Born:
December 03, 1927
in
Wall Lake, Iowa
Best Known For:
His version of Moon River.
Early-life:
Howard Andrew Williams was born in Wall Lake, Iowa, on December 3, 1927. He first began performing in a local church choir, before going on to form the Williams Brothers with his three elder siblings, Bob, Don and Dick. The group enjoyed success performing on the radio, and even collaborated with Bing Crosby on the hit single Swinging on a Star in 1944. The brothers also spent seven years backing actress Kay Thompson in her nightclub act, before deciding to go their separate ways in 1951.
Career:
Williams's first solo recordings were not a success, but his profile received a boost after he started making regular appearances on the Tonight Show in the mid-1950s, and he soon began notching up hits. He went on to secure a number of gold albums and a string of hits, including Moon River, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, and Can't Get Used to Losing You. In 1962, he hosted his own, self-titled TV variety show, which ran for nine years, although his attempt to break into acting was less successful - he made just one film, I'd Rather Be Rich (1964). He continued to perform into his 80s. He died of bladder cancer on September 25, 2012, at the age of 84.
Quote:
"The important things are children, honesty, integrity and faith."
Trivia:
Williams collected Navajo blankets.