The Andrews Sisters not only represented the voice of World War II, but they were the voice of a generation. They were one of the most successful singing groups of all time, and sadly there is only one Andrew Sister left - Patty Andrews, now 94, who was the main sister in the successful trio. After being a group since the 1930s, the act broke up in 1951 when Patty wanted to be a solo artist. With the change in music, it did not work out and the trio reunited in 1956. They signed a new recording contract with Capitol Records (for whom Patty had become a featured soloist) and released a dozen singles through 1959, some rock-and-roll flavored and not very well received, and three hi-fi albums, including a vibrant LP of songs from the dancing 1920s with Billy May's orchestra. In 1962, they signed with Dot Records and recorded a series of stereo albums over five years, both re-recordings of earlier hits, as well as new material, including "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" and "Puff the Magic Dragon".
The act came to an abrupt end in 1967 when eldest sister LaVerne died of cancer after a year-long bout with the illness, during which she was replaced by singer Joyce DeYoung. LaVerne had founded the original group, and often acted as the peacemaker among the three during the sisters' lives, more often siding with her parents, to whom the girls were extremely devoted, than with either of her sisters. Once LaVerne was dead, Maxene saw no need to continue as a duo (she taught acting, drama, and speech at a Lake Tahoe college and worked with troubled teens), and Patty was once again eager to be a soloist.
Maxene and Patty reunited for a short lived broadway show called "Over There" in 1974, and they were seen together in 1987 when they got a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. In the inner circle of the Andrews Sisters, it was widely known that Patty Andrews' husband Wally Weschler, who was also her manager, caused much of the rift between the sisters. He alienated Patty from many close friends and family members throughout their marriage.
Maxene Andrews died on October 21, 1995. Patty continued to give interviews, but her appearances were less and less. Wally Weschler, her husband of 60 years, died on August 28, 2010, at the age of 88. After his death, Patty was reunited with many of her friends. However, at the age of 94, her health is not that good anymore. It got so poor that earlier this year she was placed in hospice care. Her memory is fading so she does not remember many of the moments in her life that brought her joy like singing and entertaining. However, hopefully Patty Andrews has realized the millions of people her and her sisters gave joy to throughout the years from soldiers going over seas to families enjoying great music. The Andrews Sisters and Patty Andrews are not just a part of entertainment history, they were/are three icons who gave their all in everything they did...
David,
ReplyDeleteI can't think of the USO or music of the 40's without thinking of the talented Andrew's sisters.
They really did offer so much to that era.
Thanks for reminding us of that and for providing info on their later years.
Love that last photo as that's how I'll always remember them.
Have a nice weekend!
Page
I will always love these ladies!
ReplyDeleteany update on patty's health?
ReplyDeleteNo real updates. Patty is surrounded by people that love her and take care of her. That is the best that Patty is to expect.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
DeleteI just found this site. I am a big fan of the Andrews Sisters. I have been wondering how Patty is doing these days. Sorry to hear that she is in dementia. If you get to see her, give her a kiss on the forehead and tell her that she is continuing to be loved and thought about.
Her sisters and her did a real service to the country during World War II. They are true patriots. God bless them all.
I LOVE these girls! They are the reason and inspiration for a 16-year long trio that I helped found, dedicated to keeping the music the Sisters' sang alive. I'm saddened to hear that Patty is in poor health. It was always a dream for our group to meet her and share our story, inspired by them. For more on keeping the music alive, visit www.facebook.com/Destination.Trio
ReplyDeleteAbbott and Costello had got their patriotism on the map with all of their military songs .How can we ever forget that Patty was on first , Maxene was on second , and laverne was on third !!!!! as the skit is still unforgettable ,so they will ever be !!!!! Love, a babyboomer !!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAny chance to write her a letter at that hospice she is staying at ?
ReplyDeleteShe was something special in The Andrews Sisters.
best reagards
Mr Per Mogensen, Copenhagen - Denmark.
Thank you so much for this update on Patty Andrews. I do hope that despite her dementia she knows on some level that she is loved throughout the world. Thanks for everything Patty!
ReplyDeleteIs there anyway someone can visit her or send her a letter to where she is?
ReplyDeleteI am saddened to read that Patty is now in poor health. She is such an incredibly talented woman who simply shone out from the screen along with her sisters. There will never be another like them. You're amazing Patty!
ReplyDeleteSaddened to hear of Patty's passing, but incredibly blessed to have been a fan! What an incredible contribution to American music history. She will not be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteJust found out Patty passed away today.
ReplyDeleteThey sure don't sing songs like that, with such energy, layered harmonies, and class, any more. Timeless forever.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Patty Andrews. The end of an era! I will not forget them... I hope she's Boogie Woogie-ing in heaven :) Here is my singing tribute to them: "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You". http://youtu.be/Rt3xhA5R2S0
ReplyDeletePatty's passing is the end of an era. She and her sisters were a delight to watch and their place in entertainment history will live on forever.
ReplyDeleteRip to patty love you music but joined together in heaven with your sisters no more pain forever will be remember
ReplyDeleteYes another great ones that should have been at the Kennedy Center Honors held every December.
ReplyDeleteLooks like she was a beautiful woman all the way to the end. RIP Patty, Maxine, and LaVerne and thank you for all you did for this country and how hard you worked. You ladies were a shining example to us all!
ReplyDeleteThe Andrews Sisters. When trying to think of words to describe the feeling of joy and love their music brings me my mind is overloaded. Their voices especially Patty's voice but all three of them had such soul and passion and heart in them it sometimes makes a grown man born in the 80s cry. The music of my generation is void of this feeling that the Andrews Sisters bring to my soul. It makes me happy and really makes me want to treat my wife like a princess. The Andrews Sisters generation were generally the last generation that saw 50 plus year wedding anniversaries its because they grew up hearing the Andrews Sisters singing "Rumors are Flying" and Nice work if you Can Get It". My generation grew up on "Imma Kill You" and all other violent or blantantly sexual songs and woman "singers who have no talent and are mostly selling their bodies also using auto tune to try and sound good. I'm ranting but I truly believe that the Andrews Sisters are a big hand in why we call their generation the Greatest Generation. I hope you are singing with your sisters in heaven Patty! We miss you so much and are grateful you left us so many beautiful songs to remember you forever by because music better than yours has yet to be made.
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