The Andrews Sisters trio, listed in order, first born, Laverne Andrews's lifetime is the shortest of all, just 55 years. Maxene Andrews, the second born has the second shortest lifetime and second longest lifetime, of 79 years. Patty Andrews, born last, is 94 and still alive, Patty is the last remaining survivor.
Among all three of The Andrews Sisters, Laverne Andrews, Maxene Andrews and Patty Andrews, none of them were biological mothers. Maxene adopted two, one daughter, Aleta Ann and one son, Peter.
Entertained extensively in America, Italy and Africa, visiting Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard bases, war zones, hospital and munitions factories. Perhaps second only to Bob Hope in their exhaustive efforts to entertain the troops.
LaVerne and Maxene are interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, close to their parents.
Recorded Miss "Lolita" Sailor for Decca in the UK and also "Mele Kalikimaka" in the USA.
The Andrews Sisters were a popular harmonizing singing group consisting of three sisters, Patty Andrews, Maxene Andrews and Laverne Andrews. The trio was awarded 19 gold records representing sales of almost 100 million copies. They got their start in the Depression-era early 1930s, and their first big hit, "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen", was recorded in 1937. Their other best-known hits included "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (first introduced in the Bud Abbott and Lou Costello comedy Buck Privates (1941), "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)" and "Rum and Coca-Cola." With the entry of the United States into World War II, the sisters made frequent concert appearances at military bases, later traveling overseas to entertain the troops. Their career also included radio and television appearances.
The first female group to achieve a Gold Record award and the best-selling female vocal group ever, with a record that still remains unsurpassed (between 75-100 million). 46 of their hits reached the "Top 10" Billboard.
Their big hit "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon" was a favorite song of the Nazis until it was discovered that the song's composers were Jewish.
They appeared in more films, than any other singing group in history.
They incorporated numerous ethnic musical styles into their popular songs in Israel, Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, Russia, Sweden and Mexico, (which is just a few countries, the trio went to).
They initially jumpstarted their careers by imitating the early successful group The Boswell Sisters.
They recorded 47 songs with Bing Crosby, 23 of which charted on Billboard, including three songs, "Don't Fence Me In", "Take It Away" and "Jingle Bells".
They were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
They were discovered along with Bette Davis & John Garfield at California's Hollywood Canteen for US servicemen.
They were nicknamed "Sweehearts of the Armed Forces Radio Service" for their numerous USO appearances.
This musical trio sang numerous commercial jingles for such products as Wrigley's chewing gum, Dole pineapple and Campbell's soups.
Youngest sibling Patty Andrews was only seven when the group was first formed and 12 when the trio won their first prize at a talent contest at the local Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis.