Grave Hunter
Andrews Sisters
*Maxene Andrews
D.O.B.: January 3, 1918 (Minneapolis, MN)
D.O.D.: October 21, 1995
Cause of Death: Heart Attack
Location: Forest Lawn Glendale; Great Mausoleum
*Laverne Andrews
D.O.B.: July 6, 1915 (Minneapolis, MN)
D.O.D.: May 8, 1967
Cause of Death: Cancer
Location: Forest Lawn Glendale; Great Mausoleum
Biographical Notes:
The most successful female
group of all-time, the Andrews Sisters will always be associated with World War
II. Their most memorable songs, such as ''Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,'' ''Don't Sit
Under the Apple Tree'' and ''I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time,'' were
among the most popular during wartime.
Born and raised in Minnesota,
the sisters began their professional career in 1933, touring with the Larry Rich
vaudeville troupe. After the troupe broke up six months later, the sisters took
whatever singing jobs they could get to earn a living.
In 1936, they finally landed a
steady job with Leon Belasco's society orchestra. It was with Belasco where they
first met arranger Vic Schoen, who would later become their musical director. In
early 1937, Belasco cut a single with the sisters. It went nowhere. Their father
finally convinced them to come back to Minneapolis and attend secretarial
school. They were packing their bags when Schoen, who was then with Billy
Swanson's orchestra, invited them to sing on a radio program. Decca A&R vice
president Dave Kapp heard the broadcast and invited the sisters to his office.
After a short audition, he signed them to a contract.
They made their first recording
for Decca in October of 1937. Soon after, they had their first number one hit
with ''Bei Mir Bist Du Schon,'' a novelty tune originally recorded as a B-side.
Their unique vocal arrangements and tight harmonies quickly made them one of the
most popular musical acts in the country, with a string of hits and regular
appearances on radio.
During World War II, they
performed often for servicemen both in American and abroad. After the war ended,
their popularity began to wane, and they concentrated on recording duets with
other well-known artists, like Danny Kaye, Guy Lombardo and Carmen
Miranda.
In early 1951, they left Decca,
and in 1953, split up, with Patty going solo. In 1956, they re-united and signed
with Capitol Records, re-recording their old hits along with some newer
material. In the early 60s, they recorded for Dot Records.
In 1966, Laverne left the group
due to illness. The following year, she died from cancer.
Maxene and Patty continued
working together until 1968, when Maxene retired and Patty resumed her solo
career. They re-united in 1974 for the Broadway production Over Here. They both
continued solo careers well into the 90s.
Maxene died in 1996.
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