The Andrews Sisters were the most popular female vocal group of the first half of the 20th century. The group consisted of three sisters: LaVerne (1911), Maxene (1916) and Patty (1918). The Andrews Sisters have sold an estimated 80 million records, recorded over 600 songs and had 113 charted Billboard hits. Forty six of those charted recordings reached the Top 10.
They started their career as imitators the Boswell Sisters, who were very popular in the 1930s. They first came to national attention in 1937 with their hit "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön". The release of that song marked the beginning of a string of hits that continued well into the late 1940's. The Andrews Sisters had quite a run.
Listen to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by The Andrews Sisters
In the years just before and during World War II, the Andrews Sisters were at the height of their popularity, and the group still tends to be associated with the war years. They had so many hits during these years, both on their own and in collaboration with Bing Crosby. (They recorded 47 songs with Bing Crosby.) Many of these hits had military related themes, including "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Three Little Sisters", "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)", "A Hot Time In the Town of Berlin" and "Rum and Coca Cola".
Listen to an episode of: The Big Band and Swing Podcast Celebrating The Andrews Sisters
During the war, they entertained the Allied forces in Africa and Italy. They entertained in the U.S. as well, visiting countless military bases, hospitals, and munitions factories. While touring, they often treated three random servicemen to dinner when they were dining out. They recorded a series of Victory Discs (V-Discs) for distribution to Allied fighting forces only, again volunteering their time for studio sessions for the Music Branch of the Army Service Forces. They were dubbed the "Sweethearts of the Armed Forces Radio Service."
Watch The Andrews Sisters perform "Six Jerks in a Jeep" from Private Buckaroo
You can listen to The Andrews Sisters right here on Swing City Radio.
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