I had always wanted to see him perform in Branson, Missouri
but, alas, it was not to be
"Moon River"
singing on his TV show -- 1961
I always watched his TV show though, and his Christmas specials.
He introduced the Osmond Brothers
(and "little Donny Osmond" as he was referred to back then at age 5)
For fun, here's Donny's first appearance on Andy's show, 1963
You may -- or may not -- remember his beautiful French wife, Claudine Longet who would appear with him on his Christmas TV specials.
Andy, Claudine and family
It was a sad day when they divorced in 1975, but they had been separated since 1970 although she still appeared on the Christmas specials (I doubt if the public knew that they were separated. It was a kind of fairy tale marriage.)
In 1976 or maybe 1977, Claudine was charged for fatally shooting her boyfriend, "Spider" Sabich who was an Olympic medalist and champion skier. Andy stood by her and believed that it was an accident -- she served 3 months in jail for criminally negligent homicide.
His Christmas specials were always fun to watch!
Along with Claudine, he'd have his brothers on and lots of special guests.
And, of course, the Osmonds were there too!
and yes, lots of "lovely" Christmas sweaters!
(do you think this one would qualify for the "ugly sweater" contest?)
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
a little cheesy but, hey, it was the 70s!
"It's the Holiday Season" with his brothers -- 1964
They always sat on stools and wore look-alike sweaters!
Yep, cheesy : )
"For You" with Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis is another one of my favorites singers!
He and Andy are performing on Andy's TV show --
you'll have to listen to a bit of an intro but it's well worth the wait
'cause the song and dance is priceless!
They were quite the athletes....
(and remember, these shows were live broadcasts!)
I sure do miss Andy....
but I've got some CDs and a couple of vinyls!
linking over at Miss Jenny's for Alphabe-Thursday where we are studying the letter W.
