[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. He was born on Jan. 14, 1930, to William M & Alice (Orfgen) Anderson. James William Anderson III (born November 1, 1937), known professionally as Bill Anderson, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and television host. 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. Directions. He was frequently touring and making public appearances to promote his music. [29], The success of "Still" further elevated Anderson's recording career. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. [74] The single peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1963. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Let others know about your loved one's death. 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. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care. [110] The program also featured Jan Howard (his duet partner) and The Po' Boys (his touring band). 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. Ken passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 25, 2023. [71], Anderson's writing career began during the same period as his recording career. Because right now, I just dont understand, he wrote on Facebook. He became his high school team's pitcher and was scouted to go to the Chicago Cubs training camp. [94] The song became a major hit when it reached number two on the country songs chart in June 1999. Clipping found in The Gaffney Ledger in Gaffney, South Carolina on Feb 20, 1936. 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] His interest grew further after watching country musicians perform on a radio station, located directly above his father's insurance company. 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. [1] The song became a number one hit on the Billboard country chart and led to several more successful collaborations. . Grandchildren, Reno (Becky) Anderson, Zach Gibson, Drew Anderson, Kyle Anderson, Alex Anderson. Both of these self-composed tracks were only included on the version of the album released in the United Kingdom. [74] Released as a single, the song became Lovin's biggest solo hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Owen Bradley of Decca Records was impressed by Anderson's writing and decided to sign him as a recording artist to the label. Bill was born May 23, 1937 in Mishawaka, to the late John and Elva (Name) Anderson. [88] It was reviewed by Publishers Weekly in August 1989, giving it a mostly positive response: "Despite a measure of hoopla and hyperbole ('I did it . He was raised and educated in Galesburg graduating from Galesburg High School in 1965 and later Browns Business College. [53] His 1986 studio album, A Place in the Country, contained two tracks written (or co-written) by Anderson. While still in high school, he wrote for his school's newspaper and also obtained a job covering sports events for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Bill Anderson continues to paint a broad stroke across the Nashville music scene. [52] The album's only major hit was the top 20 single "This Is a Love Song". They ruled out surgery. Low near 30F. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chance of snow 50%.. "Bill" Anderson died Feb. 13, 2023 at Erwin Health Care Center. He was the son of the late William A. Huskey and Vernie B. Huskey. 353 East 400 North Bill loved to hunt, fish, ride four-wheelers, and camp with family. She did not know that we, too, had gone our separate ways ten years earlier.We talked a long while, made arrangements to get together at a nearby Mexican restaurant, and that was almost twelve very short and very wonderful years ago. [111] Around this time, he also appeared in several country music vehicle films. [60] He began taking new artistic directions with his next studio release, A Lot of Things Different (2001). There will be a viewing at the church, where family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. that morning prior to the funeral. Write your message of sympathy today. In 2003, Anderson was arrested after being accused by Marlin of hitting her with his car door. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. [10] In his freshman year, he pledged the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Bill was born September 9, 1946 in Galesburg, IL the son of William L. and Hazel Anderson. Join us on this live stream of the service from 11am. [35] Changes at the label continued when his longtime producer (Owen Bradley) was replaced by Buddy Killen. Feb 28, 2023 Updated Feb 28, 2023. [55] The album's title track was issued as a single, but did not chart in any Billboard music publications. Obituary. [80] Smith's career was further facilitated by Anderson, who wrote many of her follow-up hits such as "Then and Only Then", "Cincinnati, Ohio" and "I Never Once Stopped Loving You". The funeral service will be streamed live. Broadcasting from Nashville made traveling easier since Anderson lived in the city. The two friends met up and for the next 12 years, they were pretty much inseparable. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at the Spanish Fork Fourth Ward LDS Church, 353 East 400 North, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. Bill was born March 19, 1936 in Bluff City, Tennessee. Fourth Ward LDS Chapel [54] Anderson turned his writing priorities towards other directions as well. A stalwart mainstay of The New Classical FM for over 25 years, legendary radio broadcaster Bill Anderson has died. Bill Anderson born James William Anderson III, is an American country music singer, songwriter and television personality. 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. [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. [134] He was ranked among the "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time" in a 2017 list compiled by Rolling Stone. Born March 6, 1922 in St. John; died September 9, 2020 in Goderich, Ontario. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. She highlighted 2004's "Whiskey Lullaby" as an example. [43] A greatest hits package, Bill Anderson's Greatest Hits, was also issued and it reached number six on the country albums survey. His soft-spoken singing voice was given the nickname "Whispering Bill" by music critics and writers. Mr. Anderson was born July 16, 1961 in Savannah to the. [16] He followed this in 1959 with the top 20 hits "Ninety Nine" and "Dead or Alive". 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. [58] John Weisberger of Country Standard Time gave the release a positive response, calling the songs "vintage". [54] Four singles were spawned from the album that became minor country hits between 1984 and 1987. [96] The song was released as a single by Mark Wills and became a number one hit on the Billboard country chart in 1999. Anderson began having major hits shortly thereafter. The single was reviewed by Billboard magazine in 1992 where it received comparisons to music by Garth Brooks. However, several individual restaurants encountered financial struggles, which resulted in legal fees that Anderson had to pay. The pair married in December 1959. Ive always expressed myself the best when Ive set my thoughts to music, he said in the video before singing the song he wrote for his sweet Vickie.. [99], Chesney's song was followed by a track later recorded by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss called "Whiskey Lullaby". Anderson began songwriting again after obtaining the new position. 1 of 2. Bill was born July 29, 1931, in Chicago, IL to William and Lucille (Pifher) Anderson. 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.. The song would later be cut by George Strait. He was 86 years old. Legendary Canadian radio broadcaster Bill Anderson has died at the age of 77. [6], Anderson's own recording career began in 1957 after releasing two singles for the independent label, TNT. [51] Anderson's sales success began to decline following the release of "I Can't Wait Any Longer". [15] The single became a major country hit after reaching number three in December 1960. You may also light a candle in honor of Bill Anderson or send a beautiful flower arrangement to . Bill never met a stranger. Born in Oconee County, SC, she was the daughter of . The album was a collection of re-recorded hits and songs Anderson had written in his career. [15] During this time, Anderson formed his own touring band which he named "The Po' Boys" after his 1961 hit. Released on Madacy Entertainment, it included collaborations with Vince Gill and Dolly Parton. Services by Beck's Funeral Home. Spanish Fork, Utah 84660 His 1966 release, "I Love You Drops", was inspired by the Chuck Berry hit "Memphis Tennessee". Ellicott City, MD 21043. [45] A series of uninterrupted top ten hits followed his early 1970s albums. Subscribe to Obituaries (864) 224-4343. . Country artist Conway Twitty was selected as a third partner to also help with franchising. natural causes; 98. He was born Dec. 1, 1942, in Greensburg, Kansas, to Lester Wadel and Viola (Becker) Wadel. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Obituary for William Anderson WELLS He co-wrote giant hits for Vince Gill (Which Bridge To Cross Which Bridge To Burn), Steve Wariner (Two Teardrops), Mark Wills (Wish You Were Here), Joe Nichols (Ill Wait For You), and Kenny Chesney (A Lot Of Things Different). He began receiving phone calls from other writers and performers to set up more writing appointments. Obituaries. [15], Beginning in the early 1990s, Anderson focused more on songwriting. [47] With Killen, Anderson's musical sound shifted from Nashville Sound ballads towards uptempo Countrypolitan tunes. Please return to this memorial page shortly before 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023, and click on the link below. 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. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. He was born on November 1, 1937 in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. grandfather. Login or Sign-up to show all important data, death records and obituaries absolutely for free! William Franklin Anderson, Jr. September 10, 1942 - September 1, 2022 W.F. They first met when she was 19 years old, and she was actually married to his guitar player. [8] Anderson's strong interest in baseball continued through high school as well. Born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Edward Benjamin Anderson, Sr. and Rose Alston Anderson. [83] However, his most successful material would be recorded by country artist, who continued recording his songs into the next decade. 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. The song was written during an exchange the pair had while out to breakfast. There is no photo or video of Bill Anderson.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. [67][68] In 2018, his 44th studio effort, Anderson, was issued and featured a collaboration with Jamey Johnson. Find the obituary of Bill Anderson (1940 - 2022) from Apache Junction, AZ. Doris Jean Hodous was born January 8, 1928, in Chicago, IL, daughter of Joe and Ann Langer Hodous. Neither of us could believe it. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. This included making national television appearances on shows such as American Bandstand, where he performed his follow-up crossover hit "810". [59] Meanwhile, Allmusic only gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars. He grew up in Spanish Fork, with two brothers and two sisters. Bill Anderson had been an integral part of Classical FM starting in 1995 until he retired . 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. The band frequently received credit on his studio albums and single releases. "From the beginning, I liked Connie a lot personally and tried to help her", he recalled in his 2016 autobiography. Arrangements are by Anderson-Burris Funeral Home and Crematory, Enid. She was supposed to be sitting at the side of MY bed feeding ME soup and ice cream, not the other way around. William "Bill" Shuler, 86, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, at UnityPoint Health Marshalltown. He grew up in Griffin, Georgia and Decatur, Georgia. [115] He remained with Fandango until 1989. Funeral services provided by: McGorray-Hanna Funeral Homes of Westlake. Former member and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, William Rayford Price, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 21 at his home in Austin. On the independent Southern Tracks label, he released Southern Fried in 1983. At the time of their marriage, Bette was 19 and Bill was 22. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Hastings, Nebraska, resident Jodi K. Waugh, 50, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023. "Even as it stood, my little foray into the restaurant business wiped out a large chunk of my life's savings", he later said. [18] In 1961, the single "Po' Folks" reached number nine on the Billboard country songs chart. William Albert "Bill" Anderson, age 61, of Savannah passed away Sunday, February 19. [15] According to Anderson, the song's success helped him gain credibility with younger songwriters in Nashville. 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. [77] Anderson also wrote solo hits for his duet partner, Jan Howard, in the 1960s. [40] Both this, and the hit "But You Know I Love You", were included on his 1969 studio album. Viewing is from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2023 at St. Luke Baptist Church, 3048 Snake Road, Ridgeland, SC. See more. The legendary singer-songwriter revealed in the same post that his sweet Vickiewent home to Heaven todayyears before it should have been her time to go., Vickie was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and had tumors in her liver and lungs. He grew up in Griffin, Georgia and Decatur, Georgia. [35] Eugene Chadbourne of Allmusic only gave his Love& Other Sad Stories album 1.5 out of 5 stars. 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. Sister in laws, Rosie Hays, Martha Anderson, and brother in law, Darrald Wells. [61], Anderson's artistic directions continued expanding into the 2000s. He also has the gift of being able to draw you into his circle, which served him well in the early broadcasts. Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, United States. Preceded in death by parents William Rich and . Anderson, Jr. (Bill), age 79, resident of Semmes, Alabama, passed away on September 1, 2022 in Mobile, AL. Both . He was a very friendly person, making friends wherever he went. "[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. He won Song Of The Year honors in both 2005 and 2007 for helping to write Whiskey Lullaby for Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss and Give It Away for George Strait. [94] During the same period, he collaborated with Skip Ewing and Debbie Moore on the song "Wish You Were Here". In the 1960s, Brenda Lee recorded Anderson's "My Whole World Is Falling Down". [38] In the mid 1960s, he began performing duets with country artist Jan Howard, who was also on Decca Records. Let the family know you are . Bill was born in Flint, Michigan on March 24, 1933 to Charles and Elsie (Voss) Anderson. [35] Steve Huey of Allmusic called his voice "airy" and "gentle". 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. Among his next hits as a writer was "I Missed Me", which was cut by Jim Reeves. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. [39][111] On an average filming day, Anderson would tape two thirty minute shows in front of a live audience. He was born June 14, 1950 in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Herman and Donna Gull Anderson. [25] The track was also his first single to become a hit on the Billboard easy listening chart, reaching number three that June. William C. Anderson, age 83, of Kennard, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022. In 2008, the Academy of Country Music honored him with their inaugural Poets Award. Too bad most of it is so boring to listen to", Chadbourne concluded. The album was co-produced by Anderson and musician Mike Johnson. . He was born August 25, 1944, in McCrory, Arkansas to William Curbie & Parnell Imogene (Perry) Anderson. Bill has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Send flowers. Just as it should be". [128], Anderson began dating Vickie Salas around 2008. Anderson's first Decca released was issued in December 1958 called "That's What It's Like to Be Lonesome". 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. 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. Bill lives on Old Hickory Lake outside Nashville with his three children;Jamey Anderson, Terri Anderson, and Jenny Anderson and eight grandchildren. anders funeral home obituaries. Anderson, SC - Barbara Ann Sheriff Freeman, 82, widow of William Lester Freeman, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2021, at the Rainey Hospice House. [35], His chart hits continued through the 1960s and many of these songs were self-composed. We are sad to announce that on January 12, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Bill Anderson (Lebanon, Tennessee), born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was also preceded in death by a son, Gary . [106] The song later won "Song of the Year" from the CMA Awards, becoming Anderson's third accolade from the awards show in the last three years. 4112 Old Columbia Pike. His first marriage was to Becky Anderson. The tune was composed with singer-songwriter Jon Randall. [102] Anderson recalled the excitement of winning the accolade in his autobiography: "I jumped up and hugged Brad and knocked his white western hat from his head. The couple filed a lawsuit against the driver who had crashed into Becky's vehicle. [81], Anderson also wrote material for pop artists during this time. [126] In 1984, Becky was involved in a car accident that caused "25 percent brain impairment." Bill has been voted Songwriter Of The Year six times, Male Vocalist Of The Year, half of the Duet Of The Year with both Jan Howard and Mary Lou Turner, has hosted and starred in the Country Music Television Series Of The Year, seen his band voted Band Of The Year, and in 1975 was voted membership in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. [1] Stephen L. Betts of Rolling Stone commented that Anderson continues to demonstrate a whispering quality into his current work. William (Billy) Anderson, age 83 of Mooresville, North Carolina, passed away on Dec. 15th, at his son's house, after a short battle . "[134], In 1975, Anderson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The band began performing around the local area, eventually performing on local radio as "The Avondale Playboys". "This is an album that begins with what sounds like a pervert and ends with an effect described as frightening. Map. Deacon William Anderson, 95, of the Okatie Community entered into eternal rest Saturday, February 25, 2023 in Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville, South Carolina. "[103], In 2006, Anderson co-wrote a song with Jamey Johnson and Buddy Cannon called "Give It Away". Author Kurt Wolff called his early compositions "cute and sentimental", citing "Po' Folks" and "I Love You Drops" to be examples of this style. Cloudy. [137] Anderson has also been placed on several lists of country music's top writers and performers. Pendleton Center Phone: (864) 651-2121 Fax: (864) 645-9333 1001 S. Mechanic Street, PO Box 121 Pendleton, SC 29670. Juliet. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. [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)". Doris J. Pope, 95, of Burnside, Illinois, passed away at 1:40 p.m. Monday, February 20, 2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. [18] He is, as of 2022, the longest-standing active Opry member. He grew up in Spanish Fork, with two brothers and two sisters. She was born in Manistee on May 31, 1932, to Myrtle (Anderson) and Edward "Happy" Barch. William's Obituary. I knew that night I had to get a job as a disc jockey", he recalled. Six years later, he sold the station and left the radio industry. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. There is no photo or video of Bill Anderson.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. William Anderson. WILLIAM HAWK OBITUARY. Anderson accepted and joined the program the same year. 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. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. In 1964, Connie Smith had her first major hit with his composition "Once a Day". Anderson was involved in the show's inner workings, including helping to develop the scoring system. [1] As a songwriter, his compositions have been covered by various music artists since the late 1950s, including Ray Price and George Strait. [49] Its corresponding studio effort, Love& Other Sad Stories, reached number 37 on the Billboard country albums list. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. In the city, he brought compositions for artists and producers to record. He won awards from several major music publications including Billboard, Cashbox and Music Reporter. [39] In 1968, the pair had their first major hit with the duet "For Loving You". [4], In school, Anderson was active in 4-H organizations and played both baseball and football. [122] Bette also contributed to her husband's writing career when she co-wrote the 1965 song, "I Can't Remember". Rich, Kenneth Allen Age 76 of Inver Grove Heights, formerly Minneapolis, MN. [120] He then partnered with the vice president to help franchise the company. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, at . Konc also praised 2006's "Give It Away", calling it an "instant classic". Recitation of the Rosary will be 10:30 am at the church. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved William Eck of Waubun, Minnesota, who passed away at the age of 76, on March 2, 2023. [24] It also became his second single to reach the Billboard Hot 100, but was his first (and only) successful crossover hit there, reaching number eight in June 1963. Bill is survived by his love, Shelly; his sons: Nyle (Kristie), Kyle (Michelle), Scott (Kathy), Shawn (Alysia), Kevin; and a daughter, Christy (Seth), along with 20 grandkids and two great-grandkids. Plant Trees. After they got a divorce, she remarried and lived on the East Coast with . [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. His 1958 composition, "City Lights", ultimately led to his songwriting success. [90] Among his next compositions was a song co-written with Vince Gill entitled "Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)". Sorry, you have Javascript Disabled! Bette gave birth to two daughters during their relationship together. If you wish to make a donation in Bill Anderson's memory for Housing Hope, please send to Edmonds Lutheran Church, 23525 - 84th Avenue W, Edmonds, WA 98026. Both songs (including his own version of "City Lights") attracted little attention. The couple remained married for ten years. He was always willing to start up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. His soft-spoken singing voice was given the nickname "Whispering Bill" by music critics and writers. Dr. William Thomas (Bill) Anderson Bill was born in Schenectady, NY and moved to Somerville when he was a child. His country LP's often included a mix of original material and cover versions. Anderson also continued recording into the 1990s. It was a collection of gospel songs that was inspired by his grandfather, a Methodist preacher. He met his first wife, Bette (ne Rhodes), in the late 1950s through a mutual friend. 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. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Lyle; and his much-loved dog, Bailey. After the release of another holiday album, No Place Like Home on Christmas,[62] he released a third gospel project in 2004, Softly & Tenderly.