bill anderson obituary

He was frequently touring and making public appearances to promote his music. Both . At the age of nineteen, he composed the country classic, City Lights, and began rapidly carving his place in musical history. [94] The song became a major hit when it reached number two on the country songs chart in June 1999. Anderson began songwriting again after obtaining the new position. "I let a lot of young kids tell me a lot of things, and I benefited from that, greatly", he recounted. [126] Anderson briefly dated Deborah Marlin following his second divorce. Jodi K. Waugh. William Michael Harrelson Obituary. [1] However, he continued recording music sporadically during the decade. After they got a divorce, she remarried and lived on the East Coast with her husband for seventeen years. Bill Anderson, one of Walt Disney's most prolific and trusted film and TV producers and a 24-year veteran of the Disney board of directors, died Dec. 28 in San Francisco. His songs were being notably recorded by other artists. William Charles Anderson died Jan. 6, 2023, eight days before his 93rd birthday. Instead, he began focusing on other projects in television. He grew up in Spanish Fork, with two brothers and two sisters. However, several individual restaurants encountered financial struggles, which resulted in legal fees that Anderson had to pay. The album was co-produced by Anderson and musician Mike Johnson. Viewing is from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2023 at St. Luke Baptist Church, 3048 Snake Road, Ridgeland, SC. In a 1980 interview, then-ABC vice president Jackie Smith called the decision "a first" for a country artist. In the tribute post, Brown writes: "Legendary Canadian radio broadcaster Bill Anderson has died at the age of 77." "Bill had recently retired after more than 25 years at The New Classical FM, and nearly 60 years in radio.", She further mentions in her post. Filming was later moved to the General Electric Broadcasting Facility in Nashville, Tennessee. His 1966 release, "I Love You Drops", was inspired by the Chuck Berry hit "Memphis Tennessee". I wrote a song for her, telling her that I would walk with her through the darkness, "Until The Light Comes On Again." [41] He began diversifying his album releases during this period with the recording of a gospel LP, I Can Do Nothing Alone, in 1967[42] and a holiday LP, Christmas, in 1969. He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, Dell Todd and Clayton Anderson; his wife Sandie Anderson; his children, Sherrie Davis (William), Timothy Anderson and Tommy Wade Sr.; his grandchildren, Andrew Davis, Lindsay Davis, Makenzie Dillehay (Josh), Spencer Anderson (Hailey), Kimberly Hunter, Emily Adkins, Lauraly Wade, Ashly Wade, McKaiely Wade, Tommy Wade Jr. and Traydon Wade; his siblings, Pat Lamb, Juanita Gaylon, Martha Frank, Rick Anderson (Brenda) and James Robert Anderson; and his nephew Greg Norris. Former Anderson Community Schools food services bookkeeper Carla Burke was sentenced Monday to 28 months in federal prison after an audit found she redirected $976,773 in vendor payments to herself. In his career as both a writer and performer, he has received awards from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Both Give It Away and Two Teardrops afforded Anderson Grammy nominations. [16] He followed this in 1959 with the top 20 hits "Ninety Nine" and "Dead or Alive". Bill was born March 19, 1936 in Bluff City, TN. [15] In February 1974, he had his first number one hit in five years with "World of Make Believe". William (Bill) Rupert Anderson passed away February 18, 2023 after a painful journey with cancer. Vickie Sallis and singer/songwriter Bill Anderson arrives at the 41st Annual CMA Awards at the Sommet Center on November 7, 2007 in Nashville TN. Soon after graduation, she met and married William Cater (who preceded her in death on August 12, 2009). [29], The success of "Still" further elevated Anderson's recording career. He was raised and educated in Galesburg graduating from Galesburg High School in 1965 and later Browns Business College. (Willie) Anderson and Martha Duke Anderson. View William Neil Phillips's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Anderson accepted and joined the program the same year. 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. Both songs (including his own version of "City Lights") attracted little attention. "[117] In 1975, he bought a radio station in Provo, Utah, called KIXX. 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. Bill had . And in 2001, he received the ultimate honor, membership in Nashvilles prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame. In Commerce, Anderson wrote the song "City Lights". Jan 9, 2023. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. In 1972, Cal Smith cut Anderson's "The Lord Knows I'm Drinking", which became a number one hit on the Billboard country chart. [6], Anderson's own recording career began in 1957 after releasing two singles for the independent label, TNT. OBITUARY William C. Anderson November 7, 1938 - August 21, 2022. [36] His next self-written release would also become his third number one hit, entitled "I Get the Fever". The song peaked at number four on the Billboard country singles chart[48] and reached number 80 on the Hot 100. Sellars Funeral Home 313 W Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN 37087, Hurricane Baptist Church 2461 Hurricane Creek Rd, Norene, TN 37136. His soft-spoken singing voice was given the nickname "Whispering Bill" by music critics and writers. These songs included "I Love You Drops", "I Get the Fever" and "Wild Week-End". Friends may call on Sunday, March 17, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Anderson -McQueen Funeral and Cremation Center, 2201 Dr. MLK Street N. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1800 12th St N . Send flowers. In 2008, he was ranked 27th on Country Universe's list of the "100 Greatest Men of Country Music". 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. So yeah, I'd like to have the next generation pull out a few lines I've written and say 'yeah that's pretty clever! William L. Anderson, Sr., "Bill", 72, of Coatesville, PA, passed away Friday, July 8, 2022 at home, surrounded by his family. Decades after meeting her for the first time, Whisperin Bill Anderson found companionship with a woman named Vickie Sallis. [6] After Anderson's own version was released, it was brought to the attention of country artist Ray Price. Anderson's father was an insurance agent while his mother was a homemaker. [13] During his first summer out of college, he got a job working as a rock and roll DJ at WGAU in Athens, Georgia. He leaves behind many broken hearts. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. [26] The song's success led to the 1963 release of Anderson's debut studio album of the same name. Login or Sign-up to show all important data, death records and obituaries absolutely for free! September 10, 2022 Obituaries. Feb 25, 2023. [40] Both this, and the hit "But You Know I Love You", were included on his 1969 studio album. [3] In Decatur, his father opened his own insurance agency firm, which he continued to own until his retirement. Great grandchildren, Murphy Anderson and Nova Gibson. When Anderson relaunched his songwriting career, his compositions became major hits for artists such as, 19631976: "Still" and further career success, 19771989: Countrypolitan shift and new changes, 1992present: Return to songwriting and collaborations with others, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 08:43, If You Can Live with It (I Can Live Without It), Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn), Bill Anderson Sings for "All the Lonely Women in the World", Every Time I Turn the Radio On/Talk to Me Ohio, "Bill Anderson Bows First Country Album in Four Years", "NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Joe Nichols Leads Highlights of 2007", "Bill Anderson Is Always a Songwriter At-Heart", "Review: Bill Anderson compelling on 72nd career studio album 'Anderson', "Bill Anderson To Release New Album 'As Far As I Can See: The Best Of' In June", "Bill Anderson Renews Publishing Deal With Sony/ATV Music Publishing", "Jan Howard chart history Country songs", "Bill Anderson's Career Comes Full Circle", "Bill Anderson Drops 73rd Album, Zoom-Writes With Brad Paisley", "Nashville royalty Bill Anderson to bring impressive song catalog to Savannah Center", "Bill Anderson discusses triumphant return in new autobiography", "Past Winners and Nominees: Bill Anderson", "Career Full of Opportunities For "Fandango's' Bill Anderson", "The wife of country music singer Bill Anderson suffered", "Bill Anderson Charged With Domestic Assault", "Vickie Salas, Bill Anderson's 'Longtime Companion', Dies", "Bill Anderson's Longtime Companion Vickie Salas Dies", "A Q&A with Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Bill Anderson", "Bill Anderson to Revisit 60 Years of Hits on Upcoming Album", "100 Greatest Men of Country Music: Bill Anderson: #27", "Bill Anderson: Country Music Hall of Fame", "BMI Celebrates Country Music at Awards Ceremony", "Bill Anderson Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame", "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time", "ACM Winners and Nominees Bill Anderson", "Bill Anderson: Songwriters Hall of Fame", Bill Anderson at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Discography of American Historical Recordings, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Anderson_(singer)&oldid=1141485694, Episode: "The Men That Corrupted Hadleyburg", Two episodes: "Grand Ole Opry Part One" and "Grand Ole Opry Part Two", Best Country Song for "Cold Hard Facts of Life", Vocal Event of the Year for "Too Country", This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 08:43. They loved to travel and would just jump in the car and drive somewhere they had never been, always to drive on a road they had never traveled. Bill Anderson's voice was made for radio, and this deep, resonant voice stayed with him into his 90s. Skip to content. Spanish Fork City Cemetery Share Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved! [19] The success of "Po' Folks" led Anderson to receive an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry cast. [14] However, the success brought by Ray Price's version of "City Lights" led Anderson to frequent Nashville, Tennessee. In his autobiography, he commented, "I've tried to become a businessman a couple of times when I should have kept right on pickin' and grinnin'. Ken passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 25, 2023. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Bill Anderson of Apache Junction, Arizona, born in Brooklyn, New York, who passed away at the age of 82, on September 10 . [1] The song became a number one hit on the Billboard country chart and led to several more successful collaborations. He is also survived by his brothers: Raymond (Mary Jane) and Bob (Laura), and sisters: Hermona (Glade) and Lenore (Paul), as well as many nieces and nephews. Low near 30F. [121], Anderson has been married twice and has had two documented long-term relationships. [107] The single reached the top 20 of the country songs chart in 2009. [91] "Which Bridge to Cross" was released as a single by Gill in 1994 and became a major hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard country chart. I don't know how I got in that funk, but it was a tough time", he recalled. Vickie and Bill didnt keep in touch this entire time, but on her first morning in Tennessee, he was on the front page of the newspaper, which prompted her to call him to check in on her old friend. His most recent studio album was released in 2020. Obituary for William Anderson WELLS [15], Following several more hits, Anderson reached the number one position for a fifth time in May 1969 with "My Life (Throw It Away If I Want To)". Anderson was born James William Anderson III to Elizabeth and James William Anderson Jr. in Columbia, South Carolina. Unbeknownst to her, Bills marriage to his wife Becky had ended many years prior. [15] After the release of his final MCA album in 1980, he was dropped from the label. Chet Flippo of Country Music Television called it "a terrific album of country and gospel songs done up with bluegrass instrumentation". Because right now, I just don't understand.Rest In Peace my sweet, wonderful, beautiful, and oh so special lady. However, Anderson declined the offer after realizing that his family would be upset if he did not attend college. His country LP's often included a mix of original material and cover versions. He also won a Dove award for co-writing the Country/Gospel Recorded Song of the Year, Jonah, Job, and Moses for the Oak Ridge Boys, plus the CMA Vocal Event of the Year, Too Country, recorded by Brad Paisley, George Jones, Buck Owens, and Bill himself. [116], Anderson also focused on business opportunities, many of which were unsuccessful. Bill was the beloved husband of Berniece Floyd Anderson with whom he shared 47 years of . 420 South 400 East [76] During this time, he wrote two hits for Porter Wagoner, including 1964's "I'll Go Down Swinging". Bill has an estimated net worth of $6 million. His parents were George Rhea and Hessie 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. I did it all . [1][35] Writer and critic Kurt Wolff has commented on his "whispering" vocal style. [39] She was replaced by Mary Lou Turner. She was born in New London, CT on Nov. 21, 1929, the daughter of William D. and Edna Thompson Ferguson. Shortly afterward, the family relocated into their own home in Decatur, Georgia, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. He helped bring her to Nashville, where she recorded several demonstration tapes that were heard by producers at RCA Victor Records. 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. Anderson, SC - Barbara Ann Sheriff Freeman, 82, widow of William Lester Freeman, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2021, at the Rainey Hospice House. Funeral services provided by: McGorray-Hanna Funeral Homes of Westlake. Services by Beck's Funeral Home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobias-fh.com for the Anderson family. [58] John Weisberger of Country Standard Time gave the release a positive response, calling the songs "vintage". [18] In 1961, the single "Po' Folks" reached number nine on the Billboard country songs chart. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. 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. The project was produced by Steve Wariner and his wife Caryn. His 1958 composition, "City Lights", ultimately led to his songwriting success. [81], Anderson also wrote material for pop artists during this time. She was raised in the Chicago area, where she met her husband . Mr. Anderson was born July 16, 1961 in Savannah to the. While enrolled in college, he wrote the song "City Lights", which later became a major hit for Ray Price in 1958. [64] It was reviewed positively by Al Campbell, who praised its songwriting quality. I wish each one of you who is reading this could have known my sweet Vickie.She was the kindest, gentlest, classiest, most compassionate, giving and loving person I have ever known.Sadly, she left us and went home to Heaven todayyears before it should have been her time to go.I met her when she was only 19-years old and married to the guitar player in my band. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. The two reconnected following Anderson's second divorce. You may also light a candle in honor of Bill Anderson or send a beautiful flower arrangement to . Spanish Fork, Utah 84660 He continued releasing music through his own TWI record label. 29936. Plant Trees. He was a retired poultry farmer and was a member of Harmony Mennonite Church. [87], Anderson did not fully stop writing material for his own albums. [23] "Still" became the biggest single of his recording career. Anderson's first Decca released was issued in December 1958 called "That's What It's Like to Be Lonesome". Born March 6, 1922 in St. John; died September 9, 2020 in Goderich, Ontario. She died in January 2019. [127] The couple separated in the 1990s before officially divorcing in 1997. [15] According to Anderson, the song's success helped him gain credibility with younger songwriters in Nashville. Bill wrote that Vickie lost her hard-fought battle against cancer between one and three a.m. this morningand [took] her first breath in Heaven shortly thereafter.. [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. [6], Anderson had dabbled with journalism before enrolling in university. "I thought I was Superman. He would talk to all the kids in the neighborhood so when he was outside, they would always shout out Hi, Bill to him. Doris Jean Hodous was born January 8, 1928, in Chicago, IL, daughter of Joe and Ann Langer Hodous. . [1] As a songwriter, his compositions have been covered by various music artists since the late 1950s, including Ray Price and George Strait. John was born on November 12, 1940 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Gerald and Helen (Zurline) Wolf and died on February 28, 2023 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Anderson began having major hits shortly thereafter. William Albert "Bill" Anderson, age 61, of Savannah passed away Sunday, February 19. [125], In 1970, he married his second wife, Becky. [2] The family moved to his grandparents' home in Griffin, Georgia, while Anderson was in the third grade. They celebrated 57 years of marriage. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! but it wasn't easy'), the author does justice to a powerful story", reviewers commented. Another passion was horses. Bill Anderson born James William Anderson III, is an American country music singer, songwriter and television personality. At age ten, he wrote his first song called "Carry Me Home Texas". In addition, his touring band was hired as the show's stage band. Bill lives on Old Hickory Lake outside Nashville with his three children;Jamey Anderson, Terri Anderson, and Jenny Anderson and eight grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Hawley, and his two daughters, Lucy Anderson of Charlotte, and Claire Anderson (John Kleinschmidt) of New Orleans, Louisiana. The couple divorced in 1997. For that reason, he found it difficult to write material for other artists. He was born on November 1, 1937 in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. After finishing college, he served in the United States Army during World War II. [31] His success led Decca to record and release studio albums with more frequency. Neither of us could believe it. 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. In 1964, Smith was signed to the label. In 1976, the Turner-Anderson pairing had a number one hit with the song, "Sometimes". Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care 400 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, Peter Anderson and Nancy Anderson (Fill); his wife Toni; his children, Frank and Theresa; his children-in-law, Kristin and Chad; his grandchildren, Brandon, Tyler, Ryan, Katie, Hailey and Callie; his brother Robert; his niece Christine; and his nephew Scott. He was born on November 1, 1937 in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. According to Howard, it was difficult to keep up with the busy touring schedule. [1] Anderson's first studio release of the decade was 1992's Country Music Heaven, issued on Curb Records. He was also cherished by other nieces and nephews. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Born on July 21, 1921, in Atlanta, Ga., to William A. Anderson Sr. and Mary Avery, Dr. Anderson graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Ga., in 1938 and completed his baccalaureate degree at the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1942. [128], Anderson began dating Vickie Salas around 2008. Bill Anderson had been an integral part of Classical FM starting in 1995 until he retired . James William Anderson III (born November 1, 1937), known professionally as Bill Anderson, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and television host. Six years later, he sold the station and left the radio industry. [138], Anderson's country-pop crossover hit from 1963 that signified his style as a recording artist and performer, Anderson's 1978 uptempo hit that exhibited a new musical shift towards. He continues to write and to record, his latest release being vocal and instrumental versions of some of his best known songs, titled "Bill Anderson - The Hits Re-Imagined." [37] He also started his own television program called The Bill Anderson Show, which was taped in Canada and Nashville. He is also preceded in death by 5 siblings, Shirley, Jim, Mary, Nancy, and Mike. [118], In the 1980s, Anderson served as a spokesperson for the Po' Folks restaurant chain, whose name was taken from his 1961 hit song. In 2003, Anderson was arrested after being accused by Marlin of hitting her with his car door. Known as Rayford, Price was . He was born June 14, 1950 in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Herman and Donna Gull Anderson. He was a very friendly person, making friends wherever he went. [35] Riane Konc of The Boot noted a similar trend in his songwriting style. [77] Anderson also wrote solo hits for his duet partner, Jan Howard, in the 1960s. Preceded in death by parents William Rich and . [1] "Steve's version of 'Tips' was some indication that words, melodies and emotions can carry across decades", he commented. Died July 23, 2021 after a lengthly battle with Parkinson's. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years . Just as it should be". When she was first diagnosed, Bill wrote a song called Until The Light Comes On Again, and he shared the video with the world for the first time today. "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. He was inspired to write the song after hearing the song title at the end of a Hank Snow record. broadcaster. The day she got to town, my picture was on the front page of our local morning newspaper.She saw it, and it prompted her to call me and ask how my former wife, Becky, and I were doing. Memorial service to be held at a later date. In reviewing the song, Konc commented that it was "packed full of unforgettable images" related to "heartbreak, addiction and loss". Bill has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961. James William Anderson III (born November 1, 1937), known professionally as Bill Anderson, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and television host. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years before returning to Oregon and becoming a graduate of the University of Oregon. Anderson's 1958 composition was recorded and made a major hit by Ray Price. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Spanish Fork, Utah 84660 He was a member of Corryton Church for over 60 years. William Anderson. 353 East 400 North Recitation of the Rosary will be 10:30 am at the church. Subscribe to Obituaries (864) 224-4343. . [71], Anderson's writing career began during the same period as his recording career. William D. "Bill" Anderson, 73, of rural Alexis, IL passed away at 11:55 pm, Sunday, October 13, 2019 at his home. [51] Anderson's sales success began to decline following the release of "I Can't Wait Any Longer". [21] Although successful, Anderson's early singles were not initially included on studio album releases. 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. [74] The single peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1963. This included The Las Vegas Hillbillys, which featured country artists Sonny James and Connie Smith. Konc also praised 2006's "Give It Away", calling it an "instant classic". Wariner had another hit in 1999 with another Anderson composition titled "Two Teardrops". [104] The song's concept was inspired by Johnson's divorce at the time and included a spoken narration, a device that was not popular in the country genre during the mid-2000s. [15][74] The following year, Jean Shepard recorded Anderson's "Slippin Away". There is no photo or video of Bill Anderson.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. As a songwriter, his compositions have been covered by various music artists since the late 1950s, including Ray Price and George Strait. It wasn't supposed to be this way. . He moved to Flushing in 1938 and was a resident for 82 years. [44] Anderson continued releasing regular country albums as well, outputting as much as three per year by the early 1970s. Anderson, William "Bill" Age 81 from Fountain Valley, CA formerly from Minneapolis. Bill was born in Flint, Michigan on March 24, 1933 to Charles and Elsie (Voss) Anderson. His songwriting led to his first recording contract with Decca Records the same year. Born: 6 October 1937 in Bucksburn, Aberdeen. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas.