Maxene Andrews born 3 January 1916

Maxene Anglyn Andrews (January 3, 1916 – October 21, 1995) was a celebrated American singer best known as a member of the Andrews Sisters, a groundbreaking vocal group that gained fame during the swing and boogie-woogie era of the 1930s and 1940s. 

Alongside her sisters Patty and LaVerne, Maxene formed one of the most popular female singing trios in history. The Andrews Sisters sold over 75 million records and were known for their close harmonies and upbeat songs like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," and "Rum and Coca-Cola." Their music became a symbol of American resilience and entertainment during World War II, as they frequently performed for troops in USO shows. 

Maxene, often seen as the "heart" of the group, was known for her clear mezzo-soprano voice and professional discipline. She was often referred to as 'the pretty one' or 'the one on the left. Tall red-headed LaVerne was the one on the right with peppy blonde Patty in the middle. LaVerne was a year older and Patty 4 years younger. Born of a Greek father and a Norwegian mother in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the three sisters showed early musical promise. LaVerne taught herself to play the piano, Patty won tap dancing prizes and Maxine was singing on local radio at the age of 4. At 5 she was performing at luncheons and for veterans at local hospitals. 

The decision to form a sister act was prompted by the swinging close harmony of the Boswell Sisters. Maxine said that they got so good at copying them that they developed a Southen accent. They sang together at school dances and won a talent competition at a local cinema. In 1932 they were hired by band leader Larry Rich who took them on a coast to coast tour. The sisters developed their own distinctive style and sang with various bands and were heard by a recording executive who offered them a recording contract with Decca. 

                                    

Their first record Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen brought them worldwide fame and between 1937 and 1941 they had numerous hits including Apple Blossom Time, Beer Barrel Polka and Eight to the Bar. When America entered the war the Andrew Sisters were born and made frequent overseas tours, recorded such hits as Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, Don't Fence Me in and starred in 14 films. Maxene married Lou Levy in 1941, and adopted a son and daughter due to having an earlier hysterectomy. The marriage was dissolved in 1950. 

Patty & Maxene 1974

In 1953 various disputes caused the trio to break up for three years then disbanded permanently in 1967 when Laverne tragically died of cancer. Maxine joined the Lake Tahoe Paradise College of Fine Arts as Dean of Women and eventually rose to vice President. In 1973 Bette Middler recorded the sisters Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy which recreated interest in the Andrew Sisters causing their early records to be re released and Maxine and Patty to co star in the musical Over Here on Broadway for nearly a year. Following this Maxene blossomed into a terrific solo performer as she aged with grace and beauty and made many appearances as a solo performer. 

In 1982 after a series of concerts Maxene had a heart attack but after a heart bypass operation she was singing again and made a solo album “Maxene: An Andrews Sister” on which Bette Middler wrote the sleeve notes. This studio album contains recordings from her solo concert material that she recorded in 1985. In her later years she worked as a goodwill ambassador for various causes. Her last performance was on Sunday, October 8th, 1995, in the show 'Swing Time Canteen', at New York City's Blue Angel Theater. Sadly twelve days later Maxene died of a heart attack while vacationing in Cape Cod on 21, October 1995. The day before, she had signed autographs for fans a quarter her age at a local bagel shop, where a rare piece of Andrews Sisters sheet music-”Shoo Shoo Baby”-decorates the wood-paneled walls. 

Maxene & Lynda

Maxene Andrews had a lifelong and close relationship with her manager and companion, Lynda Wells who was a significant part in her later life, offering support after the group’s end and Maxene’s estrangement from her sister Patty. Maxene adopted Lynda as her as a daughter in 1995 to legally protect their partnership since same-sex marriage wasn't recognized, making Wells her sole heir and fulfilling their status as life partners before Maxene's passing. The Andrews Sisters, Laverne, Maxene, and Patty, were none biological mothers. Maxene adopted two children, a daughter, Aleta Ann, and a son, Peter. Patty also adopted one daughter, Pam DuBois.

Maxene remains an enduring icon of American music, celebrated for her contributions to both entertainment and the morale of a generation. 

(Edited from IMDb, Great Entertainers Archives & LA Times) 

Here's a clip of Laverne and Maxene Andrews of the Andrews Sisters make fun of their famous feud with sister Patty in this rare TV comedy duet from 1954.