Whisperin' Bill Anderson

It is not often you get a chance to say good things about people that you love and respect. Well, I've been given that chance and I cannot say enough good things about this good person. Bill Anderson has been an inspiration to me as a writer since I was young and new in Nashville. It was songs like 'Still' and 'Once a Day' that made me want to become a better writer. Bill has written so many wonderful songs and is a major force in country music, not only as a writer but as an entertainer, a singer, and a host. It would be impossible really to measure his worth in this industry, but it's BIG! I also love and respect him as a gentle and wonderful human being. Though he speaks softly, he carries a big stick and is a wise and effective businessman. I've always admired him for that, too. I've known him since my early days in Nashville and he has remained a friend, even though we have lost so many of our old friends of that era. Thankfully Bill and I are still friends, still hanging in and still going strong. In the words of one of my own songs, I would like to say, Bill Anderson, I will always love you.

Very few songwriters or artists will be prolific or talented enough to enjoy two or maybe three decades of success. Bill Anderson is going on seven. His words and melodies are part of the very foundation upon which country music is built. What an amazing life and career. I'm so glad he chose to pick up his hammer and chisel . . . excuse me . . . pen and paper (things have changed since he first began) to write down his story for all of us fans and friends.

As a lifelong lover of songs, I had no idea what a profound impact Bill Anderson would have on me. Still to this day when I hear one of my favorite songs, Bill undoubtedly wrote it. When I asked him to write some songs with me in the early 1990s, I was shocked to hear him say he didn't write much anymore because he didn't think my generation was interested in what he had to say. I told him I believed he was one of the most prolific and important songwriters in our history, and it would mean the world to me if we could try to write something together. 'Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)' was the result of that collaboration, and in Bill's words, it lit a fire to want to keep writing with some of us kids. Well, believe me, we kids are better songwriters because of Bill Anderson.

The thing about Bill Anderson’s career, for me, is that he still maintains it on the highest of levels. He’s been writing hit songs for over fifty years and is one of the most successful songwriters in our history. Wow! He continues to write and collaborate with young artists and writers, keeping himself current, and continues to win awards for his successes. As a person, I love how Bill always makes everybody feel at home. As a veteran member of the Grand Ole Opry, he made me and my whole family feel comfortable on my first, nervous performance on the Opry back in 1992. He was always so kind to my family, my dad in particular. They both went to the University of Georgia and had much in common. He was one of the family when I was honored to take my place as a member at the Grand Ole Opry in 1999. I know Bill was born in South Carolina, but he was raised in Georgia so I’ll always own him as a Georgia boy! He’s an iconic singer (everybody knows when you hear that whisper EXACTLY who it is on the radio), a legendary songwriter, and he’s one of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. He’s definitely one of the good guys. I’m proud to know him!

A genial account of a gentleman musician's life in and around Nashville. They don't make them like Whisperin' Bill Anderson (b. 1937) anymore, though, as co-author Cooper suggests, it is the coda to his career that has made it extraordinary, 'the most thrilling, exhilarating, and unprecedented part of his journey.' . . . Anderson is a uniquely country personality, and that personality shines through.

* Kirkus Reviews *

I like this book, written with Peter Cooper, music historian. I especially like the part when Bill Anderson describes his personal song-writing process, always a mystery to me. Which came first, I wondered, the lyrics or the tune, or was it different with each artist, or perhaps each song? Anderson is a lyrics man. . . . It's a funny book, a story told without excess ego or exaggeration like some I've read in this genre. Despite great success, he's kept his humility and remains accessible to fans. . . . This book won't be in the inspirational section of your local book store, but it probably should be. The main message is to follow your passion, never give up and be nice to people.

* Daily Corinthian *

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson is so filled with easy tales that you’ll feel like you just pulled up a chair by a dear old friend. . . . Anderson has a gentle, playful sense of humor that shines in his best memories and, through his recollections, we get to know singers and a way of doing business that are both long gone. But this isn’t entirely a happy-happy book: readers also see the not-so-sunny sides of a fledgling (and racist) recording industry; of touring, before investors got involved; and of being an older star in a 'new century.' While anyone can read this book, I think fans of old-time country music will love it best because it contains all the tales you’ll want to know. For you, start Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, and you’ll be hooked before long.

* The Clermont Sun *

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson takes us on a roller coaster ride with Anderson, leaving us with stories as memorable as his songs. Indeed, many of his songs, such as 'Mama Sang a Song,' grow out of his experiences. Anderson’s new autobiography is worth reading just for the opportunity it gives us to take in his sparkling, wink-and-a-nod voice that speaks of his own foibles with laughter and grace.

* No Depression *

A great read for country fans and non-country fans alike: the unlikely tale of a true innovator who succeeded against all odds . . . and then did it again.

* Forb