Tony Christie

Tributes to Andy Williams have been led today by fellow crooner Tony Christie. Andy Williams has died, aged 84, following a year-long battle against bladder cancer. He was best known for his rendition of the song ‘Moon River’ but had many other hits, including ‘Raindrops Are Falling on My Head’ and ‘Music To Watch Girls By.’ Tony Christie told BBC News that Williams was “up there with Sinatra, Bennett,” referring to Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. “I enjoyed a chat with him backstage at the Royal Albert Hall some years ago,” Christie added, “and he was a lovely man, very gentle…he was a pleasure to have met.”

Williams’ influence spread far and wide; many of the songs that he recorded and performed have become staples in the musical upbringings of several generations. The composer Don Black, who wrote ‘Born Free’ (another classic Williams track) said that he was the “ultimate professional… He was a great guy, he was very professional but didn't take himself too seriously. That type of performer doesn't exist anymore. It's gradually becoming the end of an era.”

It’s not just Williams’ contemporaries that have been paying tribute to the late singer though; Tim Burgess, the singer of The Charlatans, said “Andy Williams was a real smooth guy, that's for sure. Rest in peace, Andy.” The Radio One DJ Zoe Ball also posted a touching message on her Twitter page, to say “what a chap. May his star always shine bright.”