David Nezelek
Cibbuano
TyronneThe Andrews Sisters
October 24th 2008 06:17
Vintage Harmony Never Equalled
The Andrews Sisters rally the troops
In an age where empty lyrics lip synched by socialite pop singers reign supreme it's revealing to reflect on icons who rose to the top of the charts without saturation marketing. In the days before celebrity was a prepackaged commodity popularity was gauged on musical talent. It seems that today anyone whose face makes it onto TV or magazines can achieve a level of notoriety, but back in the 1930's audiences were far harsher critics. If you couldn't carry a tune or entertain then the booing and fruit throwing began instantly. The public didn't want to waste its time on sub standard distractions.
The cultural phenomenon that became the Andrews Sisters is a perfect example. A family of exceptional harmonised voices that consisted of Laverne, Maxine and Patricia Andrews. Laverne was the contralto, Maxene the Soprano and Patricia a mezzo-soprano.
Led by Patty the group formed in 1925 when she was only seven years old and by their early teens the trio of siblings were garnering attention. Beginning their careers as a clone of the already established Boswell Sisters, by 1940 the girls were world renouned.
Life is going their way
As WWII raged the girls were at the height of their fame, dominating the world of Film (appearing in 15 movies), Radio, stage and recording. Teaming up with the biggest names in the bussiness like Bing Crosby.
According to wikipedia:
The Andrews Sisters became the best-selling female vocal group in the history of popular music, setting records that remain unsurpassed to this day:
- Between 75-100 million records sold from a little over 600 recorded tunes
- 113 charted Billboard hits, 46 reaching Top 10 status (more than Elvis Presley or the Beatles)
- 17 Hollywood films (more than any other singing group in motion picture history)
In 1953 The Andrews Sisters disbanded when Patty decided to go solo. Laverne and Maxene were not happy but by within 3 years the girls were reunited. Continuing to perform and record into the 60's they dabbled in the rock fad and even went into the semi-folk arena with a rendition of "Puff's The Magic Dragon".
The Andrews Sisters on Vinyl
Despite the longevity it is their boogie woogie swing numbers that will forever be remembered fondly. Staple classic Tunes. Again from Wikipedia, here is a list of some of their most popular numbers:
"Bei Mir Bist Du Schön"
"Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out the Barrel)",
"Hold Tight-Hold Tight (Want Some Seafood, Mama?)",
"Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar",
"I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time",
"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Of Company B)",
"Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)",
"Pistol Packin' Mama" (w/ Bing Crosby),
"Jingle Bells" (w/ Bing Crosby),
"Rum and Coca-Cola"
"Don't Fence Me In" (w/ Bing Crosby),
"Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" (w/ Bing Crosby),
"South America, Take It Away" (w/ Bing Crosby)",
"Cuanto La Gusta" (w/ Carmen Miranda),
"Blue Tail Fly (Jimmy Crack Corn)" (w/ Burl Ives),
"Christmas Island" & "Winter Wonderland" (both with Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians),
"Near You",
"Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)" (w/ Danny Kaye),
"Rumors Are Flying" (w/ Les Paul),
"I Can Dream, Can't I?" and "I Wanna Be Loved" (both w/Gordon Jenkins' orchestra & chorus, and both featuring extended solos by Patty).
The Andrew Sisters and that famous Bugle Boy of Company B
The Andrew Sisters "Under the Apple Tree"
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