Jimmy Osmond has been in show business for over 50 years and is now touring the UK with A Tribute to Andy Williams – Moon River & Me. As the show heads to Preston, the entertainer talks about his mentor, Elvis and THAT song

Andy Williams obviously represents someone very special in your life

I began my performing career aged three singing with Andy Williams on his television series. My brothers were already on the show, so I started working with them when I was very young. I was the little guy who'd run on and be goofy. We ended up as regulars on the show and singing on records like Aquarius.

What was your role?

In those early days, I was the novelty guy, like a mascot. I was the kid brother that everyone liked to slag off. I was the obnoxious boy in the corner. Even in our cartoon TV series, I was the bad apple. But after a lot of therapy, I've come to terms with it!

Why was Andy Williams' TV show so iconic?

It was that era's version of a Variety Show. In the UK you had Sunday Night At The London Palladium and in the US we had The Andy Williams' Show, which featured weekly comedy skits and one recurring comedy sketch involving Andy's encounters with 'The Cookie Bear'. The show also featured major guest stars including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. It was a brilliant production.

Do you enjoy performing A Tribute To Andy Williams – Moon River & Me?

I love it. It's not about me – it's about Andy Williams and his music. I perform songs like Music To Watch Girls By, Happy Heart, Speak Softly Love and Can't Take My Eyes Off You and of course Moon River.

The Williams' family has very kindly allowed me to use clips of Andy featuring everyone from Dick Van Dyke to John Wayne and Bobby Darin, you name it.

It brings back great memories for thousands of people.

What else does the show contain?

I do a section of Osmonds' material – Love Me For a Reason, Crazy Horses and Let Me In. I also do a comedy section. During A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock'n'Roll, I put masks of Donny and Marie on people from the audience, so I can get back at my siblings!

What do you think made Andy so special as a performer?

He had such a smooth voice. You could tell he was a genuinely nice guy. I say, 'Please don't think I could ever sound like him, but let's celebrate his melodies together'. The show is coming from a sincere place.

Andy was a terrific mentor to you over the years. How did he influence you?

He surrounded us and himself with the very best people – that's key. Also, he was always willing to hear what was wrong rather than what was right about a performance. That is really helpful. Even today after a show, I always ask, "What needs to be improved?" That's a really good way to lead your life.

How do you feel when you sing Andy's most memorable songs?

I've worked my whole life in showbiz - I remember my mom changing my outfits three times on Andy's show – and I have such fond memories. When you sing a wonderful song so many times, it takes you back to your memories of growing up. These songs remind me of performing in Las Vegas not just with Andy, but also with Frank Sinatra and Elvis.

What do you remember about working with Elvis?

We shared a dressing room at the Las Vegas Hilton. So my parents thought it would be cute for me to do a number dressed as Elvis. But one night I was sick on stage. The problem was that the food was free for performers, and I was a precocious kid ordering orange freezies and grilled cheese sandwiches like they were going out of fashion. I threw up all over the front row. My brothers picked me up and I kept going. But then I saw that Elvis was watching from the lighting box, and I was mortified about it.

How did Elvis react?

He was great about it. He was so friendly. In the dressing room, I'd see his jumpsuits and try on his shoes. He'd say to me, 'All right, little guy.' We knew the stars as people who put their pants on one leg at a time. But those things will never leave me. They're burnt into my memory.

You run operations at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri. How did that come about?

Andy asked me to keep his legacy alive. His family weren't interested in continuing the theatre – it's a very hard job. At first I said no but then I produced a Christmas show there, and it went very well. His family said, "If you don't take it over, we'll have to sell it." So I bought it!

You have always had a special relationship with British audiences.

I'm so surprised the fans have stuck with us. But I'm delighted by their loyalty, especially in this country. For me it's special in the UK because it is not just about me being an Osmond. It's about me being me. I've done reality TV shows in the UK and that has put me out there. It's just for fun and not to sell anything. The British public like that. They like people who can laugh at themselves. And there's a lot to laugh at if you look at my history!

What do you think now of your hit, Long Haired Lover from Liverpool?

Everybody still loves that song. It's still the biggest selling Osmond record. It sold close to 2,000,000 copies, although I didn't get a dime for it! I now do a rocking version of it with a flaming guitar. People love that because it's me having fun with it. Everyone over the age of 20 knows all the words.

When you look back over your marvellous career, is it possible to pick out the highlights?

I have performed for The Queen twice. On one occasion, I had to sing that "unmentionable song"! I can remember it clearly as I was standing in the line after the show next to Roger Moore and Liza Minnelli and as The Queen approached me I said 'Hello, Mrs Queen'. I think she saw the funny side!

Moon River & Me A Tribute to Andy Williams, Preston Guild Hall, Wednesday, March 14. Details from 01772 804444 or www.prestonguildhall.co.uk