Bill Anderson (singer)
Bill Anderson | |
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Born | James William Anderson III November 1, 1937 |
Alma mater | University of Georgia |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1957–present |
Spouses |
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Partner | Vickie Salas (2008–2019) |
Children | 3 |
Musical career | |
Also known as | Whispering Bill |
Genres |
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Website | billanderson |
James William Anderson III (born November 1, 1937), known professionally as Bill Anderson, is an American
Anderson was raised in Decatur, Georgia, and began composing songs while in high school. While enrolled in college, he wrote the song "City Lights", which later became a major hit for Ray Price in 1958. His songwriting led to his first recording contract with Decca Records the same year. Anderson began having major hits shortly thereafter. In 1963, he had released his most successful single in his recording career, "Still". The song became a major country pop crossover hit and was followed by a series of top ten hits. These songs included "I Love You Drops", "I Get the Fever" and "Wild Week-End". His songs were being notably recorded by other artists. In 1964, Connie Smith had her first major hit with his composition "Once a Day". In 1971, Cal Smith had a number one single with Anderson's "The Lord Knows I'm Drinking".
In the 1970s, Anderson continued having major hits as a recording artist as well. Songs including "
Anderson also continued recording into the 1990s. In 1998, he released his first major label album in over a decade, entitled Fine Wine. He continued releasing music through his own TWI record label. This included projects of gospel and bluegrass material. His most recent studio album was released in 2020. 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.
Early life
Anderson was born James William Anderson III to Elizabeth and James William Anderson Jr. in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the oldest of two children. His sister, Elizabeth Anderson, was born two years after. Anderson's father was an insurance agent while his mother was a homemaker. He spent his early childhood with his family in Columbia.[2] The family moved to his grandparents' home in Griffin, Georgia, while Anderson was in the third grade. Shortly afterward, the family relocated into their own home in Decatur, Georgia, where he spent the remainder of his childhood.[3] In Decatur, his father opened his own insurance agency firm, which he continued to own until his retirement. In his 2016 autobiography, Anderson described his childhood as "average", recalling that he "never went to bed hungry" even though the family did not have many material possessions.[4]
In school, Anderson was active in 4-H organizations and played both baseball and football.[5] However, he was most interested in music, having been inspired by his grandparents who played instruments.[6] His interest grew further after watching country musicians perform on a radio station, located directly above his father's insurance company.[7] Anderson soon saved enough money to purchase his own guitar. At age ten, he wrote his first song called "Carry Me Home Texas".[6]
In high school, Anderson and his friends formed their own band and won a school talent contest. The band began performing around the local area, eventually performing on local radio as "The Avondale Playboys".[8] Anderson's strong interest in baseball continued through high school as well. He became his high school team's pitcher and was scouted to go to the Chicago Cubs training camp. However, Anderson declined the offer after realizing that his family would be upset if he did not attend college.[9] Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at the University of Georgia and majored in journalism.[6]
Anderson had dabbled with journalism before enrolling in university. While still in high school, he wrote for his school's newspaper and also obtained a job covering sports events for
Anderson graduated from college in 1959.[13] During his first summer out of college, he got a job working as a rock and roll DJ at WGAU in Athens, Georgia. However, he was fired after playing country records over the air and was then hired at WJJC in Commerce, Georgia. Anderson began songwriting again after obtaining the new position. In Commerce, Anderson wrote the song "City Lights". The song ultimately brought him to Nashville where both his songwriting and recording career began.[6]
Recording career
1958–1962: Early success
Anderson's own recording career began in 1957 after releasing two singles for the independent label, TNT. Both songs (including his own version of "City Lights") attracted little attention.[14] However, the success brought by Ray Price's version of "City Lights" led Anderson to frequent Nashville, Tennessee. In the city, he brought compositions for artists and producers to record. Owen Bradley of Decca Records was impressed by Anderson's writing and decided to sign him as a recording artist to the label. Anderson officially signed with Decca in the summer of 1958.[6] His early Decca singles were entirely self-composed. Anderson's first Decca released was issued in December 1958 called "That's What It's Like to Be Lonesome".[15] The song became a major hit the following year when it climbed to the number 12 position on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart.[16] He followed this in 1959 with the top 20 hits "Ninety Nine" and "Dead or Alive".[15]
In 1960, "The Tip of My Fingers" became his first top ten hit on the country chart, reaching number seven in August 1960.[17] The song was later recorded and made hits individually by Eddy Arnold, Roy Clark, Jean Shepard and Steve Wariner.[18] In 1961, the single "Po' Folks" reached number nine on the Billboard country songs chart.[19] The success of "Po' Folks" led Anderson to receive an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry cast. Anderson accepted and joined the program the same year.[18] This was followed by his first number-one hit, "Mama Sang a Song".[20] It was also his first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 89.[21] Although successful, Anderson's early singles were not initially included on studio album releases.[15] Instead, Decca issued his early hits on the 1962 compilation Bill Anderson Sings Country Heart Songs.[22]
1963–1976: "Still" and further career success
By 1963, Anderson's recording career was expanding further. He was frequently touring and making public appearances to promote his music. Anderson was inspired to write his 1963 composition, "
The success of "Still" further elevated Anderson's recording career. This included making national television appearances on shows such as American Bandstand, where he performed his follow-up crossover hit "8×10". He won awards from several major music publications including Billboard, Cashbox and Music Reporter.[30] He scheduled more concert engagements and made as much as $500 per gig.[31] His success led Decca to record and release studio albums with more frequency. These albums were also successful. His second studio LP, Bill Anderson Sings (1964), reached the top ten of the country albums chart.[32] His 1966 studio release reached number one on the same chart.[33] Album releases were fueled by further hit singles, including "Bright Lights and Country Music", "Five Little Fingers" and "Three A.M."[15] Music writers took notice of Anderson's music success as well. Billboard magazine called his 1964 album, Showcase, "a powerful set of performances".[34] Kurt Wolff of the book Country Music: The Rough Guide credited his success to a "fairly safe and suburban" musical style.[35]
His chart hits continued through the 1960s and many of these songs were self-composed. His 1966 release, "I Love You Drops", was inspired by the Chuck Berry hit "Memphis Tennessee".[36] His next self-written release also became his third number-one hit, titled "I Get the Fever".[1] He had further top ten hits with "Get While the Gettin's Good" and "No One's Gonna Hurt You Anymore".[15] During this time, Anderson formed his own touring band which he named "The Po' Boys" after his 1961 hit. The band frequently received credit on his studio albums and single releases.[37] He also started his own television program called The Bill Anderson Show, which was taped in Canada and Nashville.[38] In the mid 1960s, he began performing duets with country artist Jan Howard, who was also on Decca Records. Believing they could be a successful recording partnership, the pair approached producer Owen Bradley with the idea of recording together. Bradley agreed and the duo released their first single in 1965.[39] In 1968, the pair had their first major hit with the duet "For Loving You".[1] The song became a number-one hit on the Billboard country chart and led to several more successful collaborations.[15]
Following several more hits, Anderson reached the number one position for a fifth time in May 1969 with "
1977–1989: Countrypolitan shift and new changes
By 1977, Anderson experienced several changes in his recording career. His longtime duet partner, Jan Howard, left his record label and road show. According to Howard, it was difficult to keep up with the busy touring schedule.
Although successful at first, Anderson's late-1970s music received negative criticism from many writers. Author Kurt Wolff criticized his new image, commenting that his music "flirted dangerously with disco beats".[35] Eugene Chadbourne of Allmusic only gave his Love...& Other Sad Stories album 1.5 out of 5 stars. "This is an album that begins with what sounds like a pervert and ends with an effect described as frightening. Too bad most of it is so boring to listen to", Chadbourne concluded.[51] Anderson's sales success began to decline following the release of "I Can't Wait Any Longer". His follow-up album, Ladies Choice (1979), only reached number 44 on the country albums chart.[52] The album's only major hit was the top 20 single "This Is a Love Song".[15] After the release of his final MCA album in 1980, he was dropped from the label.[35]
In the mid 1980s, Anderson shifted his professional interests. He began a brief television career in California.[1] However, he continued recording music sporadically during the decade. On the independent Southern Tracks label, he released Southern Fried in 1983. The album was co-produced by Anderson and musician Mike Johnson.[53] The album also spawned four singles that became minor hits on the country songs chart, including the title track.[15] In 1986, Anderson released A Place in the Country, which was also produced by Johnson. The record was also released in the United Kingdom with a different track list.[54] Four singles were spawned from the album that became minor country hits between 1984 and 1987.[15]
1990–present: New artistic directions
Beginning in the early 1990s, Anderson focused more on songwriting. However, he continued recording his own music.
Anderson's artistic directions continued expanding into the 2000s. After the release of another holiday album,
In 2010 and 2014, respectively, Anderson released two self-produced studio albums: Songwriter and Life!.[67][68] In 2018, his 44th studio effort, Anderson, was issued and featured a collaboration with Jamey Johnson.[69] He followed this with his 45th studio recording in 2020 called The Hits Re-Imagined. The album was a collection of re-recorded hits and songs Anderson had written in his career. Billboard gave the record a favorable review which stated, "At 82, Anderson brings a gravitas to the heavier songs and a lightheartedness to tunes like "Po Folks" with a low-key production that keeps the focus squarely on Anderson and his delivery. Just as it should be".[70] In June 2022, a compilation titled The Best of Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See was released by MCA Nashville and included a new track featuring Dolly Parton.[71]
Songwriting career
1958–1979: Breakthrough in Nashville
Anderson's writing career began during the same period as his recording career. His 1958 composition, "City Lights", ultimately led to his songwriting success. In an interview with
The success of "City Lights" led Anderson to receive a contract from the
Anderson also wrote several hits for Connie Smith. He was also responsible for helping Smith sign her first recording contract.[35] Anderson had discovered Smith after hearing her perform in a talent contest near Columbus, Ohio. He helped bring her to Nashville, where she recorded several demonstration tapes that were heard by producers at RCA Victor Records. In 1964, Smith was signed to the label.[79] Anderson's composition "Once a Day" was recorded by Smith in 1964. 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.[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".[79] Anderson further helped her professional career by helping her become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and make an appearance on The Lawrence Welk Show. "From the beginning, I liked Connie a lot personally and tried to help her", he recalled in his 2016 autobiography.[81]
Anderson also wrote material for pop artists during this time. In the 1960s, Brenda Lee recorded Anderson's "My Whole World Is Falling Down".[74] The single peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1963.[82] Other pop artists to record Anderson's material included James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Dean Martin.[83] However, his most successful material was recorded by country artists, who continued recording his songs into the next decade. In 1972, Cal Smith cut Anderson's "The Lord Knows I'm Drinking", which became a number-one hit on the Billboard country chart.[15][74] The following year, Jean Shepard recorded Anderson's "Slippin Away". 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.[84] That same decade, Conway Twitty also had a number-one hit with the tune "I May Never Get to Heaven".[15]
1980–1991: Writing shifts
Anderson's writing and recording careers slowed down at the same time. In the early 1980s, he began writing music less frequently. Instead, he began focusing on other projects in television. "I just knew that this is what I wanted to do for my life's work, but I do remember telling people I'd stop if it wasn't working out", he said in describing his move away from writing.[85] In a 2020 interview with American Songwriter, Anderson also explained that the country market was shifting towards crossover pop. For that reason, he found it difficult to write material for other artists.[86] "Country music was changing and I was wondering if I could still fit in. I don't know how I got in that funk, but it was a tough time", he recalled.[87]
Anderson did not fully stop writing material for his own albums. On his 1983 studio release, Southern Fried, he wrote three of the record's tracks.[53] His 1986 studio album, A Place in the Country, contained two tracks written (or co-written) by Anderson. However, only one album track was self-composed: the song "We May Never Pass This Way Again.' Both of these self-composed tracks were only included on the version of the album released in the United Kingdom.[54] Anderson turned his writing priorities towards other directions as well. In 1989, he released his first autobiography, Whisperin' Bill, via Longstreet Press.[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 . . . I did it all . . . but it wasn't easy'), the author does justice to a powerful story", reviewers commented.[89]
1992–present: Return to songwriting and collaborations with others
In 1992, country artist Steve Wariner recorded Anderson's 1960 hit "The Tip of My Fingers". Released as a single, it became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart that year and inspired Anderson to write again.[1] "Steve's version of 'Tips' was some indication that words, melodies and emotions can carry across decades", he commented.[90] Among his next compositions was a song co-written with Vince Gill entitled "Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)". The song was written in a "writing appointment", where composers make arrangements to write music and are paid by recording hours in a time clock.[91] "Which Bridge to Cross" was released as a single by Gill in 1994 and became a major hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard country chart.[15] According to Anderson, the song's success helped him gain credibility with younger songwriters in Nashville. He began receiving phone calls from other writers and performers to set up more writing appointments.[92] Anderson, who was not used to writing with others, decided to make adaptations to his own songwriting style in order to collaborate. "I let a lot of young kids tell me a lot of things, and I benefited from that, greatly", he recounted.[93]
Anderson began co-writing more frequently during the 1990s. Wariner had another hit in 1999 with another Anderson composition titled "
Chesney's song was followed by a track later recorded by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss called "Whiskey Lullaby". The tune was composed with singer-songwriter Jon Randall. After writing the song, Randall was reluctant to record a demo of the record to pitch to other artists. However, Anderson believed the song could be a success and its demo was then recorded at ten o'clock on a weeknight.[100] Paisley's version was released as a single in 2004 and peaked at number three on the Billboard country chart that year.[101] In 2005, "Whiskey Lullaby" won "Song of the Year" at the Country Music Association Awards.[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."[103]
In 2006, Anderson co-wrote a song with Jamey Johnson and Buddy Cannon called "Give It Away". The song was later cut by George Strait.[104] The song's concept was inspired by Johnson's divorce at the time and included a spoken narration, a device that was not popular in the country genre during the mid-2000s.[105] Strait's version was released as a single in 2006 and reached number one on the country chart that September.[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.[102] Later that decade, Anderson collaborated with other writers to compose "Joey" for the country duo Sugarland.[107] The single reached the top 20 of the country songs chart in 2009.[108] In 2014, Anderson co-wrote Mo Pitney's top-30 country hit "Country" with Pitney and Bobby Tomberlin.[109]
On July 22, 2023, Anderson was honored as the Grand Ole Opry's longest-serving member in the show's history. Anderson's membership has not lapsed in 62 years since his initial induction in 1961.[110]
Other career contributions
Film and television
Between 1965 and 1974, Anderson hosted his own national television series called The Bill Anderson Show.
Anderson ventured further into television in the late 1970s. Between 1977 and 1978, he and Sarah Purcell co-hosted the ABC game show The Better Sex.[1] In 1980, he appeared on two episodes of the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, portraying a fictionalized version of himself. In a 1980 interview, then-ABC vice president Jackie Smith called the decision "a first" for a country artist.[114] Also in the 1980s, Anderson hosted the program Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and the game show Fandango, which both aired on the former Nashville Network (TNN). Fandango was brought to Anderson's attention by the program director of WSM TV in Nashville, who believed that a country music trivia show would be successful for the network.[115] "I've gotten into a lot of different things. I'm probably in the public eye more right now than I've ever been because of the things that I do on television", he said in 1988.[116] He remained with Fandango until 1989.[115] Anderson was then invited to join the cast of the TNN competition program You Can Be a Star. Anderson was involved in the show's inner workings, including helping to develop the scoring system. In addition, his touring band was hired as the show's stage band.[115]
Anderson appeared as himself in the February 15, 1965, episode of To Tell the Truth, receiving two of the four possible votes. Major League Baseball pitcher Tracy Stallard appeared as one of the two imposters for Anderson.[117]
Business career
Anderson also focused on business opportunities, many of which were unsuccessful. In his autobiography, he commented, "I've tried to become a businessman a couple of times when I should have kept right on pickin' and grinnin'."[118] In 1975, he bought a radio station in Provo, Utah, called KIXX. Anderson was unable to have enough advertisers support his radio station, causing it to fail. Six years later, he sold the station and left the radio industry. "I was totally disillusioned by something I love", he wrote in 2016.[119]
In the 1980s, Anderson served as a spokesperson for the Po' Folks restaurant chain, whose name was taken from his 1961 hit song.[120] Anderson signed a three-year contract with the restaurant company to serve as their national spokesperson, appearing in radio and television commercials. In addition, Anderson signed off on allowing the company to use his photos and signatures to endorse their products.[121] He then partnered with the vice president to help franchise the company. Country artist Conway Twitty was selected as a third partner to also help with franchising. However, several individual restaurants encountered financial struggles, which resulted in legal fees that Anderson had to pay. In addition, the company was being bought out by the larger Krystal fast-food chain. He was forced to pay back fees he owed towards the company, nearly causing Anderson to declare bankruptcy. However, with the support of Twitty, Anderson helped pay off the company's financial entanglements. "Even as it stood, my little foray into the restaurant business wiped out a large chunk of my life's savings", he later said.[122]
Personal life
Anderson has been married twice and has had two documented long-term relationships. He met his first wife, Bette (née Rhodes), in the late 1950s through a mutual friend. The pair married in December 1959. At the time of their marriage, Bette was 19 and Bill was 22. The couple remained married for ten years. Bette gave birth to two daughters during their relationship together.[123] Bette also contributed to her husband's writing career when she co-wrote the 1965 song, "I Can't Remember". It was later recorded by Connie Smith on her 1965 studio album Cute 'n' Country.[124] The pair separated in 1968 and officially divorced in 1969. Reflecting on his divorce in 2016, Anderson believed it was difficult for Bette to understand the music business, causing them to drift apart.[125] Bette Anderson died in 2010 at the age of 69.[126]
In 1970, he married his second wife, Becky. Together the couple had one child.[127] In 1984, Becky was involved in a car accident that caused "25 percent brain impairment." The couple filed a lawsuit against the driver who had crashed into Becky's vehicle. The recovery process took several years.[128] The couple separated in the 1990s before officially divorcing in 1997.[127]
Anderson briefly dated Deborah Marlin following his second divorce. In 2003, Anderson was arrested after being accused by Marlin of hitting her with his car door. He was released from jail the same day.[129]
Anderson began dating Vickie Salas around 2008. The couple had first met years prior when she was 19 and was romantically involved with Anderson's band member. The two reconnected following Anderson's second divorce. "We never married, we never lived together, but she became my everything", Anderson later remembered.[130] In 2016, Salas was diagnosed with cancer. Three years later, the disease intensified and she began receiving hospice care. She died in January 2019.[131]
Musical styles
As a songwriter, Anderson has composed a variety of material. Author Kurt Wolff called his early compositions "cute and sentimental", citing "Po' Folks" and "I Love You Drops" to be examples of this style. Wolff also noted that other songs exemplified "anti-establishment attitudes" while other songs focused on themes that were "desperately bleak".[35] Riane Konc of The Boot noted a similar trend in his songwriting style. She highlighted 2004's "Whiskey Lullaby" as an example. In reviewing the song, Konc commented that it was "packed full of unforgettable images" related to "heartbreak, addiction and loss". Konc also praised 2006's "Give It Away", calling it an "instant classic".[132] In a 2018 interview with American Songwriter, Anderson described his songwriting style: "The lyric is what attracted me to country music as a young boy– the story songs that I could listen to and feel some emotion. So yeah, I'd like to have the next generation pull out a few lines I've written and say 'yeah that's pretty clever!'"[133]
Anderson also created a musical style as a recording artist. After signing with Decca Records, he was given the nickname of "Whisperin' Bill Anderson", due to his soft-spoken vocal performance.[1][35] Writer and critic Kurt Wolff has commented on his "whispering" vocal style. Wolff also noted that many of his recordings included a combination of both "singing and recitation".[35] Steve Huey of Allmusic called his voice "airy" and "gentle".[1] Stephen L. Betts of Rolling Stone commented that Anderson continues to demonstrate a whispering quality into his current work. In 2020, Betts stated that Anderson's vocal style "remains subdued in the present".[134]
Legacy and honors
Writers and music critics have considered Anderson one of country music's most significant songwriters.[35][6][1] Steve Huey of AllMusic called him "one of the most successful songwriters in country music history".[1] Ken Burns of PBS called him an "acclaimed singer-songwriter".[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."[132] 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."[135]
In 1975, Anderson was inducted into the
Discography
- Studio albums
- 1963: Still
- 1964: Bill Anderson Sings
- 1964: Showcase
- 1966: Bright Lights and Country Music (with The Po' Boys)
- 1966: I Love You Drops
- 1967: Get While the Gettin's Good
- 1967: I Can Do Nothing Alone
- 1968: For Loving You (with Jan Howard)
- 1968: Wild Weekend
- 1968: Happy State of Mind
- 1969: My Life/But You Know I Love You
- 1969: Christmas
- 1970: If It's All the Same to You (with Jan Howard)
- 1970: Love Is a Sometimes Thing
- 1970: Where Have All Our Heroes Gone
- 1971: Always Remember
- 1972: Bill and Jan (Or Jan and Bill) (with Jan Howard)
- 1972: Singing His Praise (with Jan Howard)
- 1972: Bill Anderson Sings for "All the Lonely Women in the World"
- 1972: Don't She Look Good
- 1973: Bill
- 1974: "Whispering" Bill Anderson
- 1975: Every Time I Turn the Radio On/Talk to Me Ohio
- 1976: Sometimes (with Mary Lou Turner)
- 1976: Peanuts and Diamonds and Other Jewels
- 1977: Scorpio
- 1977: Billy Boy & Mary Lou (with Mary Lou Turner)
- 1978: Love...& Other Sad Stories
- 1979: Ladies Choice
- 1980: Nashville Mirrors
- 1983: Southern Fried (with The Po' Folks)
- 1984: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
- 1986: A Place in the Country
- 1993: Country Music Heaven
- 1996: Greatest Songs
- 1998: Fine Wine
- 2001: A Lot of Things Different
- 2002: No Place Like Home on Christmas
- 2004: Softly & Tenderly
- 2005: The Way I Feel
- 2007: Whisperin' Bluegrass
- 2010: Songwriter
- 2014: Life
- 2018: Anderson
- 2020: The Hits Re-Imagined
Filmography
Title | Year | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Bill Anderson Show | 1965–1974 | Host | [111] | |
The Las Vegas Hillbillys | 1966 | Himself | [113] | |
The Road to Nashville | 1967 | Himself | [140] | |
Alias Smith and Jones | 1972 | Cobb | Episode: "The Men That Corrupted Hadleyburg" | [115] |
Match Game | 1976–1978 | Himself | 31 episodes | [115] |
Match Game PM
|
1976–1981 | Himself | Seven episodes | [115] |
The Better Sex | 1977–1978 | Host | [1] | |
Password Plus | 1979–1982 | Himself | 17 episodes | [115] |
One Life to Live | 1980 | Himself | Two episodes: "Grand Ole Opry Part One" and "Grand Ole Opry Part Two" | [114] |
Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour | 1984 | Himself | Five episodes | [115] |
Fandango | 1983–1989 | Host | [115] |
Awards and nominations
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1965 | Grammy Awards | Best Country Song for "Once a Day" | Nominated | [141] |
1967 | Best Country Song for "Cold Hard Facts of Life" | Nominated | [141] | |
Country Music Association Awards | Entertainer of the Year | Nominated | [102] | |
1968 | Vocal Duo of the Year (with Jan Howard) | Nominated | [102] | |
1970 | Nominated | [102] | ||
1975 | Academy of Country Music Awards | Top Vocal Group (with Mary Lou Turner) | Nominated | [142] |
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame | Inducted as a Member | Won | [111] | |
1976 | Country Music Association Awards | Vocal Duo of the Year (with Mary Lou Turner) | Nominated | [102] |
1977 | Nominated | [102] | ||
2000 | Grammy Awards | Best Country Song for "Two Teardrops" (with Steve Wariner) | Nominated | [141] |
2001 | Academy of Country Music Awards | Vocal Event of the Year for "Too Country" (with George Jones, Brad Paisley and Buck Owens) | Nominated | [142] |
Country Music Association Awards | Won | [102] | ||
Country Music Hall of Fame
|
Inducted as a Member | Won | [136] | |
2002 | BMI Awards | Songwriting Icon Award | Won | [137] |
Academy of Country Music Awards | Song of the Year for "A Lot of Things Different" (with Dean Dillon) | Nominated | [142] | |
2004 | Song of the Year for "Whiskey Lullaby" (with Jon Randall) | Nominated | [142] | |
Country Music Association Awards | Nominated | [102] | ||
2005 | Won | [102] | ||
2006 | Academy of Country Music Awards | Song of the Year for "Give It Away" (with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson) | Won | [142] |
2007 | Grammy Awards | Best Country Song for "Give It Away" (with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson) | Nominated | [141] |
Country Music Association Awards | Song of the Year for "Give It Away" (with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson) | Won | [102] | |
2018 | Songwriters Hall of Fame | Inducted as a Member | Won | [143] |
2023 | Grammy Awards | Best American Roots Performance for "Someday It'll All Make Sense" (with Dolly Parton) | Nominated | [141] |
References
Footnotes
- ^ Allmusic. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 9.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, pp. 15–16.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, pp. 16–17.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 16.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Burns, Ken. "Country Music: Bill Anderson Biography". PBS. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, pp. 17–19.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, pp. 19–22.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, pp. 22–23.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 27.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 28.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 32.
- ^ "Bill Anderson papers and records". University of Georgia. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, pp. 46–47.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
- ^ ""That's What It's Like to Be Lonesome" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ ""The Tip of My Fingers" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ a b Trott, Walt 2012, p. 12.
- ^ ""Po' Folks" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ ""Mama Sang a Song" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ ""Mama Sang a Song" chart history (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Bill (January 1962). "Bill Anderson Sings Country Heart Songs (Liner Notes and Album Information)". Decca Records. Dl-4192.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 80.
- ^ ""Still" chart history (Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ ""Still" chart history (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ ""Still" chart history (AC)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Bill (June 17, 1963). "Still (Liner Notes and Album Information)". Decca Records. MCAC-20536.
- ^ "Still chart history (Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ "Still chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 84.
- ^ Anderson, Bill & Cooper, Peter 2016, p. 114.
- ^ "Bill Anderson Sings chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ "I Love You Drops chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ "Special Merit Picks". Billboard. Vol. 76, no. 49. December 5, 1964. p. 24.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Wolff, Kurt 2000, p. 292.
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- ^ "Bill Anderson Charged With Domestic Assault". Billboard. March 27, 2003. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
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- ^ a b Konc, Riane. "Top 10 Bill Anderson Songs". The Boot. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
- ^ Dye, Robert (June 11, 2018). "A Q&A with Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Bill Anderson". American Songwriter. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
- ^ Betts, Stephen L. (July 10, 2020). "Bill Anderson to Revisit 60 Years of Hits on Upcoming Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
- ^ a b "100 Greatest Men of Country Music: Bill Anderson: #27". Country Universe. June 9, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
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- ^ a b "BMI Celebrates Country Music at Awards Ceremony". bmi.com. November 5, 2002. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
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- ^ a b c d e "Bill Anderson: Artist: Grammy Awards". Grammy Awards. November 19, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "ACM Winners and Nominees – Bill Anderson". Academy of Country Music Awards. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
- ^ "Bill Anderson: Songwriters Hall of Fame". Songwriters Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
Books
- Anderson, Bill; Cooper, Peter (2016). Whisperin' Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music. ISBN 9780820349657.
- Trott, Walt (2012). The Encyclopedia of Country Music. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-517608-7.
- Wolff, Kurt (2000). Country Music: The Rough Guide. London: Penguin Books. ISBN 1-85828-534-8.
External links
- Official website
- Bill Anderson at the Country Music Hall of Fame
- Whisperin' Bill Anderson Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2009)
- Bill Anderson recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings.
- Interview with Bill Anderson in International Songwriters Association's "Songwriter Magazine"