Andy Williams Announces Autobiography Project in 2009

Iconic crooner Andy Williams announced Friday he will take some time off from his Moon River Theater in Branson next year to complete his autobiography and do a book tour.

He'll return to the theater Sept. 1 for his 17^th season in Branson, he said. In the meantime, he introduced new headliners including the Righteous Brothers" Bill Medley, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Bill Haley’s Original Comets who will perform April 21 through Aug. 29, 2009.

"My autobiography is almost done, and I will travel to promote it,” said Williams. He said he’ll complete work on the autobiography from his home in La Quinta, Calif., a home he recently remodeled for the fourth time, he said.

“I now have the most expensive tract house in the desert,” Williams said.

Williams said he’ll be back in September for the Andy Williams All-Star Variety Show. That show debuted this year, with Williams revisiting the format of his long-running TV variety show. His 1960’s “The Andy Williams Show” won three Emmy Awards for best variety program. Medley and Revere will also be part of the variety show, Williams said.

He also will continue the tradition of the Andy Williams Christmas Show next year, Nov. 2 through Dec. 7, he said. This year’s Christmas show runs Nov.1 through Dec. 13.

Williams, who will turn 81 on Dec. 3, is in good health, and says he still enjoys performing. He said he works out regularly and also enjoys golf.

After his announcement at his Moon River Grill next door to his theater, Williams invited Bill Medley “to come up and say how happy he is to be at my theater.”

Medley agreed with the sentiment, saying “filling in for Andy is a tough job.”

Marshall Lytle, an original bass player for The Comets in the mid-1950s, said the group is thrilled with the matinee slot in 2009. He’s joined by two other original Comets, Dick Richards and Joey Ambrose.

“We’ll work to the best of our ability, and our ability is working pretty well now,” Lytle said.

Williams continues to draw thousands of guests each year to his 2,000-seat theater decorated with works from his extensive art collection. During the 1960s, he became one of the most popular vocalists in the country, and was signed to what was the biggest recording contract in history. By 1973, he had earned 18 gold album awards.        Williams has not slowed down in recent years. In 2007, he completed sold-out tours in the U.K. and Asia, performing at venues including Royal Albert Hall.

Medley, Revere and The Comets performed in Branson this year at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre. In 2009, that two-year-old theater will be home to tribute artist production “Legends in Concert.”

“Legends” general manager Jeannie Horton announced that they have signed a multi-year agreement with GEP, Inc., the owner of the Bandstand theater, and will begin shows there on Feb. 12. The current “Legends” schedule will continue through December 31 at The Legends Family Theater.

“Legends” has been in Branson since 1996. The 900-seat Bandstand theatre “will allow the introduction of many exciting enhancements to our production that both our loyal Legends fans and new guests are certain to enjoy,” Horton said.  “We look forward to an even brighter future as our show moves to this fabulous new entertainment facility, a true state-of-the-art venue.”

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