Lost Columbia Masters

With all apologies to Christmas, April just might be the most wonderful time of the year to be an Andy Williams fan. On April 10th, 2020, Real Gone Music will release the 1st ever collection of never before heard music from Andy’s Columbia Records years. "Emperor Of Easy : Lost Columbia Masters 1962 - 1972" boasts 20 selections direct from the Columbia vault encompassing 16 previously unreleased studio outtakes and 4 rare singles. Every track on "Emperor Of Easy" is new to CD.

Throughout his 2 decades with Columbia Records, Williams recorded 30 studio albums, 17 of which went gold and another 3 of which were certified platinum. He notched over 30 Hot 100 hits and 44 Adult Contemporary chart entries, 4 of which went to # 1. Thanks to the popularity of his Emmy Award winning television series 'The Andy Williams Show', the genial vocalist became a beloved presence in living rooms across America. Working with collaborators including Robert Mersey, Nick DeCaro, Jerry Fuller, Mike Post, and Dick Glasser, Williams was a link between the pre-Beatles era of standards and showtunes and the contemporary pop rock sounds that dominated the airwaves as the 1960's progressed. All sides of the versatile singer are on display on "Emperor Of Easy" including Broadway showstoppers, romantic movie themes, bossa nova, and soft rock.

Among the unreleased treasures rescued from the vaults are songs from Antonio Carlos Jobim, Henry Mancini, Leslie Bricusse, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Paul Simon, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice and even Mel Tillis. One song by Bacharach and lyricist Bob Hilliard, “A Question Of Love”, premieres on "Emperor Of Easy" in its only recording by any artist. In addition to the 16 outtakes, 4 singles make their CD debuts

These 20 recordings are presented in a deluxe package decked out in classic Columbia Records style. The 24 page booklet has been beautifully designed by John Sellards and includes numerous never before published full color photos of the artist, as well as a brand new essay by Joe Marchese, placing all 20 tracks into the context of Williams’ career and incorporating new interviews with producer Jerry Fuller and Andy’s friend Johnny Mathis.