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Looking at the Best from 1999 - Page 2

© Robert Powers

The 1940s were a time of war, rebuilding, and pushing ahead for the United States. The Andrews Sisters became a uniting and defining influence. Music was undergoing changes, as swing, big band, boogie-woogie, and be-bop registered with the country's youth.

Sforza tells the story of these ladies, often with zest and enthusiasm that threatens to go overboard. The book also has a somewhat patch-together feeling, as he was forced at times to rely on faded clippings rather than interview those who affected the girls' lives.

The Andrews broke into the public's radar screens with the 1937 hit of a Yiddish song called, "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (Means That You're Grand)". In later years they would work with nearly all the major musical stars of the time, including Bing Crosby, Woody Herman, Les Paul, and Lou Costello.

With wealth and renown came problems. The sisters separated for two years in the 50s after near four decades together. They reunited in 1956, performing together until LaVerne's death from cancer in 1967. Maxene died a few years ago. Patti, "the blonde in the middle", lives quietly out of the spotlight. Their recordings continue to entertain avid fans everywhere.

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