Biography
The Andrews Sisters were an iconic American close harmony singing group consisting of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (1911–1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (1916–1995), and mezzo-soprano Patricia Marie 'Patty' Andrews (1918–2013), born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Greek immigrant parents Peter and Olga Andrews.[3] They began performing locally in the late 1920s and gained early experience touring with vaudeville troupes led by Larry Rich in 1931 and others, rehearsing daily and honing their craft through fairs, clubs, and dance bands during the Great Depression.[2][3][4] Their breakthrough came in 1937 with the Decca Records hit 'Bei Mir Bist Du Schön,' a Yiddish tune adapted to English, which topped Billboard charts for five weeks, sold 350,000 copies, and launched them to national fame as swing and boogie-woogie stars.[1][2][3]
In the 1940s, the sisters dominated the music scene, recording over 700 songs (some sources cite up to 1,800), selling 75–100 million records, earning 9–19 gold discs, charting 113 Billboard hits (46 in the Top 10), and starring in 17 Hollywood films, more than any other singing group.[3] Hits like 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,' 'Rum and Coca-Cola,' and 'I Can Dream, Can't I?' defined their upbeat, harmonious style blending big band, swing, and pop, while they boosted wartime morale through radio shows, V-Discs for troops, and performances at the Hollywood Canteen.[2][3] Challenges arose in the early 1950s with arranger Vic Schoen's departure and internal tensions, leading Patty to leave for a solo career in 1953–1954; Maxene and LaVerne continued briefly before reuniting in 1956 with Capitol Records, though rock-and-roll overshadowed their later work.[1][2][3]
The group disbanded after LaVerne's death in 1967, but their legacy endures as the best-selling female vocal group until the Beatles, celebrated for tight harmonies, humor, and bringing joy during tough times, with enduring popularity in genres like swing, big band, and Christmas music.[2][3][5]
Fun Facts
- They sold 75–100 million records from just over 600 songs, with 113 Billboard hits—more Top 10s (46) than Elvis Presley or the Beatles—and starred in 17 Hollywood films, a record for singing groups.[3]
- Dubbed 'Sweethearts of the Armed Forces Radio Service,' they volunteered for V-Discs, Hollywood Canteen performances, and treated random servicemen to dinners while touring.[3]
- Nearly quit in 1937 to become secretaries but were discovered by music publisher Lou Levy on radio the day they planned to leave, leading to their Decca audition.[4]
- Hosted radio shows singing custom jingles for brands like Wrigley's gum, Dole pineapples, and Campbell's soups from 1944–1951.[3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Larry Rich - vaudeville bandleader who hired them for tours teaching discipline and performance skills (touring with his 55-member troupe) [1931-1932]
- Joe Howard - vaudeville performer credited with teaching comedic timing and audience engagement (vaudeville tours) [early 1930s]
- Leon Belasco - dance band and vaudeville leader they toured with early on (vaudeville tours with his orchestra) [mid-1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Vic Schoen - orchestra leader and musical arranger essential to their sound (most recordings and arrangements) [1937-early 1950s]
- Bing Crosby - frequent singing partner on hits and recordings (multiple Decca singles) [1940s]
- Danny Kaye - collaborated on recordings and performances (various songs) [1940s]
- Jack Kapp - Decca Records co-founder who signed them (Bei Mir Bist Du Schön and early hits) [1937 onward]
- David Kapp - Decca Records executive instrumental to success (recordings with Decca) [1937-1950s]
Artists Influenced
- The Beatles - surpassed them as world's top-selling group but recognized their record sales dominance (N/A) [1960s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Andrews Sisters has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:53 | Boogie Woogie Bugle Boyfrom The Andrews Sisters 50th Anniversary Collection | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |