MARIE OSMOND MADE HER DEBUT AT AGE 3 ON ANDY WILLIAMS’ SHOW

Flamingo headline Marie Osmond says Christmas won’t be the same without Andy Williams.

If it wasn’t for Williams and his Christmas shows, “The Osmonds” would not exist, she said in a statement.

Williams died of bladder cancer Tuesday in Branson, Mo. He was 84.

Williams’ “foresight and generosity as our mentor” played a key role in the development of her family's singing group, she said.

She added, “Andy was the first person to affect my career. 
He was my very first duet and dance partner on ‘The Andy Williams Show’ where I made my debut at age 3.


“I thought he was so handsome...and always did.
He gave me singing advice that I've applied to my entire career.  He told me ‘Don't take singing lessons, do breathing exercises.’ He would tell me to practice swimming the length of a pool underwater to increase my lung capacity.

“Because of Andy, I'm able to do power songs like ‘World Goes Round’ in our Las Vegas show.
No one sang more beautifully than Andy Williams.  Hearing his version of ‘Moon River’ never failed to move me deeply.


“I can't imagine the holiday season without Andy Williams; we did so many specials together.
 I feel I've lost a dear family member and though my heart is heavy today, I feel blessed to have been graced by working and learning from such a magnificent and lasting talent and caring mentor.

-- NORM CLARKE, Vegas Confidential