A   A   A

Posted: Wednesday, 26 September 2012 7:21AM

'Moon River' singer Andy Williams dead at 84



(Reuters) - Crooner Andy Williams has died at age 84 at his home in Branson, Missouri, his family said on Wednesday.

Williams, who had been suffering from bladder cancer for a year, died on Tuesday evening, his family said in a statement.

Known for his hit renditions of "Moon River" and "Born Free," Williams hosted "The Andy Williams Show" on NBC for nearly a decade. The show then became an annual Christmas special.

Williams became entangled in a scandal when his ex-wife Claudine Longet was accused in 1976 of fatally shooting her lover, ski racer Spider Sabich.

The singer announced last year at an appearance at the Moon River Theater in Branson that he was suffering from cancer.

Williams, who grew up in Wall Lake, Iowa, made his professional singing debut at age 8 with his three brothers as part of the Williams Brothers Quartet.

Featured on radio stations nationwide, the brothers eventually drew the attention of Bing Crosby, who joined them to record the 1944 hit "Swinging on a Star."

Story Copyright 2012, Reuters
Photo Copyright 2012, Getty Images

How does Brad Pitt embarrass his kids?


Brad Pitt regularly leaves his children squirming with disgust doing this.

Jesse James accidentally chops off finger


Jesse James has chopped off the tip of his little finger after an accident in his workshop.

David Spade donates $200,000 to Oklahoma tornado victims


Comedian David Spade has handed $200,000 to the victims of the deadly tornado in Oklahoma.

Kellie Pickler jives to victory on 'Dancing With the Stars'


Kellie Pickler won the 16th season of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' finale with tornado storyline


CBS said that it will delay airing the season finale of "Mike & Molly."

Kelly Rowland, Paulina Rubio join U.S. 'X Factor' judges panel


Kelly Rowland has signed onto "The X Factor" judging panel.

'Star Wars' to bring 'Rebels' to new animated TV series


Disney said it will produce a new "Star Wars" animated series.

Sinbad files for bankruptcy - again


Sinbad has declared himself bankrupt with more than $10 million in debts.

Jennifer Lawrence stalker faces charges


An overzealous Jennifer Lawrence fan has been jailed.

Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards


Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift won the big prizes at the Billboard Music Awards.

Beyonce is pregnant with second child: report


Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are indeed expecting, according to reports.

Troubled 'Terminator' star arrested again


Edward Furlong has been arrested again after allegedly breaking a restraining order.

Soul singer Candice Glover wins 'American Idol'


Candice Glover, a soul singer from rural South Carolina, was named "American Idol."

Steve Carell helps 'The Office' close its doors


The doors of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch closed for the last time.

Sony to make 'Angry Birds' movie in 3D


The popular video game "Angry Birds" is jumping off smart phones and onto the big screen.