Andrews Sisters

Formed: Minneapolis, MN Disbanded: 1953

Group Members:
LaVerne Andrews, Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews

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. In 1940, they made their first of many film appearances, in Argentine Nights. 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.

Discography:

20th Century Masters: The Best of The Andrews Sisters (Millennium Collection)
50th Anniversary Collection
50th Anniversary Collection, Vol. 2
A Merry Christmas with Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
All-Time Favorites
Andrews Sisters
Andrews Sisters - Greatest Hits
Andrews Sisters - Their All-Time Greatest Hits
Andrews Sisters [IMPORT]
Andrews Sisters [Music Memoria]
Andrews Sisters: Jukebox Memories
Apple Blossom Time
At Their Very Best
Back to Back
Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar
Bei Mir Bist Du Schon [IMPORT]
Bei Mir Bist du Schon [Past Perfect]
Bei Mir Bist du Schon [Simply The Best]
Best of [IMPORT]
Best of The Andrews Sisters
Best of The Andrews Sisters [DJ Specialist]
Best of The Andrews Sisters [IMPORT]
Best of The Andrews Sisters [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [IMPORT]
Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters: Their Complete Recordings Together
Blitz Hits [IMPORT]
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy [Hallmark]
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy [Pro Arte]
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy: Greatest Hits [BOX SET]
Capitol Collectors Series
Christmas
Cocktail Hour
EMI Presents The Magic of The Andrews Sisters
Essential Collection [IMPORT]
Golden Greats
Golden Greats [IMPORT]
Golden Oldies Vol 2/3 CD Box
Golden Sounds
Great - Series [IMPORT]
Great [IMPORT]
Hold Tight It's the Andrew Sisters [IMPORT]
Immortal Hits
Magic of
Magic of Andrews Sisters [IMPORT]
Mister Five By Five
My Greatest Songs [IMPORT]
Portrait Of: 1938-1944 [IMPORT]
Rarities
Rum & Coca Cola
Rum & Coca Cola [Golden Stars]
Rum & Coca Cola [Remember]
Selection of Andrews Sisters
Sing the Dancing 20's / Fresh & Fancy Free [IMPORT]
Sister Story
Sure Score [IMPORT]
The Andrews Sisters - Greatest Hits: The 60th Anniversary Collection
The Best of The Andrews Sisters [Empire]
The Best of the War Years [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
The Collection
The Very Best of The Andrew Sisters [IMPORT]
Ultimate Andrews Sisters [IMPORT]
Ultimate Collection [IMPORT]
V-Disc Recordings
Very Best of
Very Best of [IMPORT]
Very Best of Andrews Sisters [IMPORT]
Vol. 17 - The Andrews Sisters: La Selection 1937-1945
Vol. 6-Radio Days