[35][6][1] Steve Huey of AllMusic called him "one of the most successful songwriters in country music history". Bill Anderson was born on November 1, 1937 and is 85 years old now. [15], Anderson's writing and recording career both slowed down at the same time. He was the oldest of two children. In songs such as "Double S," he whispered through the whole single, telling about his fictitious one night stand with a woman who wouldn't give her name, but mysteriously called herself "Double S.". by Roger Wink, VVN Music on April 20, 2017. in News. Bill was also the first country music singer to host a game show. In Commerce, Anderson wrote the song "City Lights". is country singer bill anderson still alive. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, secured a recording contract with Decca Records, and began turning out hit after hit with songs like PoFolks, Mama Sang A Song, The Tips Of My Fingers, 8X10, and the unforgettable country and pop smash, Still. His compositions were recorded by such diverse musical talents as Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, James Brown, Debbie Reynolds, Ivory Joe Hunter, Kitty Wells, Faron Young, Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Walter Brennan and many others. As the decade progressed his style moved towards the Countrypolitan sub-genre of country music, with songs such as "I Can't Wait Any Longer". Bill hit 1963 music managed to appear on the Country chat top list, the pop chart at position eight and adult contemporary chart at position three. Bill Anderson started his professional music career in the year 1957 when he released three singles with TNT label. [18] He is, as of 2022, the longest-standing active Opry member. He has also served as a television game show host, emceeing Fandango, which aired on The Nashville Network for seven consecutive seasons, in addition to co-hosting The Better Sex with Sarah Purcell. Anderson's first assignment with Killen was the 1977 studio release, Scorpio. He studied journalism at the University of Georgia, with an eye toward sports writing, and worked his way through school as a radio DJ, during which time he first tried his hand at songwriting and singing. [87], Anderson did not fully stop writing material for his own albums. He grew up in different areas of Georgia. Together the couple had one child. The song climbed to No. The same night, he wrote the lyrics to the track on an Underwood typewriter at three o'clock in the morning. His longtime duet partner, Jan Howard, left his record label and road show. [95] The song was also nominated for a Grammy award. In 2004 Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss scored a hit with Bill and Jon Randall's, "Whiskey Lullaby." Anderson is regarded as one of country music's most significant performers. For six years he hosted a country music game show on The Nashville Network called, Fandango, later an interview show called Opry Backstage, and somehow found time to be co-producer of another TNN Show called, You Can Be A Star. In addition, Bill has appeared frequently as a guest star on televisions top variety and game shows, including The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Match Game, Family Feud, Hee Haw and others. His sister, Elizabeth Anderson, was born two years after. By his voice. [15] In February 1974, he had his first number one hit in five years with "World of Make Believe". John David Anderson (born December 13, 1954) [2] is an American country music singer and songwriter with a successful career that has lasted more than 40 years. [118], In the 1980s, Anderson served as a spokesperson for the Po' Folks restaurant chain, whose name was taken from his 1961 hit song. For instance, how old is he? [123] The pair separated in 1968 and officially divorced in 1969. [25] The track was also his first single to become a hit on the Billboard easy listening chart, reaching number three that June. [15] During this time, Anderson formed his own touring band which he named "The Po' Boys" after his 1961 hit. Though, he is 1.71 m tall, he weighs about 68 kg. As of December 2022, Bill Anderson Net Worth is $8 million. Bill Anderson (singer) James William Anderson III (born November 1, 1937), known professionally as Bill Anderson, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and television host. [56] In 1998, Anderson was signed to Warner Bros. Records as part of a veterans artists project that included Ronnie Milsap and Connie Smith. [97] Anderson later commented that the song's success helped him resolve financial struggles he had battled during the decade. On his 1971 release, Always Remember, Greg Adams of Allmusic commented that it "confounds expectations" for delivering original vocal performances of songs first cut by Kris Kristofferson and Kenny Rogers. [73] Another hit was "I Don't Love You Anymore", which was recorded by Charlie Louvin in 1964. He was dropped from his record label in the early 1980s and began a brief career in television which included hosting the game shows The Better Sex and Fandango. In 2008, the Academy of Country Music honored him with their inaugural Poets Award. In the album's opening song, he opines, "There were people placing bets that I'd be dead and gone/But I'm still hanging on." Later he attended Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication where he earned his degree in journalism. Feel free to contribute! Just as it should be". Both songs (including his own version of "City Lights") attracted little attention. "I just knew that this is what I wanted to do for my life's work, but I do remember telling people I'd stop if it wasn't working out", he said in describing his move away from writing. July 15, 2006 marked Anderson's 45th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The record was also released in the United Kingdom with a different track list. "Bill Anderson". Anderson went to the University of Georgia to study journalism. That increased his popularity and fame. [31] His success led Decca to record and release studio albums with more frequency. He has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961 and performs there regularly. The album was co-produced by Anderson and musician Mike Johnson. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, having worked his way through college as a disc jockey on nearby radio stations. He was inspired to write the song after hearing the song title at the end of a Hank Snow record. Maybe you know about Bill Anderson very well But do you know how old and tall is he, and what is his net worth in 2023? The single became Shepard's first top-ten hit in four years and she had further top-twenty hits that decade with Anderson-penned compositions. [15] Instead, Decca issued his early hits on the 1962 compilation Bill Anderson Sings Country Heart Songs. In another case, Bill Anderson might be a stranger, fortunately for you we have compiled all you need to know about Bill Andersons biography-wiki, his personal life, todays net worth as of 2023, his age, height, weight, career, professional life, and more facts. [39][111] On an average filming day, Anderson would tape two thirty minute shows in front of a live audience. It was also his twenty-second studio recording and only album issued in 1974. . Were watching the 40th now and Bill has a beautiful voice either talking or singing. [110] In 2001, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. [18] In 1961, the single "Po' Folks" reached number nine on the Billboard country songs chart. Bill Anderson divorced his first wife, Becky Anderson in the year 1997. In 1963, he had released his most successful single in his recording career, "Still". His 1998 release, Fine Wine, was produced by Steve Wariner and released on Warner Brothers' Reprise/Nashville label. In 1977, Anderson had two major hits with the uptempo "Head to Toe" and "Still the One". Other than singing, Bill has written surplus songs for other country music singers whose music has appeared in the country music top list. 1959 1978: Career as a Country music singerBefore signing to Decca, Anderson recorded for the small TNT label between 1957 and 1959, where he released three singles that failed to chart the Country charts at the time, including a version of "City Lights". On February 15, 1965, Bill appearedalong with two imposterson the game show, To Tell The Truth, challenging the panel to determine the real Bill Anderson. According to the affidavit read at the beginning of his segment, Bill was at the time generally considered to be the top composer of country music in the nation. Only two of the four panelists successfully identified Bill. Bill Anderson Death Fact Check Bill is alive and kicking and is currently 85 years old. In 1995, Billboard magazine named four Bill Anderson compositions City Lights, Once A Day, Still, and Mama Sang A Song among the Top 20 Country Songs of the past 35-years. I'm probably in the public eye more right now than I've ever been because of the things that I do on television", he said in 1988. She had major hits with the Anderson-penned "Count Your Blessings, Woman", "I Still Believe in Love" and "Bad Seed". Anderson has released. In November 2007, "Give It Away" won the Country Music Association Song of the Year, an award that goes to the songwriters, Bill Anderson being a co-writer. [1][35] The new sound was reflected in his latest albums and singles. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! January 3, 2021 Primal Information Bill Anderson Biography Bill Anderson born James William Anderson III, is an American country music singer, songwriter and television personality. Author Kurt Wolff called his early compositions "cute and sentimental", citing "Po' Folks" and "I Love You Drops" to be examples of this style. City lights, which are a composition written by Bill during his time in WJJC-AM in Georgia, were produced and recorded by Ray Price and Mickey Gilley. . In both cases, the end was a divorce. [6] His early Decca singles were entirely self-composed. [110] The program also featured Jan Howard (his duet partner) and The Po' Boys (his touring band). I love you Bill, Still. 12-13. Bills second wife is Becky Anderson. Bill Anderson is a popular songwriter, country music singer and television personality from America. Chet Flippo of Country Music Television called it "a terrific album of country and gospel songs done up with bluegrass instrumentation". According to a Facebook post from Anderson, he and Salas first met when she was 19 and married to his guitar player. Through the creation of his new album, Years, he found it again. [35] Anderson had discovered Smith after hearing her perform in a talent contest near Columbus, Ohio. We are sad to announce that on January 12, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Bill Anderson (Lebanon, Tennessee), born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. [59] Meanwhile, Allmusic only gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars. Gloria Gaither (born March 4, 1942) is a Christian songwriter, author, speaker, editor, and academic. [5] However, he was most interested in music, having been inspired by his grandparents who played instruments. [15] The single became a major country hit after reaching number three in December 1960. The pair married in December 1959. "[117] In 1975, he bought a radio station in Provo, Utah, called KIXX. [61], Anderson's artistic directions continued expanding into the 2000s. [125], In 1970, he married his second wife, Becky. His most recent studio album was released in 2020. [136] In 2018, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with Alan Jackson and John Mellencamp. Biography & career. [54] Four singles were spawned from the album that became minor country hits between 1984 and 1987. In his 2016 autobiography, Anderson described his childhood as "average", recalling that he "never went to bed hungry" even though the family did not have many material possessions. It was picked up by his record label and became a number one hit on the national country charts in 1958. 8 on the Pop charts, as well as reaching No. I would like to really get to know bill anderson as i have a big crush on him and I really like his music. [12], Anderson graduated from college in 1959. He became his high school team's pitcher and was scouted to go to the Chicago Cubs training camp. [135] In November 2002, BMI named him its first country songwriting icon, placing him alongside R&B artists Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and James Brown as the only recipients of that award. I am mesmerized. Anderson was unable to have enough advertisers support his radio station, causing it to fail. [112] He also made appearances on several national television shows during this time, including The Today Show. The song was written during an exchange the pair had while out to breakfast. As a writer, she wrote poems and published an autobiography. Bill joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity shortly after graduating from college. Bill Anderson born James William Anderson III, is an American country music singer, songwriter and television personality. The project was produced by Steve Wariner and his wife Caryn. Find, research and contact wedding professionals on The Knot, featuring reviews and info on the best wedding vendors. 3 on the US Adult Contemporary charts in 1963. In addition, Bear Family Records has released Bill . In 2002, Broadcast Music, Inc. named Anderson its first country music songwriting Icon, placing him alongside R&B legends Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and James Brown as the only recipients of that prestigious award. "[131] Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe cited Anderson's songwriting as the center of his legacy: "It's been Bill Anderson's songwriting that's kept him topping the country charts for decades longer than even his most successful contemporaries. In an interview with Ken Burns, Anderson recalled writing the song on a hotel roof: "I was up there one night in 1957 I was nineteen years old and I managed to write the 'bright array of city lights as far as I can see'", he recalled. He grew up in Griffin, Georgia and Decatur, Georgia. Jan Howard (born Lula Grace Johnson; March 13, 1929 - March 28, 2020) was an American author, as well as a country music singer and songwriter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! [74] The single became Frizzell's first number one hit since 1952, topping the charts in March 1964. His final Top Ten country hit came with 1978's disco-tinged "I Can't Wait Any Longer," and by 1982, Anderson's inability to score a follow-up hit led him away from both songwriting and recording. Thank you sir, I was on fandango in the 80s & had the time of my life. "Even as it stood, my little foray into the restaurant business wiped out a large chunk of my life's savings", he later said. Bill Anderson is a popular songwriter, country music singer and television personality from America. His second studio LP, Bill Anderson Sings (1964), reached the top ten of the country albums chart. [77] Anderson also wrote solo hits for his duet partner, Jan Howard, in the 1960s. No other songwriter had as many songs listed. [16] He followed this in 1959 with the top 20 hits "Ninety Nine" and "Dead or Alive". Ten years later, the State of Georgia honored him by choosing him as only the 7th living performer inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. When he was 19 years and working in Georgia WJJC-AM, Anderson wrote a composition, City Lights. [90] Among his next compositions was a song co-written with Vince Gill entitled "Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)". [131] In a 2018 interview with American Songwriter, Anderson described his songwriting style: "The lyric is what attracted me to country music as a young boy the story songs that I could listen to and feel some emotion. 85, No. James William (Bill) Anderson III (born November 1, 1937 in Columbia, South Carolina) is an American country music singer and songwriter, who is also a two-time game show host, most notably for his role as the host of Fandango on TNN. December 17, 2021 by . It included his own version of Brad Paisley's "Whiskey Lullaby", along with his own compositions. Since 1997, Bill has also hosted a television series on RFD-TV, Countrys Family Reunion, a show where legendary country stars sit alongside both their peers and newcomers to the industry, singing their songs and swapping their stories. [79] Anderson further helped her professional career by helping her become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and make an appearance on The Lawrence Welk Show. These games include The Better Sex, Fandango, and others. The couple had first met years prior when she was 19 and was romantically involved with Anderson's band member. Collaborating with other writers, he wrote material that would go on to become hits for Vince Gill, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Steve Wariner in the next two decades. [26] The song's success led to the 1963 release of Anderson's debut studio album of the same name. He was forced to pay back fees he owed towards the company, causing Anderson to nearly declare bankruptcy. Bill Anderson Marriages Bill Anderson Relationships, Zina Bash Biography, Age, Husband, Children, Alt-Right, Net Worth, Immigration and Twitter, Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr Wiki, Age, Suicide, Andy Barr Wife, Children, Family, Net Worth, Lauren Zima Wiki, Age, Boyfriend, Husband, Images, Salary, Net Worth, Instagram, Tyler Braden Wikipedia, Age, Bio, Wife, Married, Parents, Songs, Height, American Song Contest, Net Worth, Instagram, God is Great, God is Good: Over 40 Gospel Favorites, Whispering Bill Andersons Greatest Hits II, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (Double Record Set), Bill Anderson Hosts Backstage At The Grand Ole Opry, Billy Boy & Mary Lou (Duet with Mary Lou Turner), Gentle On My Mind (Pickwick Label-Canada), The Bill Anderson Story, His Greatest Hits (Re-issue), Its All The Same To You (Duet w/Jan Howard), The Bill Anderson Story (Double record album), Bill Andersons Country Style (Vocalion label). Anderson has also been performing on the stage at Nashville, Tennessee, for over the last ten years. According to Howard, it was difficult to keep up with the busy touring schedule. Major League Baseball pitcher Tracy Stallard appeared as one of the two imposters for Anderson. [6] In 2019, The Boot further commented on Anderson's legacy: "In fact, one of the most impressive things about Anderson is his versatility: He's the soft voice behind many classic country songs, but he's also the writer or co-writer of plenty of your current favorites. His parents are Elizabeth Smith and James William Anderson Jr. Bill attended the University of Georgia to pursue a bachelors degree in Journalism. billI now know that God likes Country Music. However, only one album track was self-composed: the song "We May Never Pass This Way Again.' Country icon Bill Anderson received a disturbing phone call this morning. Wariner had another hit in 1999 with another Anderson composition titled "Two Teardrops". [111], Anderson ventured further into television in the late 1970s. Songwrting was the first career Anderson established before entering Country music as a singer. Released as her debut single, it spent a total of eight weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming his most successful hit as a writer at that point. Most of his songs went up to the number one spot in the Billboard chart including the songs I Get the Fever, World of Make Believe, Sometimes, For Loving You and many more. He is also known as "Whisperin' Bill" due to his soft vocal style and spoken narrations. . [115] He remained with Fandango until 1989. [93] He followed "Wish You Were Here" with the song "A Lot of Things Different", which was co-written with Dean Dillon. [74] The single peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1963. Early Decca singles were spawned from the album that became minor country between. 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