MARION -- Grand Ole Opry and County Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson and his Po Folks Band brought their lengthy book of country hits to Marion over the weekend with an appearance at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center.
Anderson is as well known for his guitar playing, acting and television show hosting skills as he is for his great voice. Twenty-nine of his singles have reached the Top 10 on the country music charts over the years.
One of the most successful songwriters in country music history, Anderson earned the nickname, "Whisperin' Bill" for his soft vocal style and occasional spoken narrations.
Artists who have recorded his material over the years 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.
In 1983, he hosted the country music-themed game show "Fandango." 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 still found time to be co-producer of another TNN show called "You Can Be a Star."
And if that weren't enough, Anderson is also an author, first of his autobiography, "Whisperin' Bill,' followed by his 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," which was published in 1993 and is in its fourth printing.
At age 81, Anderson continues to tour and still appears on the Grand Ole Opry as a performer on a regular basis.
