Moon River was the signature song for Mr. Williams. That version of that song followed me around for decades. My parents loved Andy's fantastic singing. Even as a late-1950s teen (and a Rock N Roller) I loved Andy's superb vocals. My Eternal Love (My Barbra Rose) and I loved it, as well. Eternal thanks to : Johnny Mercer (The Days of Wine and Roses) Henry Mancini (Moon River) and, of course, to Mr. Andy Williams. I know Jesus and His angels are now applauding the great aforementioned artists.
When Breakfast At Tiffany's came out I was just a kid of 12 years old. Why I went to see it with my Brother I do not remember but I recognized at a young age how special this song was. I was also enchanted by Audrey Hepburn then and forever.
Two wondrous songs that caused My Heavenly-Resplendent Wife (My Barbra Rose) and I to fall in love all over again. Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini put together this marvelous song (The Days of Wine and Roses). Andy Williams' magnificent voice turned it into heavenly-refined gold. Time will NEVER bury Andy's voice (and these two great songs). Andy -- you found the rainbow's end. Andy -- I pray that I'll hear you sing these songs (in person) in Heaven very very soon. Sing them for My Barbra now.
Andy Williams A legend deserves to have nice comments I'm proud to call him my favorite singer. He climb the latter with hard work, Never forgot his roots. Andy you will never be forgotten. The world Loves you.
What a pleasure it is to listen to and watch these two great men perform together. They look like they are really & truly lifetime friends. I know I'm just an observer but it makes me feel good to see old friends hug each other the way they do. There's a lot of trust and faith in each other there. Seems so to me.
" . . . a door marked 'Nevermore' -- that wasn't there before . . . When my own Father was nearing the age I am now -- 72 (Dad made it to 90) I recited to him from memory imperfect the two sentence poem that comprises the entire lyric of my favorite “Best Song” Oscar-winner - THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES. I remember Dad was particularly affected by Johnny Mercer's opening words -- about how the things of youth “laugh and run away like a child at play” through a “meadow land, toward a closing door, a door marked 'Nevermore' - that wasn't there before.” I could see that my father was deeply moved, almost close to tears. Why? I asked. He said it reminded him of a moment when I was little - maybe six, when he and I were walking through a 'meadow land' --- in the middle of a farmer's forest land near our cottage - that opened into a sun-dappled stream, six feet below the surface of the surrounding land -- a sort of mini 'gorge' for in which this lovely shallow brook meandered - with crystal clear water and light-colored sand - as picture perfect as a beach in Bermuda. Apparently my six-year-old self said something that stayed with Dad a lifetime: With no one around but the two of us, amid the warmth of a perfect summer day, he'd told me to take off my clothes, if I wanted, and play in the stream. Which I did. I remember being surprised at my father for reasons I could never have expressed in words! After which playtime-in-the-brook, that's when I turned to him and expressed the adult sentiment that “This moment will never happen again!” (The door marked Nevermore.) ----- My friend, fellow-Canadian (favorite social commentator & musicologist) Mark Styne just celebrated this song on his Facebook page. And he included a personal anecdote from his days as a radio interviewer. He shared his favorite 'live' performance of this song by Andy Williams -- introduced by Hank Mancini praising his great collaborator Johnny Mercer in 1987 for their consecutive Oscar-winning songs (this one, and "Moon River"). Mark Steyn writes: 'It wasn't only Andy Williams who loved "Days of Wine and Roses". Jack Lemmon told me about the first time Mercer and Mancini played it. It was after a long day's shoot of a grueling scene, and Blake Edwards insisted Lemmon accompany him to a big empty soundstage with a small upright piano in the middle. "I didn't want to go, but it turned out to be one of the greatest moments of my professional life," he said. "I'll never forget it. Hank began noodling just softly, softly, and Johnny pulls out an envelope and looks at the back just to remind himself, and Hank gives him the key note, and off he goes": The Days Of Wine And Roses Laugh and run away Like a child at play... 'Sitting at the piano, Mancini had his back to Lemmon and Edwards. At the end of the song, there was silence. Mancini stared down at the keyboard. Still silence. Nothing. Eventually, he turned around to see what was going on, and there were his director and his star with tears streaming down their faces.' [Thanks for sharing this one, "Ed Waldrup"] Celebrated this day at Sinatra Family -- Forum -- "Siriusly Sinatra" -- MY FAVORITE VERSION - YOURS TOO? sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php/50225-My-Favorite-Version-%28yours-too-%29?p=1276171#post1276171
Fabulous movie with Jack and Lee, Mancini's beautiful melody, and Andy's great vocal, but it's the lyrics that are inspired! Simply poignant and beautiful. Thank you.
What legendary music!! Andy had the voice and Henry composed the song: Moon River!! Saw Mancini in concert Jones Hall of Music, Houston 83!! We had the very best seats at center stage, front row!! What a great piano concert!! A real legend of the music world... Who would come directly to us and he would always bow to the audience in a true music hall setting and during his ovation bows he would make direct eye contact with us and His smiling face was directly in ours!! If for only one concert in my lifetime, that was the best seat I've ever had!!! And Moon River never sounded better!! Henry was spectacular!!! Words can't say just how awesome that concert was as He played his legacy compositions so masterfully, just a few steps away!!! MANCINI Concert was Perfecto!!!!!
Andy Williams, you give justice to Henry Mancini's Moon River and Days of Wine and Roses... "We're after that same rainbows and... " I will remember him forever... God rest his soul
Newmorning59. I'm the same age and did just the same things as you say. I also agree with what you say. Moon River was 'my song' as I grew up on the river and for all my childhood I would go look at it and play on it and fish and swim in it and just Tom Sawyer adventure on it...... And when there was that full moon, then it was just the most special river to me. And yes, I became a drifter and went off to see the world but always returned to my 'Moon River'. The Swan it is called.
Andy Williams is still performing at his Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri certain times of the year. Although video and audio are not allowed you may take photographs. He has a book of memoirs published in 2009 which I read and enjoyed. At 83 he is remarkable. Says he walks for an hour every morning. Andy is first class and so is his show and his restaurant across the street. Well worth a visit.
On this day in 1963 {March 16th} Andy Williams' 'The Days of Wine and Roses' entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #26 and spent 12 weeks on the Top 100... The song was composed by Henry Mancini and won the 1962 Academy Award for 'Best Original Song' from the movie of the same name... Henry Mancini himself charted with a instrumental version of the song, his version peaked at #33 {also in 1963}... R.I.P. Mr. Williams {1927 - 2012} and Mr. Mancini {1924 - 1994}...
Continuing Andy Williams quote. "I can't stand to have someone grab me by the elbow and guide me around to meet people. During the evening Henry would catch me off guard and come up behind me, grab me by the elbow and start guiding me somewhere and I would always turn in anger, until I realized it was Henry. He got me every time--never missed...I really miss him." The preceding is quoted from Henry Mancini "The Days of Wine and Roses" cd set booklet.
The Days of Wine and Roses is a Brilliant melody by Henry Mancini. Andy William is now singing it more engagingly than before but still doesn't nail it.
Andy and Henry are both missed. Andy's biography is a great read and there is a least one good book by Henry called "Did They Mention The Music." Both are legends and were exemplary men.
Andy Williams quote. "I loved Henry Mancini. I would rather sing a Mancini song than any composer I can think of. I must have sung 'Moon River' more that 10,000 times, and have never grown tired of it. Henry was one of the nicest men I've ever known, and he was funny with a devious sense of humor. Henry and I did tours together and many times after the concerts Columbia and RCA records would jointly give a cocktail party in our honor for the local press and record people."
Sorry folks, but what the heck did he do to it? Andy Williams recorded a beautiful version of Moon River. And here, he turns it into a belted-out Vegas lounge-lizard act. Sure, the guy's got a fantastic, powerful voice with the strength of a cannon. But Moon River is such a deeply emotional, delicate song.
Everybody drooling and slobbering over Andy Williams but he really was not that good of a singer !!! He had trouble hitting the high notes, The Young and very talented Lucy Thomas just released her version of Moon River in July 2022 and she blows Andy clear out of the water !!! She is sooo much better technical singer she makes Andy sound like a kid !!! Ooooooh and Lucy is only 18 years old!!!! I say this and I have an old original release LP Record of Andy Williams that is probably close to 50 years old. He was what we had back then to listen to, and I also saw the movie "Breakfast at Tiffanys" which featured this song !!!! I won't even comment on the Wine and roses song !!!
I’m 60 and now I really miss Andy Williams.
Those were real artists. Hats off to Mr. Mancini and Mr. Williams...!!! Great musicians.
People don't realize just how great Andy Williams truly was. Too many great songs to count, to many great memories to remember.
RIP Andy Williams, your talent and music made our world a better place.
I agree Andy Williams gave lovely music and kindness he was a real SUPERSTAR 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Make America Great Again
Bring Back Classics like these! ❤❤❤ 🎉🎉🎉
What a great Man! wonderfull voice i would have liked to live that Time thanks
Moon River was the signature song for Mr. Williams. That version of that song followed me around for decades. My parents loved Andy's fantastic singing. Even as a late-1950s teen (and a Rock N Roller) I loved Andy's superb vocals. My Eternal Love (My Barbra Rose) and I loved it, as well. Eternal thanks to : Johnny Mercer (The Days of Wine and Roses) Henry Mancini (Moon River) and, of course, to Mr. Andy Williams. I know Jesus and His angels are now applauding the great aforementioned artists.
When Breakfast At Tiffany's came out I was just a kid of 12 years old. Why I went to see it with my Brother I do not remember but I recognized at a young age how special this song was. I was also enchanted by Audrey Hepburn then and forever.
SPECTACULARLY BEAUTIFUL and can absolutely bring a person to tears
For so many years, I loved listening to his christmas Specials. We just don't hear music like this anymore.
Those people watching this show live were very blessed
henry mancini,johnny mercer,and andy williams. now there are some legends for you.
i saw henry and andy peform live many years ago
Two wondrous songs that caused My Heavenly-Resplendent Wife (My Barbra Rose) and I to fall in love all over again. Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini put together this marvelous song (The Days of Wine and Roses). Andy Williams' magnificent voice turned it into heavenly-refined gold. Time will NEVER bury Andy's voice (and these two great songs). Andy -- you found the rainbow's end. Andy -- I pray that I'll hear you sing these songs (in person) in Heaven very very soon. Sing them for My Barbra now.
She probably has a front row seat
Andy Williams A legend deserves to have nice comments I'm proud to call him my favorite singer. He climb the latter with hard work, Never forgot his roots. Andy you will never be forgotten. The world Loves you.
What a pleasure it is to listen to and watch these two great men perform together. They look like they are really & truly lifetime friends. I know I'm just an observer but it makes me feel good to see old friends hug each other the way they do. There's a lot of trust and faith in each other there. Seems so to me.
So wonderful MR. WILLIAMS R.I.P.😇❤️😇❤️😇
" . . . a door marked 'Nevermore' -- that wasn't there before . . .
When my own Father was nearing the age I am now -- 72 (Dad made it to 90) I recited to him from memory imperfect the two sentence poem that comprises the entire lyric of my favorite “Best Song” Oscar-winner - THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES. I remember Dad was particularly affected by Johnny Mercer's opening words -- about how the things of youth “laugh and run away like a child at play” through a “meadow land, toward a closing door, a door marked 'Nevermore' - that wasn't there before.” I could see that my father was deeply moved, almost close to tears.
Why? I asked. He said it reminded him of a moment when I was little - maybe six, when he and I were walking through a 'meadow land' --- in the middle of a farmer's forest land near our cottage - that opened into a sun-dappled stream, six feet below the surface of the surrounding land -- a sort of mini 'gorge' for in which this lovely shallow brook meandered - with crystal clear water and light-colored sand - as picture perfect as a beach in Bermuda.
Apparently my six-year-old self said something that stayed with Dad a lifetime: With no one around but the two of us, amid the warmth of a perfect summer day, he'd told me to take off my clothes, if I wanted, and play in the stream. Which I did. I remember being surprised at my father for reasons I could never have expressed in words!
After which playtime-in-the-brook, that's when I turned to him and expressed the adult sentiment that “This moment will never happen again!” (The door marked Nevermore.)
-----
My friend, fellow-Canadian (favorite social commentator & musicologist) Mark Styne just celebrated this song on his Facebook page. And he included a personal anecdote from his days as a radio interviewer. He shared his favorite 'live' performance of this song by Andy Williams -- introduced by Hank Mancini praising his great collaborator Johnny Mercer in 1987 for their consecutive Oscar-winning songs (this one, and "Moon River"). Mark Steyn writes:
'It wasn't only Andy Williams who loved "Days of Wine and Roses". Jack Lemmon told me about the first time Mercer and Mancini played it. It was after a long day's shoot of a grueling scene, and Blake Edwards insisted Lemmon accompany him to a big empty soundstage with a small upright piano in the middle. "I didn't want to go, but it turned out to be one of the greatest moments of my professional life," he said. "I'll never forget it. Hank began noodling just softly, softly, and Johnny pulls out an envelope and looks at the back just to remind himself, and Hank gives him the key note, and off he goes":
The Days Of Wine And Roses
Laugh and run away
Like a child at play...
'Sitting at the piano, Mancini had his back to Lemmon and Edwards. At the end of the song, there was silence. Mancini stared down at the keyboard. Still silence. Nothing. Eventually, he turned around to see what was going on, and there were his director and his star with tears streaming down their faces.'
[Thanks for sharing this one, "Ed Waldrup"] Celebrated this day at Sinatra Family -- Forum -- "Siriusly Sinatra" -- MY FAVORITE VERSION - YOURS TOO? sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php/50225-My-Favorite-Version-%28yours-too-%29?p=1276171#post1276171
omg this was so beautiful, I am in tears! I have always loved Andy.
Truly one of the most magical singer that ever lived. Christmas is always filled with his songs
Rejoined now across that Moon River. Two huckleberry friends. Two brilliant artists. Thank you. -Guy
CBSEye Andy Williams never got to meet Audrey Hepburn sadly.
Fabulous movie with Jack and Lee, Mancini's beautiful melody, and Andy's great vocal, but it's the lyrics that are inspired! Simply poignant and beautiful. Thank you.
Andy Williams' talent will be missed. What a pairing of singer and songwriter together on stage
What legendary music!! Andy had the voice and Henry composed the song: Moon River!! Saw Mancini in concert Jones Hall of Music, Houston 83!! We had the very best seats at center stage, front row!! What a great piano concert!! A real legend of the music world... Who would come directly to us and he would always bow to the audience in a true music hall setting and during his ovation bows he would make direct eye contact with us and His smiling face was directly in ours!! If for only one concert in my lifetime, that was the best seat I've ever had!!! And Moon River never sounded better!! Henry was spectacular!!! Words can't say just how awesome that concert was as He played his legacy compositions so masterfully, just a few steps away!!! MANCINI Concert was Perfecto!!!!!
Academy Award Winning songs...1962 and 1961.
Incredible...😢 and Andy's Christmas tv classics were my childhood..treasured talent.
ABSOLUTE MAGIC THAT WILL LAST FOREVER. HENRY, ANDY, JOHNNY MERCER (✝️ At that time). Kings of beautiful music.
First Class The late Composer Henry Mancini & Singer The late Andy Williams
RIP! Thank you,Sir! You will always be remembered.
He had such a beautiful voice! Truly an icon of romantic music!!!!
너무나 감미로운 목소리의 엔디 윌리엄스 님 그립습니다..영원한 팬입니다..
Love Andy Williams - one of the all time greats in my opinion... A family man, a great entertainer with class and style! RIP Mr. Williams.
A sweet man who had a sweet life ~
Andy Williams, you give justice to Henry Mancini's Moon River and Days of Wine and Roses... "We're after that same rainbows and... " I will remember him forever... God rest his soul
Newmorning59. I'm the same age and did just the same things as you say. I also agree with what you say. Moon River was 'my song' as I grew up on the river and for all my childhood I would go look at it and play on it and fish and swim in it and just Tom Sawyer adventure on it...... And when there was that full moon, then it was just the most special river to me. And yes, I became a drifter and went off to see the world but always returned to my 'Moon River'. The Swan it is called.
Don’t feel left out because we of that generation left these songs for you. Look forward as you dream with these melodies.
True Master Henry, Thank you for your music. Bravo!
2 Legends together. AWESOME
Wow!!
Beautiful Memories of you Andy Williams RIP.
A marvelous song and singer. The movies these tunes came from were also incredible.
The Perfect Song with the Perfect Voice - Oh my, how absolutely iconic -
He had such a good voice that I miss so much and wish I new him and he knew me
When he sings Moon River it says it all who really knows The true definment of Music.
Priceless
Lovely- A word coined for this.
sooooo true ...... his music will live on
One of the best..off to the Big Stage..always remembered..
Andy Williams is still performing at his Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri certain times of the year. Although video and audio are not allowed you may take photographs. He has a book of memoirs published in 2009 which I read and enjoyed. At 83 he is remarkable. Says he walks for an hour every morning. Andy is first class and so is his show and his restaurant across the street. Well worth a visit.
Hi..im from indonesia.
Andy Wiliam & Henry Mancini , my fav musicians :')
Fantástico! Que saudades desse cantor e dessa orquestra maravilhosa.
They are all gone now..thank God for youtube
On this day in 1963 {March 16th} Andy Williams' 'The Days of Wine and Roses' entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #26 and spent 12 weeks on the Top 100...
The song was composed by Henry Mancini and won the 1962 Academy Award for 'Best Original Song' from the movie of the same name...
Henry Mancini himself charted with a instrumental version of the song, his version peaked at #33 {also in 1963}...
R.I.P. Mr. Williams {1927 - 2012} and Mr. Mancini {1924 - 1994}...
Um compositor maravilhoso e um cantor fantástico. Só poderia nos trazer um momento tão encantador
Continuing Andy Williams quote. "I can't stand to have someone grab me by the elbow and guide me around to meet people. During the evening Henry would catch me off guard and come up behind me, grab me by the elbow and start guiding me somewhere and I would always turn in anger, until I realized it was Henry. He got me every time--never missed...I really miss him." The preceding is quoted from Henry Mancini "The Days of Wine and Roses" cd set booklet.
Wow two legends on stage
One of the greatest singers of our time.
It's kind of romantic.. i love this kind of music
If you want romantic Andy songs try Speak Softly Love and Love Story
This is just perfection. Thanks for sharing.
The Days of Wine and Rose lyrics explain with absolute precision the unfortunate destiny of álcool adicted. Wonderful and sad.
you are so right Jose
Totally agree. I guess every family has someone who is addicted and that is very sad.
blow me
Oh my word that is wondrous! Thank you so much for posting.
The Days of Wine and Roses is a Brilliant melody by Henry Mancini. Andy William is now singing it more engagingly than before but still doesn't nail it.
Me encanta escuchar a Andy Williams. Mi favorita es ésta, Te esperaré y muchas más.
i love it... thanks for the share... love 'em...
Fenomenale ❤❤❤❤❤
excellent: MANCINI himselve plays moon river.....
I dearly love this 4/4 time signature in the last part of MOON RIVER.
They also performed it when they appeared on Japanese TV program "MUSIC FAIR".
Really miss Andy..was lucky enough to see one of his Christmas shows..great "modern" versions of these songs on the album Close Enough For Love.
I ADORE READING
Rip Andy forever
Andy and Henry are both missed. Andy's biography is a great read and there is a least one good book by Henry called "Did They Mention The Music." Both are legends and were exemplary men.
Word& Melody's
Saw Andy in Brandson at his theater with Petula Clark. He was incredible.
The Hollywood Bowl 1981. And he never and sang so good and looked so good.
love his voice RIP
Eternamente Andy Willimans.😍😍
Dias de vinho e rosas, bela canção melhor ainda cantada pelo Andy e ainda tem o Moon River completando. Boa, valeu!
Andy Williams quote. "I loved Henry Mancini. I would rather sing a Mancini song than any composer I can think of. I must have sung 'Moon River' more that 10,000 times, and have never grown tired of it. Henry was one of the nicest men I've ever known, and he was funny with a devious sense of humor. Henry and I did tours together and many times after the concerts Columbia and RCA records would jointly give a cocktail party in our honor for the local press and record people."
,Mancini , Williams and Mathis on the same bill, it does not get any better
Lindo... The best
superb!
Musicista e cantante grandi.
Meu pai é meu avô adoram !!☺
Rebeca Sampaio De Almeida
lenord cohan
前一陣子看的都是比本片早二十年的影片,在本影片中,雖然最後有歲月不饒人的問題,但第一首歌,依然是唱得那麼浪漫而有氣氛 !
RIP Henry & Andy
❤️🙏💜
Sorry folks, but what the heck did he do to it? Andy Williams recorded a beautiful version of Moon River. And here, he turns it into a belted-out Vegas lounge-lizard act. Sure, the guy's got a fantastic, powerful voice with the strength of a cannon. But Moon River is such a deeply emotional, delicate song.
Bravoooo divo
Better Call Saul brought me here
1:55 into the new year and I'm qvelling...
Mr. Williams was a tenor's tenor.
Andy Williams must've been great if he had Nelson Muntz hypnotized........
My Huckleberry Finn
How many conductors do you know that play lead piano?
Henry Mancini, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Burt Bacharach etc
How did Andy Williams "died"? Their English are well.
I respect Mr Williams musical legacy. However, Lucy does have a stronger voice.
Everybody drooling and slobbering over Andy Williams but he really was not that good of a singer !!! He had trouble hitting the high notes, The Young and very talented Lucy Thomas just released her version of Moon River in July 2022 and she blows Andy clear out of the water !!! She is sooo much better technical singer she makes Andy sound like a kid !!! Ooooooh and Lucy is only 18 years old!!!! I say this and I have an old original release LP Record of Andy Williams that is probably close to 50 years old. He was what we had back then to listen to, and I also saw the movie "Breakfast at Tiffanys" which featured this song !!!! I won't even comment on the Wine and roses song !!!