| Bill Anderson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | James William “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson |
| Born: | November 1, 1937 |
| Occupation: | Host, Country Singer |
| Years active: | 1958-present |
| Known for: | His singing career |
James William “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson is an American country singer and TV personality. He was born November 1, 1937, in Columbia, SC.
Bill Anderson is a world-renowned country music singer and had been that way since 1959. He got the name "Whisperin’ Bill" for his whisper of a singing voice and his whispering recitations during songs like Double S.
Acting & Game Show Career[]
Bill's first taste of game showdom was on February 15, 1965, when he appeared as a "central character" along with two "imposters" on the To Tell The Truth. The panel that night had to figure who was the real Bill Anderson. According to the affidavit read at the beginning of his segment, Anderson was at the time "generally considered to be the top composer of country music in the nation." Only two of the four panelists successfully identified Bill. At the end of the segment, he sang one of his own compositions, "Po' Folks." (During questioning, Anderson got a laugh when Kitty Carlisle asked, "Why are you wearing this costume?" After looking down at his brightly decorated suit—featuring sequined snowflakes—he deadpanned, "Well, it’s all I had.")
Anderson was the first country artist to host a network game show, starring on ABC's The Better Sex, and later hosting Fandango on cable network TNN. He also appeared for three years on ABC-TV's daytime soap opera, One Life to Live.
For six years he hosted an interview show, Opry Backstage, and found time to be co-producer of another TNN show called You Can Be a Star. In addition, Anderson has appeared frequently as a guest star on variety and game shows, including The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Match Game, Family Feud, Password Plus, Hee Haw and others.
Shows hosted[]
- The Better Sex
- Fandango
- Spell Binders (pilot)
Shows appeared[]
- To Tell the Truth
- Match Game
- Match Game Hollywood Squares Hour
- Family Feud
- Password Plus
- Family Knows Best
Gallery[]
