Andy Williams, celebrated for his smooth delivery of songs including "Moon River," has died at 84.
Williams, also known for renditions of "Where Do I Begin?" and "Butterfly," died after a yearlong battle with bladder cancer, according to his publicist, Paul Shefrin.
His gentle croon, bright eyes and flashing teeth helped him play for audiences from Hollywood to Branson, Mo. No one ever accused him of being edgy, but they couldn't argue that he was smooth.
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He died in Branson, where he spent much of his later life, regularly performing in his own Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.
Audrey Hepburn performed "Moon River," written by Johnny Mercer and composed Henry Mancini, in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's." But it became Williams' signature song after he performed it at the 1962 Academy Awards, where it won for Best Original Song. He also recorded it for a bestselling album and performed it on his own television show, which ran from 1962 to 1971.
Williams announced last year that he had bladder cancer, but vowed to keep fighting and performing. This year was his 75th in show business.
Williams is survived by his wife Debbie and his three children, Robert, Noelle and Christian. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.
