Patty Andrews, the last living member of the famous Andrews Sisters vocal trio, died on January 30 at her home in Los Angeles, according to Rolling Stone. She was 94.
The career of the Andrews Sister - Patty, LaVerne and Maxene - extended from the 1920's to the late 1960's. They sold more than 80 million records during their prolific career. The sisters became a cultural icon during World War II, entertaining Allied troops and raising morale on the home front. They scored with a 1941 smash hit - "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."
The sisters went on to influence many Baby Boomer singers and musicians, including Bette Midler, whose first Number One hit was a cover of "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Barry Manilow, the Manhattan Transfer, the Pointer Sisters and En Vogue also recorded versions of the war time favorite.
Andrews Sisters - Gimme Some Skin, My Friend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIFN13-a1iA
Patty, the youngest of the sisters, was the group's lead singer. They set out from their hometown near Minneapolis-Saint Paul and traveled the dance band vaudeville circuit. They garnered national attention upon arriving in California, with recordings and radio broadcasts.
Their first hit came in 1937 on an English-language version of the Yiddish tune "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön." Many treasured recordings kept pace over the years, including - "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" and "Rum and Coca-Cola." They toured with many famous big bands of the era.
The sisters starred in a dozen musical comedy movies between 1940-44. Their appearance with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in 1947's The Road to Rio was their most significant film.
Patty Andrews is survived by a foster daughter, a niece and several cousins.