Andy Williams Show, The

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The first Andy Williams Show aired on ABC as a summer replacement in 1958.

He then moved to CBS before, in 1962, settling with NBC – where he would stay until 1971, with a brief break between 1967 and 1969.

In an attempt to keep abreast of the swinging times, the hitherto straight show was zanily updated in the late 60s, complete with psychedelic sets and a talking bear.

Williams was a big contributing factor to the eventual success of the Osmond clan, who often appeared on his show prior to their ascent to fame and fortune.

He initially introduced them to the world as a “youthful barbershop harmony group from Ogden, Utah”. The boys were weekly favourites on the show from 1962 until 1971.

Among the other regulars were Dick Van Dyke, comedian Jonathan Winters, the New Christy Minstrels and the Mike Post Orchestra. Other programme fixtures included Big Bird and ‘The Williams Weirdos’ slot

The theme tune was Moon River performed by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.

In 1976, Williams hosted a half-hour syndicated show called simply Andy, which, although popular with his numerous fans, did not attract the same kind of attention as did his earlier television efforts, and was cancelled after one year.

Andy Williams, 84, died at his home in Branson, Missouri on 26 September 2012, a year after being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

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