Bill Anderson Celebrates 89th Birthday as Grand Ole Opry's Longest-Serving Member

James William Anderson III, known as "Whisperin' Bill," was born on November 1 in Columbia, South Carolina. A prolific songwriter and performer since the late 1950s, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in July 1961 to become its longest-serving member at age 89. Anderson has charted over 80 singles with seven reaching number one on Billboard's country charts, including hits like "For Loving You" and "I Get the Fever." His songwriting credits include major artists such as Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, Kenny Chesney, Jim Reeves, Dean Martin, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello, Dolly Parton, Connie Smith, Kitty Wells, James Brown, and Mary Lou Turner. Anderson also hosted daytime game shows on ABC and The Nashville Network before continuing to write and record into the 1990s.