Andy Williams' Greatest Hits Vol. 2
Encyclopedia
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits Vol. 2 is a compilation album
by American pop singer Andy Williams
that was released in June 1973 by Columbia Records
. This collection follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Andy Williams' Greatest Hits
, in that it is not limited to his biggest and most recent hit singles, although his final two US Top 40 entries ("(Where Do I Begin) Love Story
" and "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from 'The Godfather')
") were included. It also has an album track not released as a single ("The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
"), a couple of hits from his time with Cadence Records
("Lonely Street" and "The Village of St. Bernadette"), two other singles that could have been included on the first volume ("In the Arms of Love
" and "Music to Watch Girls By
"), and two Easy Listening chart entries that never made the Billboard Hot 100
("Home Lovin' Man" and "Music from across the Way").
The front and back cover design for the LP (by Anne Garner and Norman Seeff
) shows Williams as he is bursting through a wall-sized collage of black-and-white images from various periods of his career, mainly involving the Williams Brothers and his variety program. While the front cover does not show the one foot that it would seem he is standing on, the back cover depicts the front cover setpiece as seen from the reverse angle behind him and is shot so that neither foot is touching the floor, as if to suggest that Williams is literally flying through the wall.
The UK album of the same name
had only three of its 12 tracks in common with those on this album and used a different cover photo and design. That version entered the UK album chart 6 months before this album was released and reached number 23 over the course of 10 weeks.
This US version made its first appearance on the Billboard Top LP's
chart in the issue dated July 7, 1973, and remained there for five weeks, peaking at number 174.
This album was released on compact disc for the first time by Columbia Records
in 1989. A Columbia 3-CD box set including this album along with the US versions of Andy Williams' Greatest Hits
and his 1971 album Love Story
was released on August 12, 1997.
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
by American pop singer Andy Williams
Andy Williams
Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams is an American singer who has recorded 18 Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owns his own theater, the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri,...
that was released in June 1973 by Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
. This collection follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Andy Williams' Greatest Hits
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits is a compilation album by American pop singer Andy Williams that was released in early 1970 by Columbia Records...
, in that it is not limited to his biggest and most recent hit singles, although his final two US Top 40 entries ("(Where Do I Begin) Love Story
(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story
" Love Story" is a popular song published in 1970, with music by Francis Lai and lyrics by Carl Sigman. The song was first introduced as an instrumental theme in the 1970 film Love Story. The lyrics were added after the theme music became popular.-Covers:The song has been covered many times...
" and "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from 'The Godfather')
Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather)
"Speak Softly Love " is a song written for The Godfather , the first film in the Godfather trilogy. While its instrumental version is simply known as "The Godfather Love Theme", "Speak Softly Love" is the vocal version. The words are by Larry Kusik but the music itself is by Nino Rota...
") were included. It also has an album track not released as a single ("The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
"The Impossible Dream " is a popular song composed by Mitch Leigh, with lyrics written by Joe Darion. It was written for the 1965 musical Man of La Mancha...
"), a couple of hits from his time with Cadence Records
Cadence Records
Cadence Records was an American record company based in New York City. It was founded by Archie Bleyer, who had been the musical director and orchestra leader for Arthur Godfrey in 1952...
("Lonely Street" and "The Village of St. Bernadette"), two other singles that could have been included on the first volume ("In the Arms of Love
In the Arms of Love
"In the Arms of Love" is a song featured in the 1966 film, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? The song's music was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and was performed by Andy Williams...
" and "Music to Watch Girls By
Music to Watch Girls By
"Music to Watch Girls By" was the first Top 40 hit by Bob Crewe using his own name, recorded by his group The Bob Crewe Generation. Crewe first heard the song performed in a "jingle demo" for a Diet Pepsi commercial. The "big-band, horn driven" recording went to #15 on the pop chart and #2 on the...
"), and two Easy Listening chart entries that never made the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
("Home Lovin' Man" and "Music from across the Way").
The front and back cover design for the LP (by Anne Garner and Norman Seeff
Norman Seeff
Norman Seeff was born March 5, 1939 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since moving to the United States in 1969, his work as a photographer and filmmaker has been focused on the exploration of human creativity and the inner dynamics of the creative process....
) shows Williams as he is bursting through a wall-sized collage of black-and-white images from various periods of his career, mainly involving the Williams Brothers and his variety program. While the front cover does not show the one foot that it would seem he is standing on, the back cover depicts the front cover setpiece as seen from the reverse angle behind him and is shot so that neither foot is touching the floor, as if to suggest that Williams is literally flying through the wall.
The UK album of the same name
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (UK version)
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits Vol. 2 is a compilation album by American pop singer Andy Williams that was released in the UK in 1972 by the CBS Records division of Columbia...
had only three of its 12 tracks in common with those on this album and used a different cover photo and design. That version entered the UK album chart 6 months before this album was released and reached number 23 over the course of 10 weeks.
This US version made its first appearance on the Billboard Top LP's
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
chart in the issue dated July 7, 1973, and remained there for five weeks, peaking at number 174.
This album was released on compact disc for the first time by Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
in 1989. A Columbia 3-CD box set including this album along with the US versions of Andy Williams' Greatest Hits
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits
Andy Williams' Greatest Hits is a compilation album by American pop singer Andy Williams that was released in early 1970 by Columbia Records...
and his 1971 album Love Story
Love Story (Andy Williams album)
Love Story is an album by American pop singer Andy Williams that was released in February 1971 by Columbia Records. It made its first appearance on the Billboard 200 chart in the issue dated February 20, 1971, and remained on the album chart for 33 weeks, peaking at number three...
was released on August 12, 1997.
Track listing
- "(Where Do I Begin) Love Story(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story" Love Story" is a popular song published in 1970, with music by Francis Lai and lyrics by Carl Sigman. The song was first introduced as an instrumental theme in the 1970 film Love Story. The lyrics were added after the theme music became popular.-Covers:The song has been covered many times...
" (Francis LaiFrancis LaiFrancis Lai is a French accordionist, and composer noted for his film scores.While in his twenties, Francis Lai left home and went to Paris where he became part of the lively Montmartre music scene...
, Carl SigmanCarl SigmanCarl Sigman was an American songwriter.-Biography:Born in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, Sigman graduated from law school and passed his Bar exams to practice in the state of New York...
) – 3:10- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer - Dick HazardRichard HazardRichard Hazard was an American television composer, orchestrator, conductor and writer. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and died in Los Angeles, California, of cancer...
- arranger
- Dick Glasser
- "MacArthur ParkMacArthur Park (song)"MacArthur Park" is a song by Jimmy Webb, originally composed as part of an intended cantata. The song was initially rejected by The Association. Richard Harris was the first to record it, in 1968; the song was subsequently covered by numerous artists. Among the best-known covers are Donna Summer's...
" (Jimmy WebbJimmy WebbJimmy Webb is an American songwriter, composer, and singer. He wrote numerous platinum selling classics, including "Up, Up and Away", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", "The Worst That Could Happen", "All I Know", and "MacArthur Park"...
) – 5:03- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer - Artie Butler - arranger
- Dick Glasser
- "Music from across the Way" (James LastJames LastJames Last is a German composer and big band leader. His "happy music" made his numerous albums best-sellers in Germany and the United Kingdom. His composition, "Happy Heart", became an international success in interpretations by Andy Williams and Petula Clark...
, Carl SigmanCarl SigmanCarl Sigman was an American songwriter.-Biography:Born in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, Sigman graduated from law school and passed his Bar exams to practice in the state of New York...
) – 3:45- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer - Ernie FreemanErnie FreemanErnie Freeman was an American pianist, organist and arranger.In 1935 he began playing in local Cleveland area nightclubs, and also formed a classical music trio for local social functions with his father and his sister Evelyn...
- arranger
- Dick Glasser
- "The Village of St. Bernadette" (Eula Parker) – 3:22
- Archie BleyerArchie BleyerArchie Bleyer was an American song arranger, bandleader, and record company executive.-Early life:He was born in the Corona section of the New York City borough of Queens. He began playing the piano when he was only seven years old...
- arranger, conductor
- Archie Bleyer
- "Music to Watch Girls ByMusic to Watch Girls By"Music to Watch Girls By" was the first Top 40 hit by Bob Crewe using his own name, recorded by his group The Bob Crewe Generation. Crewe first heard the song performed in a "jingle demo" for a Diet Pepsi commercial. The "big-band, horn driven" recording went to #15 on the pop chart and #2 on the...
" (Sid RaminSid RaminSidney Norton Ramin is an American orchestrator, arranger, and composer.- Personal life :The son of Ezra Ramin, a window trimmer, and Beatrice D. Ramin, he was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 22, with various sources indicating either a birth year of 1919 or 1924. Ramin married Gloria...
, Tony Velona) – 2:38- Nick DeCaro - arranger, producer
- "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from 'The Godfather')Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather)"Speak Softly Love " is a song written for The Godfather , the first film in the Godfather trilogy. While its instrumental version is simply known as "The Godfather Love Theme", "Speak Softly Love" is the vocal version. The words are by Larry Kusik but the music itself is by Nino Rota...
" (Larry KusikLarry KusikLarry Kusik is an award-winning lyricist.He is perhaps best known for writing the lyrics for the tune Speak Softly Love, the love theme from the 1972 film The Godfather, however he has also written lyrics to many other movie themes, including A Time for Us from the 1968 film version of Romeo and...
, Nino RotaNino RotaNino Rota was an Italian composer and academic who is best known for his film scores, notably for the films of Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti...
) – 3:05- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer - Al Capps - arranger
- Dick Glasser
- "In the Arms of LoveIn the Arms of Love"In the Arms of Love" is a song featured in the 1966 film, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? The song's music was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and was performed by Andy Williams...
" (Ray EvansRay EvansRaymond Bernard Evans was an American songwriter. He was a partner in a composing and songwriting duo with Jay Livingston, known for the songs they composed for films...
, Jay LivingstonJay LivingstonJay Livingston was an American composer and singer best known as half of a songwriting duo with Ray Evans that specialized in songs composed for films. Livingston wrote the music and Evans the lyrics....
, Henry ManciniHenry ManciniHenry Mancini was an American composer, conductor and arranger, best remembered for his film and television scores. He won a record number of Grammy Awards , plus a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 1995...
) – 2:56- Robert Mersey - arranger, conductor, producer
- "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)The Impossible Dream (The Quest)"The Impossible Dream " is a popular song composed by Mitch Leigh, with lyrics written by Joe Darion. It was written for the 1965 musical Man of La Mancha...
" (Joe DarionJoe DarionJoe Darion, was an American musical theatre lyricist, most famous for Man of La Mancha.Darion was born in New York City and died in Lebanon, New Hampshire.-External links:* at the Internet Broadway Database...
, Mitch LeighMitch LeighMitch Leigh is an American musical theatre composer and theatrical producer best known for the musical Man Of La Mancha.-Biography:Leigh was born in Brooklyn, New York) as Irwin Michnick...
) – 2:39- Nick DeCaro - arranger, producer
- "Lonely Street" (Carl Belew, Kenny Sowder, W.S. Stevenson) – 2:46
- Archie BleyerArchie BleyerArchie Bleyer was an American song arranger, bandleader, and record company executive.-Early life:He was born in the Corona section of the New York City borough of Queens. He began playing the piano when he was only seven years old...
- conductor - Carlyle Hall - arranger
- Archie Bleyer
- "Home Lovin' Man" (Roger CookRoger Cook (songwriter)Roger Cook is an English songwriter who has written many hits for other recording artists. He has also had a successful recording career in his own right.-Early life:Cook was born in Fishponds, Bristol, England...
, Roger GreenawayRoger GreenawayRoger Greenaway , is a popular English songwriter, best known for his collaborations with Roger Cook.-Career:...
, Tony MacaulayTony MacaulayTony Macaulay is a British author, composer for musical theatre, and songwriter, though it was the latter that made him a household name early in his career...
) – 3:10- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer - Artie Butler - arranger
- Dick Glasser
- "A Song for YouA Song for You"A Song for You" is a soulful love song written and originally recorded by rock singer-songwriter and pianist Leon Russell for his first solo album 'Leon Russell', which was released in 1970 on Shelter Records. A slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover, the tune...
" (Leon RussellLeon RussellClaude Russell Bridges , known professionally as Leon Russell, is an American musician and songwriter, who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career in music....
) – 3:07- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer - Ernie FreemanErnie FreemanErnie Freeman was an American pianist, organist and arranger.In 1935 he began playing in local Cleveland area nightclubs, and also formed a classical music trio for local social functions with his father and his sister Evelyn...
- arranger
- Dick Glasser
Recording dates
- 8/23/59 - "Lonely Street"
- 11/19/59 - "The Village of St. Bernadette"
- 6/23/66 - "In the Arms of Love"
- 2/21/67 - "Music to Watch Girls By"
- 8/29/70 - "Home Lovin' Man"
- 12/17/70 - "(Where Do I Begin) Love Story"
- 1/4/71 - "MacArthur Park"
- 6/10/71 - "Music from across the Way"
- 7/7/71 - "A Song for You"
- 2/18/72 & 2/24/72 - "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from The Godfather)"
Billboard & UK chart positions
| Song | US debut | Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Easy Listening | Hot R&B Sides Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,... |
UK debut | UK singles chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Lonely Street" | 9/7/59 | 5 | – | 20 | – | – |
| "The Village of St. Bernadette" | 12/14/59 | 7 | – | – | – | – |
| "In the Arms of Love In the Arms of Love "In the Arms of Love" is a song featured in the 1966 film, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? The song's music was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and was performed by Andy Williams... " |
7/30/66 | 49 | 1 (2 weeks) | – | 9/24/66 | 33 |
| "Music to Watch Girls By Music to Watch Girls By "Music to Watch Girls By" was the first Top 40 hit by Bob Crewe using his own name, recorded by his group The Bob Crewe Generation. Crewe first heard the song performed in a "jingle demo" for a Diet Pepsi commercial. The "big-band, horn driven" recording went to #15 on the pop chart and #2 on the... " |
3/25/67 | 34 | 2 (1 week) | – | 5/6/67 | 33 |
| "Home Lovin' Man" | 10/24/70 | – | 10 | – | 11/21/70 | 7 |
| "(Where Do I Begin) Love Story (Where Do I Begin?) Love Story " Love Story" is a popular song published in 1970, with music by Francis Lai and lyrics by Carl Sigman. The song was first introduced as an instrumental theme in the 1970 film Love Story. The lyrics were added after the theme music became popular.-Covers:The song has been covered many times... " |
2/6/71 | 9 | 1 (4 weeks) | – | 3/20/71 | 4 |
| "A Song for You A Song for You "A Song for You" is a soulful love song written and originally recorded by rock singer-songwriter and pianist Leon Russell for his first solo album 'Leon Russell', which was released in 1970 on Shelter Records. A slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover, the tune... " |
8/21/71 | 82 | 29 | – | – | – |
| "Music from across the Way" | 1/29/72 | – | 30 | – | – | – |
| "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from 'The Godfather') Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather) "Speak Softly Love " is a song written for The Godfather , the first film in the Godfather trilogy. While its instrumental version is simply known as "The Godfather Love Theme", "Speak Softly Love" is the vocal version. The words are by Larry Kusik but the music itself is by Nino Rota... " |
4/8/72 | 34 | 7 | – | 8/5/72 | 42 |
| "MacArthur Park MacArthur Park (song) "MacArthur Park" is a song by Jimmy Webb, originally composed as part of an intended cantata. The song was initially rejected by The Association. Richard Harris was the first to record it, in 1968; the song was subsequently covered by numerous artists. Among the best-known covers are Donna Summer's... " |
8/5/72 | 102 | 26 | – | – | – |
| "Home Lovin' Man" (reissue) | 11/4/72 | – | 27 | – | – | – |
Personnel
- Archie BleyerArchie BleyerArchie Bleyer was an American song arranger, bandleader, and record company executive.-Early life:He was born in the Corona section of the New York City borough of Queens. He began playing the piano when he was only seven years old...
- arranger/conductor ("The Village of St. Bernadette"), conductor ("Lonely Street") - Artie Butler - arranger ("Home Lovin' Man", "MacArthur Park")
- Al Capps - arranger ("Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from 'The Godfather')")
- Nick DeCaro - arranger/producer ("The Impossible Dream", "Music to Watch Girls By")
- Ernie FreemanErnie FreemanErnie Freeman was an American pianist, organist and arranger.In 1935 he began playing in local Cleveland area nightclubs, and also formed a classical music trio for local social functions with his father and his sister Evelyn...
- arranger ("Music from across the Way", "A Song for You") - Anne Garner - design
- Dick GlasserDick GlasserRichard Eugene "Dick" Glasser was a singer, songwriter, and record producer....
- producer (see track listing) - Carlyle Hall - arranger ("Lonely Street")
- Dick HazardRichard HazardRichard Hazard was an American television composer, orchestrator, conductor and writer. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and died in Los Angeles, California, of cancer...
- arranger ("(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story") - Robert Mersey - arranger/conductor/producer ("In the Arms of Love")
- Norman SeeffNorman SeeffNorman Seeff was born March 5, 1939 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Since moving to the United States in 1969, his work as a photographer and filmmaker has been focused on the exploration of human creativity and the inner dynamics of the creative process....
- design, photography - Andy WilliamsAndy WilliamsHoward Andrew "Andy" Williams is an American singer who has recorded 18 Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owns his own theater, the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri,...
- vocalist