In case you've never heard of them, redhead LaVerne, brunette Maxene, and blonde Patricia Andrews were a harmonizing sister trio that rose to great fame in the late 1930s and were a household name for years to come. The trio first gained national attention when they released their version of the traditional Yiddish song, "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön", in November 1937. They went on to record numerous hits on the Decca Record label, until the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. During World War II, they traveled throughout the world to entertain Allied troops in a variety of different environments, such as on stage, in hospitals, and in war zones themselves. They also recorded Victory Discs for the troops, and even treated lucky soldiers to dinner while on bases.
After the war, the Andrew Sisters continued performing until the youngest sister, Patty, joined a different singing group without telling her sisters... they found out from the papers instead! Thus began a tumultuous relationship between the trio that resulted in numerous new hit records, a Broadway show, estrangements, lawsuits, and solo careers. LaVerne died in 1967 at age 55 from cancer. After suffering from multiple heart attacks, Maxene died in 1995 at the age of 74. At 94 years old, Patty is still living in Northridge, California.
Though the trio may be no more, their legacy lives on. They have influenced numerous artists throughout the years, and have inspired a new generation of musicians. They changed the 1930's music world for the better and opened doors further for women in music. I personally love their music; I have had to sing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" in the past and its catchy rhythms and interesting harmonies make it so much fun to sing and just jam to. My favorite song that I have heard by the Andrews Sisters thus far is definitely "Carmen's Boogie" (which you can listen to by clicking here). I had never heard the tune until I saw Sisters of Swing, and I was absolutely enthralled by the number. My 89 year-old grandmother (who has dementia and can barely remember what happened only a few minutes ago) told me today that she used to listen to the trio on the radio as a young girl and still remembered the words to some of their most popular hits like, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree", "Three Little Fishes", and of course "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön". I think that a group that was able to make such an impression on her waning memory must have been nothing short of remarkable.
During the show, I was also enamored by the fashionable 1930s and 40s ensembles in which the sisters were often clad. I was inspired to create a modernized outfit reminiscent of the Andrews sisters' adorable yet classy get-ups.
It Means "You're the Fairest in the Land":
A bright pink lace circle skirt is perfectly 1940's while also being trendily summer appropriate. Add a sheer blouse in a complimentary light pink layered on top of a white tank for extra coverage. Blazers are a fashion staple for the singing sisters; this white boyfriend blazer is a fresh and modern take on the classic silhouette. Neutral accessories like this light brown belt and nude colored flats tone down this bright look and give it a classic touch. Pearl earrings decorated as flowers add a cute twist to a timeless accessory. The one-of-a-kind charm necklace from Etsy patterned with music and a similar vintage-looking watch with a music patterned face both pay homage to the music at the root of this inspiring act. Top it all off with this gorgeous wavy hairstyle inspired by Allie's hair in The Notebook!
Do you know who the Andrews sisters are? What do you think of their music? Would you wear this vintage inspired outfit? Who are some of your favorite musicians of the past?
Love, Leaza
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