooners that my family enjoyed dearly! We are all blessed to have such talents to be shared for all of us!
We have truly lost a National treasure. What a wonderful man and what an incredibly sweet and mellow voice. I always loved that Andy had such a great influence on, and relationship with the Osmond family. God bless his family at this sad time of loss.
Saturday night was our favourite night here in England with the Andy Williams show and the Osmonds staring on that show.
But the Christmas specials where what made Christmas that special time of year knowing Andy was going to be on .Fantastic words Alan I am so blessed that I grew up in the years both Andy Williams and the Osmonds were our greatest Entertainers R.I.P. Andy loved and remembered forever
That was a beautiful rememberance. Thank you Alan. Heaven has a wonderful addition to its choir. He had the most beautiful voice and was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Great tribute to Andy Williams, Alan. I know he means a lot to you all. Take care.
Audy
(Hoorn, The Netherlands.
Beautiful. I can only agree with everything said above.
All my blessings to Andy’s family as well as all of you.
It is a sad loss and i will always be grateful to him for bringing the osmonds to us.
As soon as I heard the news, I thought of the Osmonds. Andy Williams saw something special in the Osmonds; but the Osmonds also saw something special in Andy Williams. I believe God has blessed the world with both families and I’m forever grateful. Thank-you for a beautiful tribute. My condolences to his family.
Alan I thank you for the beautiful tribute and wonderful stories you and your family had to share with Andy Williams. The first time I met all of you, Andy was there too! None of you would remember me, but I will never forget any of you. My heart goes out to the Williams family with the loss of OUR beloved Andy Williams. And to the Osmond family for losing a dear friend, mentor and family member. May God Bless you all. With Love Always,
Gina Ward
How beautiful . . . Yes, Mr. Williams will be missed. I watched him when I was a child and my sister had many of his albums over the years. I do remember watching the Osmonds on the show and became an everlasting fan.
Thank you, Andy, for sharing your talent with the world. You will be missed… Carole
May Andy rest in peace. I remember seeing the Osmond Brothers on Andy’s show. Such wonderful memories. He will be missed. What a great talent he was. Many condolences to his friends and family ..God Bless to all
My husband to be played Andy singing “Almost there” to me on our wedding day.I loved Andy Williams and send my very deepest condolences to his family…..He will be greatly missed in the entertainment world,,,
Through tears, I just finished reading your beautiful tribute to a beloved man, may God Bless you, your extraordinary family,
Andy William’s family and Andy’s sweet and loving heart and soul.
Amazing Tribute from Alan and the family,
Amazing entertainer that will be missed by many
He gave us a wonderful family to amire though out
The years ( Osmonds ) and Entertained many him self
R.I.P you will be missed by thousands x
It’s his happy heart we hear!
I’m sure that Heavenly Father will be there to wrap his arms around his son to welcome him home…. I pray that he also wraps his arms around his friends and family to bring them peace at this sorrowful time. He will surely be missed for the wonderful man that he was. He will be remembered by many.
Alan,
That was an amazing and comprehensive tribute. There’s no doubt how much the Osmonds and Andy Williams meant to one and other.
Blessings,
Lorraine
Very well written, Alan. Knowing your family’s connection with Andy Williams, I immediately thought of your family when I first heard on the radio that he had died. May God bring you comfort in knowing that he is singing with the angels and that you will see him again one day in Heaven.
I watched The Osmonds since I was 12, And remember Them and Andy on each others Shows and specials through out the years,
The World has lost a great Man, and I personally thank Him for the Gifts of His own great Voice, and the Decision to Give The Osmond Brothers their start.
Heavens Choir just got a little sweeter…. RIP to a Great man
I think this tribute is wonderful. I have been an Osmond fan since the rock and roll pop started. I know how much they admired, looked up to and love Andy so I found it very fitting tribute to Andy from all of them. Much love to everyone!
Well said Alan. God bless you and your family along with Andy Williams’ family.
This was a beautiful tribute to Andy. I have listened to him forever, watched all of his shows and of course you too. Thanks you for writing this.
Beautiful tribute Alan.
God Bless you all!
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of such a wonderful singer. I grew up listening to that velvety smooth voice. I wish to convey my condolences to boththeWilliams family, and to the Osmond family for their loss. He is enchanting or families in Heaven. My dear, late mother, Sheila’s's favorite song was, and always will be MOON RIVER. . RIP Mr. Williams
Rest in peace Andy Williams, you were a great person and a Christian man, your music was the best, the Osmonds was a great group and a great family. Your music will be miss.
I use to sit crossed legged in front of the TV when Andy Williams Show would come on. I am 53 now and those moments watching Andy and the Osmond Brothers are precious and priceless to me now. Pat Boone and Andy Williams were always thought highly of, at least in my heart and mind. Andy’s show was very entertaining and of course I had a big crush on Donny Osmond. Told my mom I would marry him one day. LOL!!! Thanks for the wholesome memories and the wholesome lives you lived, both Andy Williams and the Osmonds.
Your words have touched many hearts who wish to remember Mr. Williams. We only knew him as an amazing entertainer but you knew him as a “family member”. I have enjoyed being a fan of your family for many years and I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart felt sympathy’s are with you and the family . May Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you through this trying time .
The passing of Andy Williams is a sad loss to all of his millions of fans here in the UK who first fell in love with his golden mellow voice with the Andy Williams show. My good friend Richard Holmes, here in West Sussex remembers him fondly, not only as a nice human being but a gentleman, as he toured with Andy as his pianist and musical director in the UK many years ago. RIP Andy. XxxxxX
In reading this, it took me back to that time when we all looked forward to watching the Andy Williams Show. What a wonderful memory you shared Alan, with your meeting and being on the Andy Williams Show. He as well as the Osmonds were all a part of our family.
My heart goes out to his family and friends,. It is not easy when you lose a loved one but the memories you have will forever keep them alive for us.
I remember watching Andy Williams show as a young child and seeing the Osmonds for the first time. You will be missed Andy; Thanks for the memories.
Alan, this is such a wonderful tribute to Andy Williams. I will always remember him, his music, and his giving your family a start in show business. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have known who you were, and — living in the backwoods of Mississippi — I wouldn’t have known about the Church. Thank you, Alan, for posting this tribute, and thank you, Andy, for 50 years of memories….
i loved andys music.. grew up with it and with the osmonds on the tv in the ‘olden’days..i am glad i got to see him in branson a few years ago and brought my mom.. so sad he passed.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF THE OSMONDS AND THEIR FAMILIES. MAY ANDY WILLIAMS REST IN PEACE FOREVER.
Well said Alan– you are a kind, sincere man and you and the family have given so much to all of us…you certainly made Andy proud!
Thanks Alan for this story. I was a fan of Andy Williams and always enjoyed his shows. We grew up watching you and your brothers…every weeknight you were on, we scrambled to take our baths, get into our jammies, make popcorn and settle in for some of the best entertainment EVER! We loved you guys…I am a forever fan. Thanks so much for sharing your memories of Andy with us.
Fondly, Mary Crovetti
Andy Williams was so much a part of my childhood and helped to form my love of music and singing. Although I am not a singer professionally, he is a legend of our times. I watched him devotedly every week and watched the Osmonds grow up into legacys for all time to come. I am so saddened to know he is no longer with us, but he is with God the Father, and family-what more could we wish for him. Truely one of the BEST!
Thank you for the tribute, Alan. Andy had a class that was a cut above the rest and he certainly did a great job assisting and molding your family into the beloved entertainers and people you are. My heart hurts for the Osmonds, Andy’s family, but also for myself. My husband and I took in his Christmas concert a few years back and thoroughly fell in love. You are right. He was the best singer, ever.
I wrote a tribute today as well. Here’s mine –
Dad was concerned about teaching angels all by himself because there are SOOO many of them and the young angels with their quickly flapping wings can be challenging. He had been doing his best, but angels started showing up faster than almost anyone expected. God stopped by to answer a prayer from Dad in regards to the situation. So God asked Dad what He could do to help the most. Dad said ‘I truly love what I do and I am grateful for the talent you’ve given me and the ability to share it with others. I didn’t quite realize the magnitude of this task when you called me home for this. And (with hands splayed out for emphasis) honestly, I need some assistance! There is so much more to this task than anyone, well, other than You, realizes!
God replied ‘I know this is a huge task with these singing angels, and so many of the young angels are pretty spirited. What qualities would you most want from this assistant?’
Dad replied ‘A velvet voice! A class act. One who could not only help me teach them to use their voices to sing and hear the music, but also teach them class. Help the younger angels slower, smoother flutters with their wings. A smile in their eyes always. Quick to laugh. Accepting. Graceful. Talented. Giving. An awful lot like me and yet a bit different. Well, maybe I’m asking for too much…’
God pondered Dad’s request. Then God said ‘Well, I do have one that fits the criteria… Okay, it’s time to bring Andy home and between the both of you, many miracles will happen in heaven and earth. We will truly (and finally!) have a Choir of Angels.’
Andy heard his Father calling him. He floated peacefully down Moon River, back to his heavenly home. God loving welcomed his son with a warm hug. ‘I have a task for you son’ He said. ‘I am ready Father’ Andy replied.
God walked with Andy to a most amazing place. Angels everywhere, fluttering wings, beautiful music. He felt at peace and excited for the journey ahead of him. They walked toward an attractive man with blonde hair. God said ‘Don, I’d like you to meet my son Andy. Andy, this is my son son Don. I’ll leave you two now, to start creating miracles. I love you my sons.’
Dad loving said ‘Hello Andy. I want to do this My Way.’ Andy, smiling, replied ‘Anything you say, my huckleberry friend.’
Their music lives on forever!
*Note – The headstone on my Dad’s grave reads:
Michael Don May
Dec 29 1935 – Feb 17 1998
‘Your song will live forever’
Don May was the best guitar player in the west and had a voice smooth as velvet. His ‘song’ is ‘My Way’.
And he did it his way.
I love you and miss you so much Dad!
Your tribute is so moving it’s reduced me to tears. Your Dad was also very lucky to have you to love.
Thank you for sharing x
Alan, your words are so heartfelt and very moving. Beautifuly wrote. I am so sorry for The Williams Family, my heart goes out to them for losing such a great man and enertainer. My condolences to them. And to The Osmond Family, my heart goes out to your loss as well. My condolences to you and your entire family. I never did get to watch The Andy Williams Show first hand, however I did get to see bits and pieces of The Osmond Brothers in the beginning on youtube. The world has lost a wonderful man!!!!
everyone will miss Andy Williams – such a wonderful talented man
On behalf of our facebook group “Andy Williams Huckleberry Friends” thank you Alan for this
heartfelt tribute.
Such a beautiful tribute. He, being so talented, saw your natural talent and provided a way for you to let it shine unto all the world. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. He was a special man.
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to
Andy Williams.
May he rest in peace.
I am heart broken today at the loss of Andy Williams. As an Osmond fan, I take comfort in the wonderful memories they have shared today. The world has lost a truly beautiful man and heaven is celebrating his homecoming!
I want to send my condolences to your family as well as Andy Williams family. He will be missed.
Through tears I read your beautiful tribute to the amazing talent of Andy Williams. I too grew up with you on his show, as we never missed a show at our house.
We all loved Andy and that golden ‘voice’.
RIP Andy, and thank you Alan for such a lovely tribute.
I will be forever grateful for Andy Williams because he introduced me to the Osmonds. The Osmonds where such a big part of my growing up that I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t a fan. That includes today. I still have the record Moon River, well, it actually belongs to my Mom and it may be a little scratchy because it’s on vinyl but it will forever be the song that I will hear every time I think of Andy Williams. We will miss you, Mr. Williams. May you rest in peace.
he was a beautiful man and alan did a wonderful job
Beautiful tribute
Thanks for sharing this with us !
I Love Andy Williams and the Osmond too
RIP to a great man!
Mónica A.
What a lovely tribute Alan. I think that Osmond fans everywhere are very grateful for Andy Williams and his family for believing in the Osmonds and giving them their first steps into greatness. We will never forget Andy, he was truly one of the greats and will be forever missed. His voice was ‘one of a kind’. R.I.P. Andy. xx