One of my memorable musical experiences was five years spent with a female trio called "Sounds of the Andrews Sisters". A local entertainment agency advertised auditions for singers who could read music and harmonize. Many gals showed up for the audition, kinda like American Idol. After I was picked to represent 'Maxene Andrews', I was asked to help audition singers that could harmonize with me. Eventually we found two ladies that, with lots of practice, harmonized in three parts, just like the original Andrews sisters.
The 'Andrews Sisters', Laverne, Maxene and Patty (the youngest) from Minneapolis, Minnesota became famous during the 1940's and 50's, singing with the Larry Rich Orchestra. They performed on radio and stage. and toured the country. In June 1945 went on an 8 week USO tour entertaining the troops during WWII. It was the Swing Era and they made famous the song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". Sadly, Laverne died in 1968 from cancer. Maxene passed away in 1995 from a heart attack. Patty, the youngest, still performs occasionally on cruise lines.
Our trio performed all their well known songs; Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Sentimental Journey and many more all over Florida. Many times we had a 16 piece orchestra and performed at the St. Petersburg Palladium, also with background recorded music our performances were in retirement centers, mall openings, church halls, theme parks and TV. One time, during a mall opening, we had costume changes in the back supply room of a pizza restaurant. The room was very small and filled with bags of flour and cans of tomato paste. The floor was covered in flour dust - just imagine trying to put on the old nylon stockings and 1940's high heel shoes with a black and white dress. It's true about some of the behind-the-scene unbelievable stories you hear from entertainers.
Being a performer from an early age has taught me many lessons; about singing, about performing with the best musicians, about practicing, about having quality instruments to play with and about developing a pleasing sound for the listeners and above all, having fun with your music.
I'm a long-time professional musician/entertainer; singer, lapsteel guitarist, keyboardist. I am passionate about my music and selling quality instruments on my website.
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