Dawgs Honor Bill Anderson

Posted by amyclark on 08/24/2008
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3/18/2008 Staff “Whisperin’ Bill Anderson Day”, as it was proclaimed by Athens, GA mayor Heidi Davidson, took place earlier this month at the University of Georgia honored one of its most famous alumns. During the event, an historic marker was unveiled and will be placed on permanent display at the studios of WGTV, where Anderson originally recorded his version of "City Lights" in 1957.  The song, which he wrote at age 19, went on to become a huge hit by Ray Price and ultimately turned out to be Anderson's ticket to his illustrious career in the music business.  BMI's David Preston surprised the legendary songwriter-singer with 4 different Millionaire Awards, which were presented in recognition of over one million broadcast performances each for  "A Lot Of Things Different", "Whiskey Lullaby", "Give It Away", and "City Lights".  Anderson wrote or co-wrote each song.  Touring the University campus where he graduated as a journalism major and is a member of its Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Anderson noted "There's a song that talks about having a memory every mile -- but for me TODAY, it's more like having a memory every six inches!"  Hosted in-part by the UGA Music Business Program, the event was attended by members of its student body, as well as Co-Directors Bruce Burch and Steve Dancz, in addition to University President Michael Adams. Also serving as hosts were the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and radio station WUGA. For more information, visit http://ugaphoto.alumni.uga.edu/multimedia/billanderson/