Bill Anderson

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, a career in country music was not exactly on Bill Anderson’s professional radar until college. While attending the University of Georgia and pursuing a degree in journalism, he took a job as a radio DJ and began trying his hand at singing and songwriting. At age 19, he wrote “City Lights,” which went on to be recorded by Ray Price and later Mickey Gilley. This prompted him to move to Nashville, Tennessee, and sign a recording contract with Decca Records. The early 1960s produced his most well-known songs including “That’s What It’s Like to be Lonesome,” “Tip of My Fingers,” “Mama Sang a Song,” and “Po’ Folks.” Anderson also broke into the television game by hosting The Better Sex and appearing on the popular soap opera, One Life to Live. He also hosted Opry Backstage and appeared on numerous other shows including The Tonight Show and Hee Haw. He has now been hosting Country’s Family Reunion for 10 years.