Currently, Anderson is living in his own house along with his son and grandchildren.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Anderson birth name is “James William Anderson II”. He is the son of James William Anderson Jr. and his wife Elizabeth Smith.
Grew up in Griffin and Decatur in Georgia, he was fascinated by television shows and sports since a young age.
- Parents: James William Anderson Jr. and Elizabeth Smith
- Wife: Bette Anderson (1959-1969) and Becky Anderson (?-1997)
- Children: Jamey Anderson, Terri Anderson, and Jenni Anderson
- Marital Status: Divorced
Completing his high school, he attended the University of Georgia focusing on sports writing where he first experienced singing and songwriting. While there, he worked at WGAU (AM) as DJ all through his years in the university.
Later, he graduated with a bachelor degree in journalism from Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication of the university. He also served as a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and picked his first job at the Atlanta Constitution.
At the age of 19, he wrote “City Lights” when he was serving at WJJC-AM. The song was sung by Ray Prince and Mickey Gilley in 1958 and 1975 respectively where both versions topped the country charts.
Following, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, taking the benefit of his big break and signed a recording deal with Decca Records.
