Upclose with Andy Williams
At one point, easy-listening singer Andy Williams had more gold albums than anyone except Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, thanks to such hits as “Swinging on a Star” and “Moon River.” En route to Hong Kong for his final Asian tour, the 78-year-old crooner gives Scott Murphy some good advice.
HK Magazine: What should the audience expect?
Andy Williams: I’m bringing the whole band and three backup singers, who are terrific, and I’m in fine form. My voice isn’t as good as it was when I was 35, but it’s better than Sinatra’s was when he was 70. I’ll do some songs that I don’t usually perform, such as the themes from “Love Story” and “The Godfather” and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.”
HK: Your peers Pat Boone and Paul Anka have re-recorded current pop and rock hits – what did you think of them?
AW: That Pat Boone album? I thought it was ridiculous. It’s like Willie Nelson singing Frank Sinatra. It’s a little bit different for him, but who cares? He’s a wonderful friend - I love him - but I just laughed. There’s a great difference between Pat Boone and Elvis Presley. As for Paul Anka, I thought he had a window there. He sings well and I like the album.
HK: Any advice on how to be a hit with the ladies for the Andy-loving metrosexuals out there?
AW: I’ve got to ask: just what is a metrosexual? That’s not a gay thing, is it? Because I’ve always been a hit with the ladies. It’s nice. I like ladies. If I have a gay following, I’m surprised. I’d like to think that what you see is what you get. I’m a nice guy - I didn’t make it up.
HK: What are the greatest lessons you’ve learned in life?
AW: You have to put your priorities in the right place. I learned this from [one-of-a-kind nightclub musician and “Eloise” author] Kay Thompson. I was putting things ahead of studying and working. I’m a great believer in the old American work ethic, which we have lost completely. I think if you want to become something, you have to sacrifice something to get it - and most people don’t want to do that. I remember when I was first singing in little clubs, and saving all the time and not going to a restaurant and eating in my room out of a can. I’ve eaten dog food - Alpo is pretty good, that has gravy and everything. Most kids today don’t want to give up anything. They don’t want to work for it, and it’s a shame.