Andy Williams - Butterfly (Rated NO 11 for the YEAR 1957 by Billboard)

Easily the most solid and long-lasting vocalist of his era, Andy Williams' laid-back delivery and expansive voice has charmed audiences for decades, from his first appearance with a brother quartet into his seventh decade of performance as the head of his own dinner theater in Branson, MO. Born in Wall Lake, IA, Williams sang in his church choir and later formed a quartet with his three brothers. The group performed on radio throughout the Midwest, then moved to Los Angeles to make it in show business. The Williams Brothers Quartet appeared on Bing Crosby's 1944 hit "Swinging On a Star" and appeared with comedienne Kay Thompson during the late '40s.

Andy Williams finally began his solo career in 1952, making several appearances on Steve Allen's Tonight Show before signing a contract with Archie Bleyer's Cadence Records in 1955. He hit the Top Ten in 1956 with his third single for the label, "Canadian Sunset." One year later, his soft-toned cover of the Charlie Gracie rockabilly nugget "Butterfly" hit number one (it's still his biggest hit). Additional Top Ten entries "Are You Sincere," "Lonely Street," and "The Village of St. Bernadette" followed before Williams moved to Columbia in 1961.

Despite another big hit in 1963, "Can't Get Used to Losing You," Williams failed to generate much action on the singles charts during the 1960s. Instead, his highly rated variety program on NBC-TV spurred interest in the ever-growing LP market for adult and middle-of-the-road audiences. The popular 1962 album Moon River & Other Great Movie Themes featured the song he's most identified with, and the following year's Days of Wine and Roses hit the top of the album charts. Nine more LPs hit the Top Ten for Andy Williams during the '60s, many organized around loose themes -- Broadway, ballads, and one album that featured members of his family. Though 1971's Love Story was a platinum success that sparked a Top Ten hit for the title song, his television show was canceled that year.

Andy Williams remained very popular during the '70s, especially for British audiences. His single "Solitaire" hit the Top Ten there in 1973, though it didn't even chart in America. Two of his subsequent albums also performed well, but only in Britain. He released relatively few LPs during the 1980s, but returned to the pop world in the early '90s when he founded his own theater/resort in the home-grown entertainment capital of Branson, MO. Williams continued to headline shows there during the rest of the decade and into the 2000s. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

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[Wild Angel]

No.1 not No.11.

[John1948OneA]

It did reach No1 in more than one "weekly" chart. It was not No. for the entire year. That honor went to All Shook Up which spent more time in the No. 1 spot during the year. I will try to make that more clear in the title.

[MrBetus13]

I loved this song growing up and have had trouble in finding it. Here it is on you tube. Do you remember it?

[John1948OneA]

Of course. It's one of the few pre-rock hits that appealed to young people.

[klutzyknockoutlady]

Nice rug he's got on.

[dragon98747]

#1 hit for Andy Willams,what a great singer,and a great human being,!!this world would be a better place to live on,if there were more people like him around,even my dad liked him(back in the 50's)Boy there arn't many singes around today that can match this''MAN's''talent thats for sure !! RIP Mr.Willams.your talnet will be,and has been GREATLY MISSED!!!From a loyal fan,that goes back to the Rockin'FIFTIES!!!

[jadeenevie]

jfc

[Flashsinger7100]

No. 1 in the UK. Never in the US. The highest in the US was 4.

[Marty Koven]

This song was my favorite by Andy Wiliams. So sorry about his passing . He will be missed.



[Wild Angel]

Ah, thank you. Now I understand. :)

[chazinnyc]

according to my billboard book this was a number one song for three weeks his only number one

[pakietc]

Yes, Elvis was such a mediocre singer that Andy copied his singing style on this song.

RIP Andy, he was a wonder person and vocalist, he never bad mouthed anyone, and neither should you.