Week of September 28: Best of Andy Williams On TV

By Sylvia Gurinsky

It was ultimately about the songs for Andy Williams.

His successful variety shows - from 1962-71 on NBC and later in syndication - did feature comedy and shtick (Who could forget Wayland Flowers and Madame?). But the best parts included Williams singing.

Here's a very athletic duet with Williams and Johnny Mathis:

For You


And a gorgeous duet of Williams with Julie Andrews (who helped Williams avoid what she went through with her own singing voice 30 years later):

Where Is Love?


Who said Williams wasn't cool? Take a look at one of his hits from 1967 - 14 years before MTV:

Music To Watch Girls Go By


Williams got credit for introducing a singing family from Utah on his show:

The Osmonds

Marie Osmond, Williams' young dancing partner, was about 6 at the time.

Williams had an unusual dance partner in 1967 - Henry Mancini, who composed many of the best Williams hits:

In the Arms of Love

Here's a terrific performance from 1968 with Simon & Garfunkel - & Williams:

Scarborough Fair

And here's Williams in concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1978 with a virtuoso performance of a song introduced by Richard Harris. This concert was shown on PBS stations years later:

MacArthur Park

Finally:

Moon River

Many of Williams' performances can be found on DVD - thank goodness.

See you next week.