|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZANDERSON, Bill(b James William Anderson, 1 Nov. '37, Columbia SC) Singer, songwriter; aka 'Whispering Bill'. Guitar at twelve; BA in journalism U of Georgia/Athens; worked as newspaper sportswriter and broadcaster, led semi- pro C&W band the Avondale Playboys; initial impression as songwriter with hits for Ray Price ('City Lights'), Jim Reeves ('I Missed Me'), Hank Locklin ('Happy Birthday To Me'), etc. Signed to Decca '58, had 20 years of US C&W hits: joined Grand Ole Opry '61. After success of 'Po' Folks' '61 formed band the Po' Boys with front man Jimmy Gateley (b 1 May '31, Springfield MO; also singer-songwriter, e.g. 'The Minute You're Gone', pop hit for Cliff Richard '64); Sonny Garrish, noted steel guitar session man, also in band for ten years. Singles 'Still', '8x10' crossed to pop chart '63. Duet hits with Jan Howard '66--71 incl. no. 1 'For Loving You', top five 'If It's All The Same To You', 'Someday We'll Be Together', 'Dis-satisfied'; also discovered Mary Lou Turner, duet partner in '70s ('Sometimes', 'I Can't Sleep With You'). When records slumped mid-'70s turned to country-disco sound ('I Can't Wait Any Longer', 'Three Times A Lady'); in '80s became TV personality, game-show host (Mister and Mrs, Nashville TV's Fandango). His second LP since leaving MCA was A Place In The Country '87 on his own Whispering label. One of country's most prolific songwriters with more than 1,000 to his credit; other hits incl. 'Happiness' (Ken Dodd), 'Five Little Fingers' (Frankie McBride), 'Cold Hard Facts Of Life' (Porter Wagoner), 'Tips Of My Fingers' (Roy Clark). |