Laverne Andrews was an American singer and actress who rose to fame as one of the Andrews Sisters, a popular vocal group in the 1930s and 1940s. She was the eldest sister and sang the alto part, often providing the harmony for her younger siblings, Maxene and Patty. Laverne was also a talented pianist and could read music, which helped the trio arrange their songs. She was considered the closest to her parents and often mediated family conflicts
The Rise and Fall of the Andrews Sisters
The Andrews Sisters started their career as imitators of another successful singing group, the Boswell Sisters, who were popular in the 1920s. They began performing in their hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to Chicago and then New York to pursue their dreams. They got their first big break in 1937, when they recorded “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen”, a Yiddish song that became a hit after being translated into English. The song sold over a million copies and launched the sisters into stardom
The trio became one of the most successful female vocal groups of all time, with 19 gold records and sales of nearly 100 million copies. They sang a variety of genres, including swing, boogie-woogie, jazz, pop, and folk. Some of their best-known songs include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”, “Rum and Coca Cola”, and “I Can Dream, Can’t I?”. They also appeared in 17 movies, often alongside other stars like Bing Crosby, Abbott and Costello, and Bob Hope. They entertained the troops during World War II and were awarded several honors for their patriotic service
However, behind the scenes, the sisters had their share of troubles. They often argued over money, contracts, and personal issues. They formed a corporation to manage their finances, but dissolved it after several disputes. They broke up and reunited several times, sometimes not speaking to each other for years. They also faced legal battles with their record label, Decca Records, over royalties and artistic control. They struggled to adapt to the changing musical tastes of the post-war era and faced competition from newer singers like Patti Page and Doris Day
Laverne’s Illness and Death
Laverne was married to Louis A. Rogers, a trumpet player and bandleader, from 1948 until her death. She had no children of her own, but was close to her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and reading in her spare time. She was also active in charitable causes, especially those related to cancer research and prevention
Laverne was diagnosed with liver cancer in 1966 and underwent surgery to remove part of her liver. She recovered well enough to resume performing with her sisters later that year, but her health deteriorated again in early 1967. She suffered from pneumonia and other complications and was confined to her home in Brentwood, California. She died on May 8, 1967, at the age of 55. Her husband was by her side when she passed away.
Her death marked the end of the Andrews Sisters as a group. Maxene and Patty tried to find a replacement for Laverne, but none could match her voice or personality. They eventually pursued solo careers, but never achieved the same level of success or fame as they did with their sister. They also had a bitter feud that lasted for decades, until they reconciled shortly before Maxene’s death in 1995. Patty was the last surviving sister and died in 2013 at the age of 94.
Laverne Andrews was a talented singer and actress who left a lasting legacy in American music and culture. She was part of one of the most influential vocal groups in history and inspired generations of performers with her style and skill. She also faced many challenges in her personal and professional life, but never gave up on her passion or her family. She died too young from a devastating disease, but her voice lives on in her recordings and films.
