Patty Andrews was the youngest and the last surviving member of the Andrews Sisters, a popular singing group of the 1940s and 1950s. She was best known as the lead singer of the trio, whose hits included “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”, and “Rum and Coca Cola”. She died on January 30, 2013, at the age of 94, from natural causes at her home in Los Angeles
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Early Life and Career of Patty Andrews
Patty Andrews was born on February 16, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Greek and Norwegian immigrant parents. She had two older sisters, LaVerne and Maxene, who shared her passion for singing and dancing. The sisters formed a close harmony group when Patty was only seven years old, and started performing in local talent shows and vaudeville circuits
The Andrews Sisters rose to fame in the late 1930s, after signing a contract with Decca Records and releasing their first major hit, “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön”, a Yiddish song that they adapted to English. They soon became one of the most successful vocal groups of all time, selling over 75 million records and charting more than 100 songs
The sisters also entertained the troops during World War II, touring extensively in Europe and Africa and appearing in several Hollywood movies with stars like Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Abbott and Costello. They were known for their upbeat and patriotic songs, as well as their glamorous and stylish outfits. They were admired by millions of fans, especially soldiers, who considered them as their “sweethearts”
Personal Life and Death of Patty Andrews
Patty Andrews married her first husband, Martin Melcher, in 1947, but they divorced in 1950. She then married Walter Weschler, the trio’s pianist and conductor, in 1951, and they remained together until his death in 2010. Patty had no children of her own, but she adopted Weschler’s daughter, Pam, from his previous marriage
Patty was the most outgoing and energetic of the sisters, and often acted as their spokesperson. She was also the most adventurous and rebellious, enjoying fast cars, motorcycles, and skydiving. She had a strong sense of humor and a zest for life, even in her later years
Patty was devastated by the deaths of her sisters, LaVerne in 1967 and Maxene in 1995. She continued to perform as a solo artist until 2010, when she retired due to health problems. She died peacefully at her home in Northridge, California, on January 30, 2013, surrounded by her family and friends. She was 94 years old
Legacy of Patty Andrews and the Andrews Sisters
Patty Andrews and the Andrews Sisters left a lasting legacy in the music industry and the American culture. They influenced many singers and groups, such as Patti Page, Bette Midler, Christina Aguilera, and Pentatonix, who covered their songs or imitated their style. They were also honored with several awards and recognitions, such as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and an induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame
Patty Andrews and the Andrews Sisters were more than just entertainers. They were also symbols of hope, joy, and courage for a generation that faced the hardships of war and depression. They uplifted the spirits of millions of people with their music and their personality. They were, as Patty once said, “three girls in the family, singing their way into the hearts of everyone”
