The Williams Brothers
| Company type | Vocal quartet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, entertainment |
| Founded | 1930s in Wall Lake, Iowa, United States |
| Founder | Bob Williams, Don Williams, Dick Williams, Andy Williams |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Wall Lake , United States |
Area served | United States and abroad |
| Products | Musical performances, films, albums |
The Williams Brothers, a vocal quartet that included Andy Williams, originated in the mid-1930s. Their early career featured radio performances and appearances in four musical films during the 1940s. After collaborating with Bing Crosby, they transitioned into a nightclub act supporting Kay Thompson before disbanding in the early 1950s. The next generation, twins Andrew and David—nephews of Andy—rose to fame as teen idols in the 1970s, gaining exposure across radio, television, cinema, and nightclub venues.
History
The Williams Brothers—comprising Bob, Don, Dick, and Andy Williams—came together as a singing group in the mid-1930s in Wall Lake, Iowa. Their father, Jay Williams, took on the role of manager and promoter. They performed on various radio stations such as WHO in Des Moines, Iowa, WLS in Chicago, and WLW in Cincinnati before moving to Los Angeles in 1943 after signing with MGM. Their filmography includes appearances in Janie (1944), Kansas City Kitty (1944), Ladies' Man (1947), and Something in the Wind (1947).
Their collaboration with Bing Crosby on the popular track "Swinging on a Star" (1944) paved the way for a nightclub engagement with entertainer Kay Thompson from 1947 until 1951. Under the direction of MGM choreographer Robert Alton, they toured clubs and cabarets across the United States and abroad, captivating audiences with their jazz-influenced harmonies and dynamic stage presence. The group disbanded in 1951; however, the brothers reunited annually on The Andy Williams Christmas Special from 1962 through the 1990s.
Albums:
- 1969: The Williams Brothers Christmas Album - Andy Williams & The Williams Brothers
- 1970: Christmas with Andy Williams & The Williams Brothers
- 2001: Holiday Magic with Andy Williams & The Williams Brothers
- 2014: The Williams Brothers Christmas (remastered)
Bob Williams
Robert F. Williams was born on January 1, 1918, in Wall Lake, Iowa. He was both a vocalist and actor, featuring in films such as Janie (1944) and Something in the Wind (1947). From 1962 until 1990, he reunited annually with his siblings for Andy Williams’ Christmas specials. He passed away on September 23, 2003, in Terra Bella, California.
Don Williams
Donald J. Williams entered the world on October 9, 1922, in Wall Lake, Iowa. After The Williams Brothers dissolved, Don relocated to Los Angeles where he appeared on television programs hosted by Eddie Fisher and Nat King Cole. He founded the "Don Williams Singers," lent his voice to commercials, and performed with The Masquers alongside Burl Ives in a 1951 music video titled "Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord." Don also participated in The Andy Williams Christmas Show and served as an opening act at the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel for two years, including involvement in the 1958 production "Tropicana Holiday." Later in his career, he moved into talent management while continuing annual reunions with his brothers for The Andy Williams Christmas specials from 1962 to 1990. Don Williams County Park in Iowa bears his name.
Don Williams died at age 100 on December 30, 2022, in Branson, Missouri.
Tribute
In 2008, Liza Minnelli paid homage to Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers during an episode of The South Bank Show. That same year, her concert tour included a revival of the original act, featuring Thompson's classic compositions. This led to Minnelli's Broadway comeback with the production "Liza's at the Palace!" staged at New York's Palace Theatre. The performance served as a tribute to her godmother Kay Thompson and showcased beloved songs such as "I Love a Violin," “Clap Yo' Hands," “Jubilee Time," and "Hello Hello." Minnelli was accompanied by a quartet representing the original Williams Brothers. The show earned a Tony Award and was captured in a double CD release, which preserved the nightclub repertoire with advanced audio technology.
Articles and reviews
- Detroit News Pictorial, December 14, 1947
- Chicago Daily News, June 17, 1948
- This Week in Montreal, December 31, 1948
- Paul V. Coates, “Well, Medium and Rare,” Los Angeles Mirror, July 31, 1951, p. 10
- Variety, October 3, 1951, p. 64
See also
- The Williams Brothers – the second generation including Andrew and David Williams
External links
- YouTube
- Performances as The Williams Brothers
- Appearances as Williams Brothers Quartet