Andy Williams still going strong in Branson

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) - Singer Andy Williams says he will be singing and entertaining in Branson as long as his health and voice allow it.

Williams, who has been performing at his own theatre in Branson since 1992, will turn 83 on Dec. 3. But he said he's not slowing down.

"As long as I feel good and can sing well and I'm still having fun, I'll keep performing," the singer told The Springfield News-Leader during an interview at his Moon River Theatre in Branson. "I think certainly another two or three years."

Williams hosted annual Christmas specials on television and performed Christmas shows on the road for many years. His 1963 recording, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," has become a Christmas standard.

He said his current show might be the best Christmas show he has done in several years. He said the show is similar to the "The Andy Williams Show" he did on television from 1962-71.

"It's a musical variety Christmas show," he said. "It's like what we did on TV, but without my mother and father and brothers. We really keep up the pace. It's a very complete Christmas production."

Williams started a new Christmas tradition in 1992 when he began putting on his holiday show at the Moon River Theatre.

"Everybody followed Andy's lead," said Paul Revere, who performs a Christmas show with his band, the Raiders, at the Branson theater. "Andy brought a whole new life to this town. He added a whole six weeks to the season."

Kathy Lennon of the Lennon sisters, who have been performing Christmas shows in Branson since 1994, said Williams still sets the standard.

"Everyone likes to say that Christmas starts in Branson when Andy Williams says it does, and it starts Nov. 1." she said.

Online:

http://www.andywilliams.com/