The Andrews Sisters, Patty Andrews Dies [VIDEO]: Last Surviving Member of Three-Sister Harmony Singing Group Dies at 94

The Andrews Sisters, the legendary vocal group from the World War II era, lost its last surviving member and lead singer when Patty Andrews died yesterday at the age of 94 years old. Patty died of natural causes and is survived by her foster daughter Pam Dubois. Her husband of 60 years and Andrews Sisters pianist, Walter Weschler, died in 2010. Patty's older sisters and other members of the performing group, LaVerne and Maxene, died in 1967 and 1995 respectively. 

The Andrews Sisters were an extremely successful vocal swing group in the late 1930s through the 1940s. They recorded over 400 songs and sold over 80 million records, with several going gold. The Andrews Sisters performed close, three-part harmony type vocal piece and also included short, choreographed dances during musical breaks. Their aim was to reproduce the sound of three harmonizing trumpet, which helped them gain fame during the swing era of music.  "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B" is the groups biggest hit and is considered by some an early example of Rhythm and Blues. Some artists that the trio worked with include Benny Goodman, Desi Arnaz, and Bing Crosby. The Andrews Sisters were very popular during World War II due to their heavy involvement with the military, such as performances and special recordings. 

Movies also came into play during their success. Mostly just added into the films to perform their songs without much of a plotline, The Andrews Sisters continued to reach a wider audience this way. Their most successful movie, Buck Pirates, featured their hit song "Boogie Woogie Boogle Boy from Company B." Abbot and Costello were also in Buck Pirates and were stars soon afterwards.

After LaVerne's death in 1967, Patty and Maxene parted ways. Patty found some solo success in Las Vegas in the early 1970s. Many vocal artists consider the Andrews Sisters as big influences on their careers, such as Bette Midler and even Christina Aguilera. Midler's rendidition of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" ignited an interest in the sisters. This led to the two surviving sisters, Patty and Maxene, performing on Broadway with Midler in her show " Over Here!" in 1974. 

The following embeded video is a clip from Buck Pirates and really showcases the talent of The Andrews Sisters. This tune is clearly a memorable one with a familiar melody to all. The Andrews Sisters are an American treasure. Patty and her sisters' influence continues to be felt and heard to this day.