“Moon River” Crooner Andy Williams Dies

Legendary singer Andy Williams has died. The 84-year-old singer died at his home in Branson, MO after a year long struggle with bladder cancer.

Most closely associated with his signature song, Moon River, Williams had a career that spanned seven decades, and included 18 gold and 3 platinum albums.

He originally started singing with his brothers as part of the Williams Brothers quartet in 1938. He started a solo career in 1953, and became a regular performer on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

During the 1960s, Williams became one of the most popular vocalists in the country and was signed to what was at that time the biggest recording contract in history. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, which helped launch the career of series regulars, the Osmond Brothers.

In 1992, Williams opened and performed at the Moon River Theatre in Branson, MO.

Ten Things to Know About Bladder Cancer

1. In the United States, bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women. About 45,000 men and 17,000 women are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year.

2. There are three types of bladder cancer that begin in cells in the lining of the bladder. These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant.

3. Transitional cell carcinoma begins in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder. These cells are able to stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is emptied. Most bladder cancers begin in transitional cells.

4. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that may form in the bladder after a long- term infection or irritation.

5. Adenocarcinoma begins in glandular (secretory) cells that may form in the bladder after a long-term inflammation or irritation.

6. Symptoms of bladder cancer may include blood in the urine (hematuria), pain during urination (dysuria), frequent urination in small amounts (pollakiuria), or the feeling that one needs to urinate without results.

7. The chance of getting bladder cancer goes up as people get older. People under 40 rarely get this disease.

8. The use of tobacco is a major risk factor. Cigarette smokers are two to three times more likely than nonsmokers to get bladder cancer.

9. Men are two to three times more likely than women to get bladder cancer.

10. For more information, you can go to the Resounding Health Casebook on the topic.