American popular singer Andy Williams, known for his easy-going style and friendly demeanor, has died after a year-long fight against bladder cancer.

He was 84 years old.

The Iowa-born crooner began singing with his brothers in church choirs and local radio in the midwestern U.S. before taking their act to Hollywood movies and nightclubs.

Williams went solo in the late 1940s. After struggling to make a name for himself, he began appearing on television in New York, grabbing the attention of record companies.

Williams became a household name in the 1960s with his signature song “Moon River.” He hosted a weekly television variety show, where he appeared with some of the top entertainers in show business. His annual TV Christmas specials were a holiday tradition.

Throughout his 75-year career, Williams earned 18 gold records, three Emmy awards, and opened his own theater in Branson, Missouri, where he performed nightly into his 80s.