James William "Bill" Anderson III (born November 1, 1937) is an American country music singer, songwriter and television personality. He has been a member in long standing of the weekly Grand Ole Opry radio program and stage performance in Nashville, Tennessee. He has released more than 40 studio albums and has reached No. 1 on the country charts seven times: "Mama Sang a Song" (1962), "Still" (1963), "I Get the Fever" (1966), "For Loving You" (with Jan Howard, 1967), "My Life (Throw It Away If I Want To)" (1969), "World of Make Believe" (1974), and "Sometimes" (with Mary Lou Turner, 1976). Twenty-nine more of his singles have reached the top ten.One of the most successful songwriters in country music history, Anderson is also a popular singer, earning the nickname "Whisperin' Bill" for his soft vocal style and occasional spoken narrations. Artists who have recorded his material include Ray Price, Wanda Jackson, Connie Smith, Lynn Anderson, Jim Reeves, Conway Twitty, Eddy Arnold, Roy Clark, Con Hunley, Lefty Frizzell, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and George Strait.Anderson has made several television appearances, including two stints as a game show host: The Better Sex (with co-host Sarah Purcell) in 1977, and the country music-themed quiz show Fandango (1983–1989) on The Nashville Network. He has also hosted an interview show called Opry Backstage and was a producer of a talent show called You Can Be a Star, hosted by fellow Opry member Jim Ed Brown, both shows on the former Nashville Network, and has made guest appearances on several other television series.
Bette Anderson (m. 1959–1969), Becky Anderson (m. ?–1997)
Children
Jamey Anderson, Terri Anderson, Jenni Anderson
Parents
Elizabeth Smith, James William Anderson Jr
Awards
Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year, Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the Year, Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year, Academy of Country Music Awards Poet's Award
Albums
12 Classics, The Best of Bill Anderson
Nominations
Country Music Association Award for Entertainer of the Year, Country Music Association Award for Vocal Duo of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Country Song, Academy of Country Music Award for Vocal Event of the Year, Academy of Country Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year
TV Shows
The Better Sex, Country's Family Reunion, Fandango
Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
Doctor Who
2017
TV Series 2 episodes
Mr Selfridge
2016
TV Series 2 episodes
The Mill
2014
TV Mini-Series 4 episodes
Inspector George Gently
2014
TV Series 1 episode
DCI Banks
2011
TV Series 2 episodes
Case Histories
2011
TV Series 2 episodes
Taggart
2010
TV Series 2 episodes
Inspector Lewis
2006-2010
TV Series 5 episodes
The Innocence Project
2006-2007
TV Series 4 episodes
Last Rights
2005
TV Mini-Series
MI-5
2004
TV Series 2 episodes
Warrior Queen
2003
Fields of Gold
2002
TV Movie
Sword of Honour
2001
TV Movie
Dockers
1999
TV Movie
The Lakes
1999
TV Series 3 episodes
Silent Witness
1998
TV Series 2 episodes
Melissa
1997
TV Mini-Series 5 episodes
Guardians
1996
Creatures of Light
1992
The King of Jazz
1991
TV Movie
Writer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Guardians
1996
Creatures of Light
1992
The King of Jazz
1991
TV Movie
Nailed
1981
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1993
Audience Award
Cherbourg-Octeville Festival of Irish & British Film