Minnesota Sisters’ Harmonies Helped Lift Spirits During WWII

The Andrews Sisters, a musical trio from Minneapolis, played a pivotal role in uplifting American spirits during World War II. Their distinctive harmonies and energetic performances resonated with millions, making them icons of the era. As the United States entered the war in 1941, the sisters—LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty Andrews—were already well-established, having recorded over 600 songs and sold more than 100 million records.

From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

Born to Greek immigrant Peter Andrews and his Norwegian wife, Olga Sollie, the sisters grew up in a modest Minneapolis home. LaVerne was born in 1911, followed by Maxene in 1916 and Patty in 1918. Their father had moved to Minneapolis in search of a vibrant Greek community, but instead found a diverse cultural landscape that would influence his daughters’ musical careers.

The Andrews Sisters formed their trio in 1925 when they were still children. Inspired by The Boswell Sisters, they began performing locally, which eventually led to a ten-month vaudeville tour. Their big break came when music producer Lou Levy recognized their potential, propelling them into the national spotlight.

By the time the war began, the Andrews Sisters were everywhere—from radio airwaves to movie screens. They performed for more than 161 million service members, participating in numerous bond drives and gaining the hearts of many Americans. Their wholesome image, marked by matching skirts and sensible shoes, set them apart from the glamorous pin-up girls of the time.

Musical Legacy During the War

One of their most famous songs, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” became synonymous with the wartime experience. The song’s lively rhythm and catchy lyrics provided soldiers with a sense of hope and joy amid the chaos of war. Other hits like “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Rum and Coca-Cola” allowed Americans to momentarily escape the harsh realities of conflict.

In August 1945, during a performance in Naples, Italy, the sisters had a moment that would become legendary. As they prepared to entertain 5,000 GIs set to ship out for a feared invasion of Japan, Patty was handed a slip of paper by a commander. She read aloud the news of Japan’s surrender, which was met initially with silence before an eruption of joy swept through the audience. Patty recalled, “You could have heard a pin drop. There was no reaction. They thought it was part of the show.”

The sisters continued performing after the war, with their careers evolving over the years. Both LaVerne and Patty married, and Maxene had a brief marriage to Levy. Despite occasional tensions, the sisters reunited in 1956 after Patty’s departure from the group in 1953.

LaVerne passed away in 1967, followed by Maxene in 1995 and Patty in 2013. Though they are all buried in California, some of Maxene’s ashes were scattered in Cook’s Bay on Lake Minnetonka, symbolizing a return to their Minnesota roots.

The Andrews Sisters remain a defining part of American music history, their influence palpable in the sounds of subsequent generations. As modern artists continue to draw inspiration from their work, the legacy of these three sisters serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect and uplift, even in the darkest times.