bill anderson tour dates

Bill Anderson Verified

Concerts and tour dates, bandsintown merch.

Live Photos of Bill Anderson

Fan reviews.

Fans Also Follow

About bill anderson.

• Moscow concerts Moscow concerts Moscow concerts See all Moscow concerts ( Change location ) Today · Next 7 days · Next 30 days
• Most popular artists worldwide
• Trending artists worldwide

• Tourbox for artists

Search for events or artists

• Sign up Log in

• Get the app
• Moscow concerts
• Change location
• Popular Artists
• Live streams
• Popular artists

Bill Anderson tour dates 2024

Bill Anderson is currently touring across 1 country and has 3 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, after that they'll be at Grand Ole Opry House again in Nashville.

Currently touring across

Upcoming concerts (3) See nearest concert

Grand Ole Opry House

Past concerts

View all past concerts

Support across tour dates

Recent tour reviews

Went to a show in Toccoa,GA in June 2019. It was a great show - could have set there all night listened to him singing. Sung some real great songs. He came out after show sold some merchandise, made pictures & did lots of autographs. Would definitely recommend any of his shows.

Report as inappropriate

I saw you on the CFRCRUISE in January 2020.

You were brilliant.

When you gave your speech at the end, I cried. I lost my husband of 47 wonderful years 2 days before you.

God bless you Bill Anderson from England UK xx

• Most popular charts
• API information
• Brand guidelines
• Community guidelines
• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Cookies settings
• Cookies policy

Get your tour dates seen everywhere.

• But we really hope you love us.

Buy concert tickets quickly and easily

• Bill Anderson

Bill Anderson Tour Dates

All Country & Folk Events

Buyer guarantee, about bill anderson, early life and career.

Bill Anderson was born in Columbia, South Carolina on November 13, 1937. He began his musical career as a teenager, playing the guitar and singing on local radio stations. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years.

Anderson’s first taste of success came with the release of his single “Po’ Folks” in 1962. The song reached the top ten on the country charts and helped to launch his career. Over the next few years, Anderson had several more hit singles including “Eight by Ten” and “My Life (Throw It Away If I Want To)”.

In 1966, Anderson released his first album, Bill Anderson Sings. The album featured a mix of country and pop songs, and was a commercial success. It was followed by a string of successful albums throughout the late 1960s and 1970s.

Anderson continued to have success as a country singer into the 1980s and 1990s. He also began writing songs for other artists, including George Strait and Alabama. In recent years, Anderson has toured with several oldies music acts. He is still active in the music industry and continues to write and perform his own songs.

Discography

Anderson has released sixty-one studio albums and ninety-six singles. His longest-lasting hit singles charted between 1957 and 1981, including thirty which reached the top ten and six which topped the country chart. He is known for his distinctive voice, which often led to him being nicknamed “Whisperin’ Bill.” Throughout his career Anderson had 30 number one hits on various charts, including 21 No.

One songs on Billboard’s Country Chart. Anderson’s first hit song was 1961’s “Mama Sang a Song,” followed by 1967’s hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” In addition to his solo work, he was a member of the Opryland USA house band from 1977 to 1986 as well as a member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1971 until his death in 2018. Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Awards and nominations

Anderson has been nominated for the Country Music Association Award, the Grammy Award, and the Academy of Country Music Award. He has also won several awards, including the CMA Award for Song of the Year and the ACM Single Record of the Year. Anderson is a member of both the Grand Ole Opry and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Bill Anderson Tour Dates and Upcoming Concerts

Frequently asked questions about bill anderson, is bill anderson on tour, how many upcoming tour dates is bill anderson scheduled to play, when does the bill anderson tour start, what venues is bill anderson performing at, 2024 tour dates:.

Bill Anderson Tickets

Bill Anderson Concert Tickets

See the country music legend with Bill Anderson tickets from TicketSmarter. Sometimes called Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, James William Anderson III has been producing country music hits since 1958. Anderson achieved success very early on in his career. Country singer Ray Price recorded Anderson’s original composition “City Lights.” It immediately topped the country charts in 1958. In 1975, country artist Mickey Gilley recorded the same song which also reached number one on the country charts. After struggling to have his own recorded tracks reach the country music charts, Bill Anderson signed with Decca Records.

Almost immediately, Anderson’s songs began charting. He has released more than six number one hits including “Mama Sang a Song” and “Sometimes,” which was a duet with Mary Lou Turner. In his more than 60-year music career, Bill Anderson has released over 40 studio albums. He’s a regular guest on the weekly Grand Ole Opry radio program and frequently performs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. With Bill Anderson tickets, you’ll hear his original tracks and songs made famous by notable country artists. Whisperin’ Bill Anderson has written chart-topping tracks for famous country artists like Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. He’s been decorated with the highest honors in country music including being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Bill Anderson Ticket Prices

Tickets are always in high demand for this country music icon. The biggest influence on Bill Anderson ticket prices will come from the popularity of the artists performing alongside Anderson.

How much are Bill Anderson tickets?

$43.59 is the average price you’ll pay for entry to see Bill Anderson perform live. Many of the singer’s live performances have cheap Bill Anderson tickets posted for just $31.20 a ticket. The most you can expect to pay to see Bill Anderson live in concert is $137.60.

Solo Bill Anderson concert tickets can be found in moderately sized venues across the United States. Performances in a concert hall such as Montgomery Performing Arts Center in Montgomery, AL will feature mezzanine and orchestra seating. Mezzanine tickets will cost around $64 to $199. Orchestra seating has been known to range from around $72 to $270. Concerts featuring artists such as Moe Brandy and the Malpass Brothers will see an increase in price. Tickets for events of this kind at a place like American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA will range from around $210 to $465. Mezzanine seating can be found for around $210 to $245. Orchestra seating will cost around $270 to $465.

Bill Anderson Tour Dates & Concert Schedule

Get ready to see Bill Anderson perform live in concert because the hit singer has 1 upcoming shows planned for 2024. Bill Anderson next concert is set for April 25th, 2024 at 7:00pm. This concert is playing at the McAlister Auditorium at 1300 Duncan Chapel Road, Greenville, SC. Fans can find tickets for this show from $31.20 - $137.60. Order soon because there are only 126 South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame tickets available for this live performance.

Bill Anderson makes regular appearances at both Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry House. Performances at these locations occur mainly in the winter and early spring. Bill Anderson tour dates will occasionally extend into the summer. He’ll make appearances in places like Northern Lights Casino in Walker, MN and River Cree Casino in Enoch, AB. Country music legends like George Strait and Con Hunley frequently share the stage with Anderson. Bill Anderson concert tour tickets will occasionally feature duets with Dolly Parton.

When do Bill Anderson tickets go on sale?

The best time to buy Bill Anderson tour tickets is during the fall. Many of his performances at the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry occur throughout the winter and spring and will be available for purchase in the fall. Look at the Bill Anderson concert schedule to see which tickets are currently available.

Bill Anderson Seating Chart

Secure your spot to see Bill Anderson live in concert on April 25th, 2024 at 7:00pm at the McAlister Auditorium , located at 1300 Duncan Chapel Road, Greenville, SC. There are still 126 tickets remaining for this performance. Grab a general admission seat or a balcony seat overlooking the stage for the low price of $31.20. The most expensive seats in the orchestra or on the main floor can cost up to $137.60 for a South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame ticket .

As Bill Anderson has been performing for over 60 years, there are few venues he hasn’t played. In the later stages of his career, Bill Anderson concert tickets will mainly be found for performances at the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry House. Concerts at the Ryman will contain a lot more history and intimacy. That’s due to the fact that it’s the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. It also only seats 2,400 guests. Seats in the balcony will be affordable with an excellent view of the stage. The majority of seats will be found in the main floor section. At the Grand Ole Opry, a mezzanine section splits the balcony and main floor area. With a capacity of nearly 4,400, you’ll be able to find slightly cheaper Bill Anderson concert tour tickets. To see layouts for these venues and more, browse TicketSmarter’s seating chart. You can sort tickets based on price and location to find the best seats for the next Bill Anderson performance.

Safe and Secure Bill Anderson Ticket Purchasing

There’s no need to wait in long lines at the box office. TicketSmarter offers a wide selection of Bill Anderson tickets in venues all across the world. Confidently browse and buy tickets knowing your purchase is 100% guaranteed. Your private and personal information is always kept secure using the latest internet security protocols.

100% Bill Anderson Ticket Guarantee

Every ticket purchase is guaranteed on TicketSmarter. Verified Customer reviews rate their experience 4.6/5.0 stars. Our dedicated customer service team is here to help ensure your satisfaction.

Songs from the Bill Anderson Tour Setlist

Bill Anderson's setlist while performing in Nashville , TN at “Grand Ole Opry House” included the following songs:

• But You Know I Love You
• Too Country

Source: Setlist.fm

Bill Anderson Average Ticket Prices

Bill anderson tour dates.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• 100% Guarantee
• Corporate Partners
• Charitable Partners
• TicketSmarter vs. Competitors
• Hotel & Travel Deals
• Exclusive Discounts
• Students & Graduates
• In the News
• Privacy Policy
• Don't Sell My Information
• Accessibility
• COVID-19 Update & FAQ

Ticket Smarter ® creates no claim or credit for images featured on our site unless otherwise noted. All trademarks belong to their respective owners and all visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners.

• Skip to content
• Accessibility
• Buy Tickets

{{decodeURI(data.name)}}

Bill Anderson

Artist Videos

Everybody Wants to Be Twenty-One (Official Video)

Artist information.

When Bill Anderson reflects on the evolution of the Grand Ole Opry since he joined the cast more than 50 years ago, he says, "It has changed gradually, but, when you look at it in its entirety, there have been a lot of dramatic changes." 

The same could be said about Bill's career. 

Bill Anderson has been using that philosophy for over fifty years to capture the attention of millions of country music fans around the world, en route to becoming a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and one of the most popular, most enduring entertainers of our time. He’s known, in fact as “Whispering Bill,” a nickname hung on him years ago as a result of his breathy voice and his warm, soft approach to singing a country song. His credentials, however, shout his prominence: One of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music, a million-selling recording artist many times over, television game show host, network soap opera star, spokesman for a nationwide restaurant chain, and a consummate onstage performer. His back-up group, The Po’ Folks Band, has long been considered one of the finest instrumental and vocal groups in the business.

Bill Anderson was born in Columbia, South Carolina, but spent most of his growing-up years around Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, having worked his way through college as a disc jockey on nearby radio stations. It was while he was still in school that he began performing and writing songs. At the age of nineteen, he composed the country classic, “City Lights,” and began rapidly carving his place in musical history.

He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, secured a recording contract with Decca Records, and began turning out hit after hit with songs like “Po’ Folks,” “Mama Sang A Song,” “The Tips Of My Fingers,” “8X10,” and the unforgettable country and pop smash, “Still.” His compositions were recorded by such diverse musical talents as Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, James Brown, Debbie Reynolds, Ivory Joe Hunter, Kitty Wells, Faron Young, Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Walter Brennan and many others.

Bill has been voted Songwriter Of The Year six times, Male Vocalist Of The Year, half of the Duet Of The Year with both Jan Howard and Mary Lou Turner, has hosted and starred in the Country Music Television Series Of The Year, seen his band voted Band Of The Year, and in 1975 was voted membership in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Ten years later, the State of Georgia honored him by choosing him as only the 7th living performer inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In 1993, he was made a member of the Georgia Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame. In 1994, South Carolina inducted him into their Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. And in 2001, he received the ultimate honor, membership in Nashville’s prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.

An entertainer in every sense of the word, Bill Anderson was the first country artist to host a network game show, starring on ABC-TV’s, The Better Sex. He also appeared for three years on ABC’s Daytime soap opera, One Life To Live.

For six years he hosted a country music game show on The Nashville Network called, Fandango, later an interview show called Opry Backstage, and somehow found time to be co-producer of another TNN Show called, You Can Be A Star. In addition, Bill has appeared frequently as a guest star on television’s top variety and game shows, including The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Match Game, Family Feud, Hee Haw, and others. For seven years he hosted the acclaimed Bill Anderson Visits With The Legends show on XM satellite radio.

Bill Anderson’s first autobiography, Whisperin’ Bill, was published in 1989 and made bestseller lists all across the south. Bill’s second book, a humorous look at the music business titled, I Hope You’re Living As High On The Hog As The Pig You Turned Out To Be, was published in 1993 and is currently in its tenth printing. His most recent literary effort, published in the fall of 2016, is an updated autobiography written with noted Nashville journalist, Peter Cooper, titled Whisperin’ Bill Anderson – An Unprecedented Life In Country Music. It is available in both print and audio formats.

Since 1997, Bill has also hosted the highly-rated television series on RFD-TV, Country’s Family Reunion, a show where legendary country stars sit alongside both their peers and newcomers to the industry, singing their songs and swapping their stories.

In the mid-nineties, after a ten-year self-imposed hiatus, Bill returned to his first love, songwriting, and for the second time in his life cut a wide path across the creative landscape. He co-wrote giant hits for Vince Gill (“Which Bridge To Cross – Which Bridge To Burn”), Steve Wariner (“Two Teardrops”), Mark Wills (“Wish You Were Here”), Joe Nichols (“I’ll Wait For You”), and Kenny Chesney (“A Lot Of Things Different”). He won Song Of The Year honors in both 2005 and 2007 for helping to write “Whiskey Lullaby” for Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss and “Give It Away” for George Strait. He also won a Dove award for co-writing the Country/Gospel Recorded Song of the Year, “Jonah, Job, and Moses” for the Oak Ridge Boys, plus the CMA Vocal Event of the Year for “Too Country,” recorded by Brad Paisley, George Jones, Buck Owens, and Bill himself. Both “Give It Away” and “Two Teardrops” afforded Anderson Grammy nominations.

In 2002, Broadcast Music, Inc. named Anderson its first country music songwriting Icon, placing him alongside R&B legends Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and James Brown as the only recipients of that prestigious award. In 2008, the Academy of Country Music honored him with their inaugural Poets Award.

Bill Anderson continues to paint a broad stroke across the Nashville music scene. He has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961 and performs there regularly. He continues to tour and to record, his latest releases being the self-descriptive, Songwriter and the critically acclaimed Life. In addition, Bear Family Records has released Bill’s first box set, Bill Anderson – The First Ten Years, a 126-song collection of works initially released between 1956 and 1966. The 4-disc package is accompanied by a 64-page hard-cover book full of stories and timeless photographs.

On the personal side, Bill lives on Old Hickory Lake outside Nashville where he spends as much time as possible with his three children and eight grandchildren. He is a boater and sports enthusiast who has been known to adjust his work schedule to fit around a ball game he just “has to see.” He is an avid reader, his bookshelves lined with mysteries, biographies, books on religion, sports, and humor.

Upcoming Performances

Grand Ole Opry

Featuring bill anderson,scotty mccreery, craig morgan, riders in the sky,josh turner, more to be announced....

Featuring Bill Anderson, Scotty McCreery, Craig Morgan, Riders In The Sky, more to be announced...

Similar artists.

Connie Smith

Jeannie Seely

John Conlee

Stay in touch.

Skip the FOMO, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing! Sign up for exclusive updates, events, and offers – just for fans like you.

By opting-in, you agree to receive updates and offers via text at your mobile number.  Message frequency may vary by use.  Message and data rates may apply.  Text STOP to cancel, HELP for help.  Privacy Policy  |  Terms & Conditions

• Statistics Stats
• You are here:
• Anderson, Bill

Bill Anderson Concert Setlists & Tour Dates

• Bill Anderson ( US country singer, songwriter & TV personality )
• Bill Anderson ( songwriter )
• Bill Anderson ( Austin based guitarist )
• Bill Anderson ( guitarist, worked with Bang on a Can )
• Bill Anderson ( 1950s US R&B bassist )
• Bill Anderson ( 1950s US jazz saxophonist )
• show 3 more

Bill Anderson at Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, USA

• Edit setlist songs
• Edit venue & date
• Edit set times
• Add to festival
• Report setlist
• Silent Night

Bill Anderson

More from this artist.

• Artist Statistics
• Add setlist

Most played songs

• Give It Away ( 10 )
• City Lights ( 9 )
• Po' Folks ( 9 )
• Still ( 9 )
• Mama Sang a Song ( 8 )

More Bill Anderson statistics

Bluegrass Destroyers David Byrne Kelly Clarkson Confederate Railroad John Conlee Robert Forster Fuckaroos Robbie Fulks Grateful Dead Jason Eady & Courtney Patton The Knitters Amy LaVere Phil Lee Jerry Lee Lewis Judy Lynn Anne Murray & Glen Campbell Ray Price Billy Strings Steve Wariner Weeping Willows Dottie West Wild Ponies

View covered by statistics

Artists covered

Felice & Boudleaux Bryant Roy Drusky Harry Reser and His Orchestra Joseph Mohr & Franz Gruber Kenny Rogers & The First Edition Rouse Brothers Connie Smith Steve Wariner Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys

View artists covered statistics

Gigs seen live by

44 people have seen Bill Anderson live.

7yrs aaron_weber nigthor WatchCarefully Pope91 Chuck_C Polidorable caseynicholson Kcbesh Stevenortlieb xXMEMXxMIZ jfgtl 80sConcertFan TannerCarson22 shawjt1999 Avalanche74 dpezz ndtraveller proswiftie13 nric0 dvvn8 alewis45 Derbyzdad ThebigDC scottnj1129 thedalaz Lowbacca rew1977 crb1 nufsaid bluemax hallway shamrockelvis byebyepride America gw1974 Nightfiree3 Fandango1919 Derek_himself fb:1372858031 fb:517182369 matsoon klapnit PuzzleIAm

Bill Anderson on the web

Music links.

• Bill Anderson Lyrics (de)
• Official Homepage

Tour Update

Marquee memories: jesse mccartney.

• Jesse McCartney
• Apr 11, 2024
• Apr 10, 2024
• Apr 9, 2024
• Apr 8, 2024
• Apr 7, 2024
• Apr 6, 2024
• FAQ | Help | About
• Terms of Service
• Ad Choices | Privacy Policy
• Feature requests
• Songtexte.com

• Latest News

‘Black Rose’: Thin Lizzy’s Creativity Blooms In Paris

‘i won’t last a day without you’: the carpenters not-so ‘unlucky hit’, ‘red, red wine’: neil diamond‘s early vintage of a ub40 smash, camel’s ‘stationary traveller’: a brave foray into mid-80s paranoia, ‘the duke plays ellington’: piano reflections by the jazz legend, pint-sized & violent: digging into mobb deep’s ‘juvenile hell’, best peabo bryson songs: afro-optimism anthems, girls aloud release ‘something kinda ooooh’ digital ep, elyanna releases debut album ‘woledto,’ video for ‘ganeni’, maggie rogers announces first ever arena tour, celebrates ‘don’t forget me’ release, u2’s ben affleck and matt damon-produced ‘kiss the future’ coming to paramount+, the rolling stones share ‘from london to shanghai’ documentary, poison’s ‘native tongue’ to receive vinyl reissue, jon bon jovi stops by ‘jimmy kimmel’ to chat new documentary, springsteen, and more, best bill anderson songs: 20 talk-singing country classics.

The man known as Whisperin’ Bill helped pioneer talk-singing, a country music style that bore deep drama even without over-the-top crooning.

Published on

Country singer-songwriter Bill Anderson remains best-known today for his canonical contributions to the genre’s repertoire: Lefty Frizzell’s “Saginaw, Michigan,” Connie Smith’s “Once A Day,” Jean Shepard’s “Slippin’ Away,” and Charlie Louvin ’s “I Don’t Love You Anymore” – as well as the celebrated “City Lights.” But as “Whisperin’ Bill,” Anderson helped pioneer a country-specific subgenre of talk-singing (which in his case included much more talking than singing) – one that bore deep drama even without over-the-top crooning. His biggest hits as a solo artist almost all featured it.

Check out the new compilation As Far As I Can See: The Best Of Bill Anderson here.

The songwriter grew up in Decatur, Georgia, but became a favorite in Nashville before he was even out of his teens. In the ensuing decades, Anderson also became a fixture of the country-oriented TV scene, hosting shows through the 60s, 70s, and 80s while remaining a country radio stalwart.

Best Vince Gill Songs: 20 Country Essentials

Chris stapleton and morgan wallen score acm awards nominations, terri clark announces ryman headline show and greatest hits vinyl.

When his career briefly ebbed in the early 1990s, a new generation of country artists commissioned his work to add to their catalogs: Vince Gill , Brad Paisley, Steve Wariner, George Strait , and more have all made his tunes into hits. What follows are just a few of Bill Anderson’s best songs.

“8 X 10,” Bill Anderson Sings (1963)

A tonally similar follow-up to Bill Anderson’s 1963 megahit “Still,” “8 X 10” is a sweetly-intoned tribute to a long-lost love. “I wish I could just be the glass in that frame,” Anderson says at one point in the song, alluding to the frame’s closeness to an image of his former flame. The song landed at No. 2 on Billboard’s country chart.

“Three A.M.”, Showcase (1964)

Conventional wisdom suggests that nothing good ever happens after 2 AM, and this dark tune takes that idea to its logical extreme. Bill Anderson sings from the perspective of a heartbroken man, wandering the streets at 3 AM – ostensibly looking for a drink, but also wallowing in his loneliness. Despite the grim turn this song takes in its last verse, it still became a top 10 hit on Billboard’s country charts.

“Liars One, Believers Zero,” Peanuts and Diamonds and Other Jewels (1976)

While Bill Anderson has typically played the role of the heartbroken victim in his songs, this single found him taking up the mantle of the badly-behaved partner – using his silky whisper to intone familiar untruths instead of charming declarations of love. The track, written by storied country songwriter Glenn Martin, reached No. 6 on Billboard’s country chart in 1976, towards the tail end of Anderson’s commercial peak as a solo artist.

“Quits,” Bill Anderson’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1971)

This confusingly calypso-tinged song contains some impressive depth within its lyrics. It describes all the push and pull of a relationship in its final days, the necessary and yet impossible compromise between malevolence and affection. “Yet we couldn’t call it hate, because there’s no way to hate someone you’ve loved so much before,” Anderson sings.

“For Loving You,” For Loving You (1967)

Country’s duet craze, which lasted from the late 1960s through the early 1970s, often coincided with the genre’s televised affiliates. Bill Anderson was no exception, having hosted a program called The Bill Anderson Show for nearly a decade during that period; such programs almost always had a “girl singer” attached to their male leads, and in Anderson’s case, that “girl singer” was Jan Howard. This song epitomizes the kind of pious, squeaky-clean ideals put forth on the show, as Howard and Anderson describe a love so intense that it’s nearly religious – even after it ends. It was not written by Anderson; instead, the Tin Pan Alley-trained Steve Karliski devised the dramatic back-and-forth.

“Love Is A Sometimes Thing,” Love Is A Sometimes Thing (1970)

This track, written by Bill Anderson’s duet and TV partner Jan Howard, expresses an evergreen sentiment about inconstant romance. With a jangling piano in the background and sturdy vocal support, Anderson achieves both a striking vocal sound and pleasantly casual production (made more so by the piped-in crowd noise).

“Mama Sang A Song” (1962)

Bill Anderson first broached the recitative style that would become his signature on this single, essentially an elaboration on the “humble folks living through hard times” themes of “Po’ Folks” – the hook, as it were, comes courtesy of the background singers, who croon various hymns in between Anderson’s storytelling. The track, the first on which Anderson hadn’t sang at all, was also his first No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart, and stayed atop that chart for seven weeks total.

“I Get The Fever,” I Love You Drops (1965)

Bill Anderson took a more uptempo tack on this song, which became his third No. 1 song on the Billboard country charts. Its subject isn’t quite as steamy as the title suggests – instead, the fever Anderson wrote and sang about was to wander the “open plains” and (as is so often the case in Anderson’s compositions) to find a way to avoid thinking about a painful lost love.

“World of Make Believe,” Bill (1973)

This No. 1 country song capped Bill Anderson’s remarkable run through the late 1960s and early 1970s, in which he had 13 straight solo singles reach the top ten of Billboard’s country chart. “World” mines Anderson songs of an earlier vintage, but it’s the rare Anderson hit that he didn’t write himself. In this case, he revived a little-known 1950s R&B song to great effect, using the retro composition to reprise much of the same tone from his longing 1963 monologue, “Still.”

“Get a Little Dirt On Your Hands,” Still (1962)

One of Bill Anderson’s earliest songs spoke to some of country music’s most persistent concerns – namely, authenticity, and what it takes to be really, truly country. It wasn’t enormously successful when it was initially released, but David Allen Coe recruited Anderson to revive it with a funky 1980 duet that introduced it to a whole new generation of fans.

“The Guitar Song,” The Guitar Song (by Jamey Johnson) (2010)

Bill Anderson’s late career renaissance has mostly taken place behind the scenes, where he’s written songs for many of the most respected names in contemporary country music. Jamey Johnson is among them, and on this co-written song, Johnson asked Anderson to add his trademark speak-singing – this time, affecting not overwrought emotion, but a plain-spoken nostalgia for the bygone days of country music, the ones that Anderson (and the pawn shop guitar he describes) know better than almost anyone.

“Po’ Folks” (1961)

One of Bill Anderson’s early hits, the vintage-sounding song became one of the singer’s signatures in the decades following its release. Although the banjo and harmonica give the song a kitschy, almost over the top affect, within the lyrics is a surprisingly specific and vivid portrayal of rural poverty – one that Anderson didn’t profess to have personally experienced. “We live next door to a millionaire, but we wasn’t nothing but po’ folks,” he sings, describing a country experience much more grim than the humble-but-honorable cliches that had already begun to penetrate the music, in which families went hungry and got extorted by landlords. The song eventually inspired the name of a Southern restaurant chain, for which Anderson was a spokesman.

“Wild Week-End,” Wild Weekend (1968)

The twist might be visible from miles away, but this cheerful tribute to a romantic weekend escape with an unnamed woman who turns out to be the narrator’s wife still pleases. The song reached No. 2 on Billboard’s country chart, likely because the story was so relatable – Bill Anderson describes lying to everyone they know not because what he’s doing is illicit, but just so that he and his wife can leave town unbothered.

“My Life (Throw It Away If I Want To),” My Life/But You Know I Love You (1969)

The often buttoned-up Bill Anderson took a swing at the late 60s outlaw trend (there’s more than a little “Gentle On My Mind” in this one) with this single. It became his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart in 1969. “You try to make me think my nonconforming life has colored me some evil shade,” Anderson sings, a nod to both the waning hippie movement and those who, like him, worked in the unorthodox world of entertainment.

“The Tip Of My Fingers” (1960)

Anderson’s first top 10 on the Billboard country chart also became one of his most widely covered compositions – although the use of “Tip” and “Tips” in the title has varied throughout versions by Eddy Arnold, Jean Shepard, Roy Clark, and Steve Wariner. His own recording of it is among his better vocal performances, finding him crooning convincingly about coming just shy of a fairytale ending. The song’s lyrics eschew cliches about love for surprisingly sensual descriptions, with “sweet lips yielding beneath my command” and fingertips taking a central role.

“I Can’t Wait Any Longer,” Love…& Other Sad Stories (1978)

The singer-songwriter took a leap of faith with this sultry disco jam, a near-total aesthetic departure from any of his previous releases – and it paid off. Anderson’s trademark breathy speak-singing turned out to be a perfect fit over hip-swiveling dancefloor-ready grooves, and the track became his last crossover hit, reaching No. 4 on Billboard’s country chart and No. 80 on the Hot 100. Anderson spun a blush-inducing yarn about how he couldn’t “wait any longer for our bodies to touch” over an addictive bass line, proving his willingness to use any trend that might work to his advantage.

“If You Can Live With It (I Can Live Without It),” Bill (1973)

With this hit, Bill Anderson created a pitch-perfect kiss-off, complete with a chorus that begs audience participation and a memorable, hoe-down-ready groove. The song reached No. 2 on Billboard’s country chart, another addition to his early 1970s hot streak – one that was supplemented by his weekly televised variety show. The song isn’t exactly family fare, shaming the narrator’s unfaithful partner in somewhat explicit terms. For his part, at least, he can walk away guilt free. “I did the only thing I could do,” he sings, “Baby, I tried.”

“Sometimes,” Sometimes (1975)

Mary Lou Turner was Jan Howard’s replacement on The Bill Anderson Show , and once the show was canceled in 1974, she stayed on as tour support. Their first hit single, though, was about as far from the family values-centric world of country music television as possible. “Sometimes,” which topped the country charts in 1975, is a torrid, breathy tribute to infidelity allegedly inspired by the 1975 free love satire Shampoo . Anderson, in his trademark whisper, asks Turner if she is married; she croons, “Sometimes,” in response, and sleazy seduction ensues. It’s about as unlikely a hit as Anderson had in his career.

“Still,” Still (1963)

Bill Anderson’s most enduring single also marks the zenith of his commercial popularity as a recording artist. The singer-songwriter had just tapped into the greatest success of his career to that point with the spoken-word megahit “Mama Sang A Song.” So, Anderson elected to recreate it with “Still,” another song in which Anderson talked much more than he sang, but this time about a much less pious topic: lost love. By far his most successful single, “Still” reigned Billboard’s country chart for seven weeks in 1963 while also reaching the top 10 of the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary rankings. The mournful tune affirmed Anderson’s “Whisperin’ Bill” moniker and influential signature sing-speak; he wasn’t the first to make talking over a country ballad popular, but Anderson and especially “Still” helped make the dramatic stage-whisper a staple of the genre.

“City Lights” (1958)

It is a perfect challenge to country convention that one of the genre’s most iconic songs is about New York City. One of Bill Anderson’s earliest compositions became his one-way ticket to the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame when it was picked up by Ray Price, and eventually a slew of other country legends including Mickey Gillis and Mel Tillis. But his original recording, made in 1957 when Anderson was still a journalism student at the University of Georgia, is just as charming as its more famous versions – and a little more convincing. Still a teenager, Anderson sang about trying (and failing) to drown the sorrows of lost love along the “Great White Way” while unwittingly writing his name in the country history books.

Listen to Bill Anderson’s best songs on Spotify or Apple Music .

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Soundtrack Information

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Tribute Film Classics (TFC1005)

Release Date: January 20, 2009

Conducted by William T. Stromberg

Performed by The Moscow Symphony Orchestra

• The Charge Of The Light Brigade (1936)
• Max Steiner

Purchase Soundtrack

• Buy CD from Amazon.com

Track Listing

Related albums.

Tribute Film Classics Highlights Tribute Film Classics (TFC 1008)

Released: January 24, 2012

Format: CD (74 min)

Gone With The Wind: The Essential Max Steiner Film Music Collection Silva America (SSD 1132)

Released: 2001

Format: CD (120 min)

Historical Romances Marco Polo (8.223608)

Released: May 23, 1995

Format: CD (56 min)

From the Manufacturer

• Click stars to rate.

If any information appears to be missing from this page, contact us and let us know!

The HYMN World Tour is Coming to Moscow!

The HYMN World Tour is coming to Crocus City Hall in the exciting city of Moscow, Russia on October 29th!

Moscow is also home to the Moscow Kremlin, a fortified complex in the center of the city overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west. It is the best known of the Russian citadels and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

Tickets and VIP packages to all announced shows on the HYMN tour are available. More dates to be announced soon! https://sarahbrightman.com/tours