Night with the Andrew Sisters

Doris, friend Mayela and Amanda

     One of the fun opportunities on the California State University San Marcos campus is a series called “Arts and Lectures” that brings a variety of speakers, artists, scholars, and activists to the university. The most recent event was a troupe called “The Sweethearts of Swing”, a group which performs and reenacts the songs of the famed WWII era group, the Andrew Sisters.

    The Andrew Sisters, actual sisters LaVerne, Maxine, and Patty Andrews, began their career in the late 1930’s.  As girls, the three sisters we involved in singing and dancing and started their interest young.  Their first major hit, “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon” brought them national success but it would be World War II that cement their popularity and fame.    They were active in the war effort and began touring, playing to American soldiers worldwide often touring with the likes of Bing Crosby.  In addition to touring, the sisters also brought their songs to Hollywood and performed in several films.  These wartime songs and films are how the sisters are best remembered now.  The sisters became the most popular female vocal group of the first half of the 20th century.

    The Sweethearts of Swing revive the glory days of the Andrew Sisters and bring their fun and comical performances to modern audiences. Although the room the event was held in was less than ideal, the Sweethearts did not let this stop their fun set. Besides singing hit songs such as “Rum and Coca” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” they brought the fun quips and banter that the Andrew Sisters were famous for.

    Although the event was meant to be fun and lighthearted, the Sisters did bring a more serious note to light when they sang the Armed Forces Medley for each branch of the armed services and asked audience members to stand when they heard their branch sung. This was made all the more serious by the fact that many of the audience members lived through WWII and some had even served and one in the crowd has even seen the Andrew Sisters. It made it very apparent how much of an effect the songs of the Andrew Sisters had on the generation living through World War II. 

    To finish the night the sisters ended with what is probably their most memorable and recognizable song, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” It was a perfect way to end the night. However, that wasn’t quite the end. The sisters came back out to answer questions and take photos with audience members. Amanda and I had decided ahead of time to attend the show dressed up in our best vintage attire. It was a great opportunity to break back into my favorite 1940/50’s dress, hair, and makeup. We must have been pretty well dressed because the sisters were absolutely in love with our hair and dresses.

    Overall, the night was fun, educational, and touching all at once. Too often we forget the popular culture of previous generations and how impactful it was on their upbringings.  This was a great opportunity to understand the Andrew Sisters in their intended context and what they meant to the generation of children, teens, and adults who danced to their music while worrying about a war overseas.