Got to meet one of the Sisters about year before she died. She was doing a lecture in Wilmington, DE and selling copies of her new book. One story she was told was about the Sisters being asked to sing for a GI who had suffered some mental torment as a result of the war. He was in a padded cell and acting wild until they started to sing. Hearing them he actually calmed down and listened.
Oh my gosh that is so sad! My dad was in charge of a LCT when it was attacked my kamikazes. Some of the men were below deck and were shell shocked. He had to send half his crew home 😢
Times that are heavy and dark call for light, fun songs like this one, or even silly ones like Mairzy Doats and Three Little Fishies. Music has probably kept a lot of people from completely losing it.
In those days all performances were live, direct to wax. No tapes, no mixing. My favourite of the Andrews Sisters is with Bing Crosby singing Don't Fence Me In, one of the greatest pop songs of all time. They are also famous for Rum and Coca-Cola. Their ability to blend voices is beyond comparison.
Funnily enough, Bing and the Andrews Sisters were actually among the pioneers in moving away from direct-to-wax recording (though I believe Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy was still direct-to-wax via RCA ribbon mics). But Bing was the first major artist to push for recording to magnetic tape and then cutting vinyl from that, so that the tape could be splice-edited before the final mix was cut in wax-it didn't allow for multi-tracking, but it did let you edit together multiple takes into the final product, and eliminate dead air and mistakes. Some of the Andrew Sisters' later recordings used that process. And Bing didn't stop there: Later on, he brought an Ampex reel-to-reel tape recorder back from Germany after a USO tour, which he gave to Les Paul (who had played as a backing musician for the Andrews Sisters) to fiddle with. Les figured out how to attach a second recording head, and got Bing to import a few more recorders that he took apart to make an overlay recorder and then a kind of primitive 2-track recorder. Ampex later refined this idea into the Sel-Sync (the first of which they sold to Les Paul), the first commercial 8-track recorder.
This song will never get old it’s absolute timeless classic. Ask someone in 80 years time who Rhianna or Ariana Grande are and no one will have a clue.
Caribbean girl here. The name is RIHANNA and we aren't nobody. We will remember. She has some good stuff. And she also has some not so good stuff. This boogie woogie stuff is remembered by you, and even by me, although I prefer Rihanna. You don't know what the young ones will remember. Rihanna has been around for eighteen years now and they're still begging for her music.
This is what people said of the Beatles in the 60's. We still remember them, don't we, but their music was seen as a flash in the pan. We remember Elvis...we remember Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, James Taylor, Al Green from the 70's. We remember Billy Joel and Madonna (not a fav of mine) and Whitney (big fav of mine) from the 80's and 90's. We will remember artists from the 2000's as well.
Did you know that the two surviving Andrews Sisters, Patty & Maxene, went to see Bette Midler perform this song in concert? She was so excited to meet them & asked, "Do you have more songs I can sing?" Bette Midler soon after recorded their "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön". LaVerne was the third Andrews Sister.
My dad taught me to jitter bug to this song , it was fun. Miss you daddy.♥️give GOD a hug for me. Dad was a marine in WWll, still like his music from that time. In the mood is my favorite song.
For the longest time growing up (mind u I was born literally today of 85) I thought the jitterbug was exclusively the missing song and dance from wizard of Oz. I was always surprised that ppl knew about it bc I had an obsession with that movie. Well really more like an obsession with Judy garland. But ha, I'm an idiot and later as an adult realized they were two separate things lmao P.s. I'm sorry for ur loss. I lost my mom the same month as my fiance about 5 years ago. I'm so sorry. Hugs
My great uncle taught me as well .. he was stationed in Ww2 in England. My other great uncle was killed, his brother crossing the Rhine within weeks. My uncle Jack found his grave in Holland,as the US would not bury its dead in occupied Germany territory ...they went over together..Maurice was killed within weeks of arriving He was an amazing ballroom dancer and loved this song. My mother Maureen was named after my fallen Uncle Maurice..❤
@@lindajones8101 Have you made a list of all his songs for future generations? Your Dad sounds like the kind of man who's talked about for many generations!
Thanks for including the Andrews Sisters! I still listen to them. My parents were from the WWII era, so I was raised listening to music from the 1940’s. The Andrews Sisters had such amazing harmony! ❤❤❤
I love The Andrew Sisters. They did movies and went out and performed for the troops. Soo love their harmonies! Even tho it was from my grandparents time. Thanks for the comments!
A wonderful era of Big Band, Swing and Jazz.. a time we will sadly never hear again as that World War 2 sound.. so special and so incredible. Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Les Brown, the Andrew Sisters, Louis Armstrong, and so many others made such an impact on music and it must have been something to hear that live! Great analysis, Fil. This music is not only timeless but defines this era of World War 2. I hope you analyze more of the great artists of the 40's and pre rock n roll 50s.
and if you've listened to much of the 40's and 50's music (pre-rock & roll) the Andrews sisters did a lot of backing up some of the biggest stars. That may be why they sounded familiar Fil.
Great reaction & analysis! How can you not smile & feel good listening to this music? The Andrew Sisters were popular during the 30's-40's before & during World War II. Their style was known as swing & boogie-woogie. They had a lot of hits "Beer Barrel Polka", "Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar", "Three Little Sisters", "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me), "A Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin", "Rum & Coca Cola" etc.
I'd imagine and have been told by older relatives, The Andrews Sisters, did this live thousands of times on stage and live radio. USO shows for soldiers and sailors. Love it. Thanks Fil.
I was born in late '47. My folks bought me a Victrola when I was about 3 y/o, and bought 78s for me at thrift shops. I grew up on music from the '30s and '40s, and have loved it ever since. Some of my records were from the '20s. I've never stopped loving the music from those times, all through the years. I can listen to and enjoy Little Richard, Del Shannon, The 4 Seasons, my Beatles and all of the British Invasion artists, Yes, Genesis, Steely Dan, Bowie, Kraftwerk, Stravinsky, Varese...you get the idea. I love The Andrews Sisters dearly, and the amazing scat-in-harmony of The Boswells. Music heals. Let it lift you off the planet - ALL of it.
A combination of big band, skat, and early pop style music. Such fun to hear this old song today Fil. The Andrews Sisters were a popular sound. I can imagine WW2 days of soldiers away from home dancing in a pub to this music. Loved it!
I think what I like best about your videos is the respect you show to the artists. And especially the respect shown to those of your elders times. I was feeling a little down today, but the grin on your face as you listened to them (& listening to the Andrews Sisters myself) really cheered me up a great deal. Thanks for another wonderful video!
Oh my! I feel old. I’m only 48 but I remember this being played at reveille in boot camp in the 95 and the song was already 44 years old and I still LOVE IT!
This is one of my favorite songs by The Andrews Sisters. They were very popular and would perform for the troops during WWII. They also performed this song in an Abbott and Costello movie called Buck Privates. You did a great job Fil and I really enjoyed this analysis.
My mother was born in 1926. She loved these close harmony groups of the time - her favourites were The Mills Brothers and The Ink Spots. The way she describes her parents disapproval of her music tastes and her determination to identify with the music of her choice is the story of every kid throughout history discovering new music for the first time. My point is you are right, we can't understand what hearing The Andrews Sisters for the first time was like. Except, it is pretty much the same as hearing the music that first stole YOUR heart for the first time. Different style, same feeling.
The singing of the Andrews sisters make me proud of my Norwegian heritage. I’m a tenor but love fallowing Maxine’s sweet soprano clearly ringing on top of Patty’s lead. This is another great episode; Thank you!
Awesome..my Grandpa taught me this song and the Sisters as I called them…were amazing! I pitted my young voice against theirs! I loved how happy it made everyone feel..but the best part was dancing on Grandpa’s feet! Thanks for the memories! ❤
Yet another revealing video. You have become more subtle, more precise and very eclectic since I started watching your content. As I have said before, I'm no musician, but manage to get it because you explain things so well and with feeling
Hi Fil, What a fantastic analysis. I have always admired the Andrew Sisters and their great harmonizing. But even as a singer never quite understood how they were so good. This is one of their classic songs and so fun. You can’t not like it! Thank you for explaining their vocal techniques and abilities. I did read somewhere they began by being able to separate , listen to and learn the harmony parts of songs. I have always found their harmony ability amazing, just top notch. Fun analysis and great job showcasing these talented ladies! Thank you, Debbie☮️
I always loved this song but it's like "I'm Henry the 8th I am " Once it's I my head I can't stop it 🤣 Loved the Pointer Sisters and Bette Midler' s version as well 😉
As a late boomer (70s teen) ,I had to SUFFER thru this kinda vocal material to cop the jazz/big band drummin chops my ROCK drumming idols were HEAVILY influence by. BUT? after my 1st band intro in 75, I became a harmony FREAK playin 3DN, BSTs (horn arrs.) GFR, Doobie's etc. STILL on a HUGE BINGE of the BBS era, watchin movies like "The Gene K story", studyin the greats like Louie B, Buddy of course, and MANY before them. I LIKE when the chicks make the scene NOW..😎.I can REALLY appreciate the time ya put into a moldie /goldie/oldie like this. Knowin multitrack wasnt around yet, and watchin the VERY carefully mic placement strategy used during orchestra recording sessions involing XX vocals, its even MORE of a kick!😎 Hell Fil, I HONESTLY BOLEEEVE you could go out to a small pond at night, record then analyze the Symphonic chorusing/cadencing/timbring of 7 bull frogs and make it a KILLER video.☺
This is great Fil. My parents grew up with this music being radical in their generation from my grandparent's age. Beautiful voices. Bette Midler did a great version of this in 1970's. I used to have the Boswell sisters records too. You are very well-rounded.
Fantastic analysis of the incredible harmonies and virtuosity of the Andrews Sisters. Their sound is amazing and unmistakable! It's wonderful how you described the technical underpinnings of their unique sound. Another impressive element of their singing is how well they slide individually and slide together harmonically. It creates a really interesting counterpoint to the staccato punchiness of their style. We don't hear anything like this today.
This song (by them) was played often when I was very young - in the 50s. It’s one of the songs I remember my Mom playing on piano too (nice memory). What plays in my brain now tho is Bette Midler’s version from 1972; she also ‘did it proud’!! Thank-you for your thoughtful analysis, and a double great memory for this ‘oldie’!!
Thank you! I was born in 1940 so I grew up with the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, Big Bands, a young Frank Sinatra and much much more! It's MY kind of music and I listen to it constantly as I have my entire life!! Thank you for your great analysis of this terrific music. For me music is melody, harmony and proper rhythm.
Ty fil, my dad and mother are smilingly down from heaven! Grew up hearing this kind of music and your covering it brings sweet tears to my eyes in remembrance! ❤
Wow, another excellent analysis Fil. My father's era, but I always loved hearing the harmony of their voices. Simply Amazing. I appreciate it even more now!
Fun stuff even if they don't go on my standard play list. But 7 years ago when my father passed my brother-in-law and I put together a 2 hour mix that included songs from his past. Mack the knife, 16 tons, On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe, and such
Something that young people might not realize is that in the 40s, the movies and music and many parts of popular culture were involved with promoting patriotism and the war effort and supporting the American military.
When I first began to walk to "the rabbit hole", the '40s was the start...this was the start. Well, long story- short, I decided to jump in! Brings back so many memories of high school! I'm 21 now. Ever since my junior year, I've been COMPLETELY hooked, line and sinker! My favourite era, though, is the '30s! My thanks for this!😉
Thanks Fil, great analysis! Dedicated to all veterans of WW 11. Great harmonizing those gals had. Yes, the sisters had same sound, but different ranges. Good observation. Also, makes me think of Bette Midler! Thanks for the memories!
I have always loved this song... and remember seeing them in a very old movie. They have great voices. I can visualize my grandparents listening to this on the radio 😊. I hope you have a great weekend, Fil 💜
Thanks Phil !!! One of the things I most like about this channel, is the depth of appreciation Phil gives to these phenomenal talents, despite the music being old, or perhaps not popular with the majority of todays listeners. As a musician and also a huge fan of 40’s era big band, I really appreciate the fact Phil sees these great talents of the past, and gives credit where credit is due. So many people today, even many who call themselves musicians, have no knowledge or interest in any of the old standards, or any from this era and are completely ignorant of the astounding musicianship so many had back in those days. Or the somewhat popular thinking of, If it doesn’t have distortion cranked, it can’t be any good. 🙄 All that being said, thanks again Phil, for bringing these wonderfully talented singers and musicians of days past, to the younger folks and generations of today, and describing so clearly as you do, just how talented so many of them were, not being able to hide their flaws behind sophisticated electronic devices like “auto-tune” etc as they can do today. 👍👍👍
Great analysis. You are really good at giving explanations, like this one of vocal harmonies, in terms that I think should be pretty easy for even non-musicians to understand. I'd probably be a better musician today if you were giving these online videos back in 1961, when I started playing guitar! 😄
This is my grandparents' music. They met and married during the war, my grandfather being in the US Merchant Marines. My mother was born in '44. Every time I visited their house in the '70s, old movies with Abbott & Costello, Bob Hope, or something else was on tv, and the Andrew Sisters were their jam! Whenever they came on, my grandparents would have a little (Swing) dance together. Fond memories!
I loved The Andrews sisters in all of the Abbott and Costello movies growing up, they were certainly ahead of their time. Check them doing this live in Abbott and Costello in buck privates ❤
I was born in 1962. Very fortunate that I had parents with the radio 📻 on all the time 😃 and man could my mom and dad dance. They would waltz,and swing around the room and dance floor ❤️ I am glad you covered this era! 🎶 ❤ from Nebraska USA 🇺🇸😃🥰
A fun throwback analysis Fil! In my youth of the 60-70’s this was on the oldies stations. Imaging hearing it fresh on the radio on the top 40/Pop stations. Bette Midler covered this song and did a damn fine version! It had the same feel but modernized a bit for the 70’s. Not sure if you’ve analyzed the Divine Miss M but she has a great voice. I guess The Rose is the obvious choice but there are so many to choose from. A side note, a young Barry Manilow was her keyboardist and arranger. She performed in the “baths” in NYC where she and Manilow came to fame. Again, awesome analysis!
I've seen old movies with scenes of the Andrew Sisters performing this song and they were also very talented visual performers, a true delight to watch, I love 'em.
I remember my grandfather loved this song. I used to hear it at their house when I was a child. I loved their harmonies. My grandfather was a marine in WWII. He fought in Okinawa. I thought it was fun. I sing all 3 ranges but not so much Soprano anymore. It is hard for me to hit the high notes. I noticed this after I turned 50.
They have an equally as good video of them doing their dance routine . They move in perfect synchronization. From shaking their stuff and high kicks, all done in high heals. These women are talented beyond belief.
Excellent analysis. So nice that it often occurs to you to check out such important stars from the past. Modern times, I miss "real music" like this. Keep up the good work.
This is why I subscribe to you FIL, you cover all music all voices and know great voices when you hear it even in 1941. Thanks and keep up the great work you do.
The smile on your face from the moment the song started says it all.......and that smile never left your face until it ended! I agree with the benefits of having sisters or relations being able to sing together. I grew up in a very musical family and started singing at age 5 with my 3 sisters and our mother. We had soprano, alto and tenor in our family range and we were very popular in church functions and office parties when we sang together. We were often asked to sing at all special functions at church and our friends and family always looked forward to our Christmas caroling event.
I love your smile while you’re listening. I can tell how much you appreciate music. Also you have a great ear and you know so much about music and can explain it in a way that I can understand. Thank you so much!💜😊
I was born in 1965, but have always been a classic film fan. I remember the Andrews Sisters singing this song in an old Abbott and Costello film called Buck Privates. So I love hearing this song again, it just brings back great memories. I’m fairly new to your channel, and I am no musician, but I have to tell you I truly enjoy watching YOU during these performances. Your smiles are as valuable as your analysis. From the Andrews Sisters to the Lennon Sisters to The Bee Gees and Queen, it is obvious that you have a true appreciation for good music, no matter the genre or the generation. Thank you for this and all of your work.
I grew up with music from the 40's and 50's, dad born in 1916 and my mum in 1926, and I was born in 1949. I loved the music from that time. I also loved the Beverley Sisters.
I was very young when I first heard this group sing this song, my Mom played this song all the time. I was born 1944 so I probably was around 5 years old the first time I remember this group. Then when TV came around these ladies also danced so it was fun watching them. My Mother loved music and she could sing Soprano, Alto, Tenor and her harmony was fantastic so I am very eclectic in the music I like because she played all types of songs.
That rapid, half-step note complex melody line would be a challenge for any singer, much less the kind of chord changes occasioned by all those half steps, but they were perfectly executed! Top flight singing there!
I've been rediscovering this era a music and I'm really digging it. Sadly, I didn't appreciate my parents era of music as a kid and am trying to make up for it. It's even remarkable reading their biographies and connecting the dots of the history of popular music. Thank you FIL for having the Andrews Sisters it's a treat. I remember them in some of the old Abbott and Costello movies.
I really appreciate that you mentioned the Boswell Sisters as antecedents of what the Andrew Sisters would later do. You do your homework. Really enjoyed this and your willingness to explore many styles.
THANK YOU THANK YOU for going into the Big Band era. grew up with this music in the house, like you heard Hendrix. still love a good sax, clarinet and Trombone. in fact as much as I hate my real first name, my late mom named me after her fav Big Band singer take care
Thank you for another great analysis. I am very familiar with the Andrew Sisters, yet your analysis brings a totally new perspective. Your work is greatly appreciated.
When I was a kid TV would put a lot of old Military themed movies on Sat afternoons. I loved watching them. The Andrew Sisters were in quit a few of those old movies. Abbot & Costello military movie was fun. There seemed like there were 100's of them.
Music of my parents' generation, but I learned to appreciate much of it, esp. Goodman and I even learned a few of their dance steps during the 90s swing dance craze. You rate, Gate, and you're great with spinning the plates. Big thumbs up.
Fine job as per usual Fil, this put a giant smile on my face.. especially watching your reaction to her solo voice changes..I was smiling in sync with you probably thinking the same thing about these talented young ladies.
In 1944 my mum was in Army service in Dorset, UK. They all knew with so many American troops etc building up that something big was going to happen. One evening an officer ordered she and other staffers to report to the flagstaff at some evening time in best uniforms - makeup and stockings allowed if access to. They were shepherded in troop trucks no questions asked. After a brief journey they were disembarked to meet a line of young GIs who escorted them to a massive hanger where the strains of The Glenn Millar Band were playing. Only weeks later his aircraft disappeared and those young GIs were thrown into Normandy beaches Hell. 🐝 Brilliant work again Fil! Best wishes, John Kennedy
You've done it again, Fil!❤ You are a wonderful man with a genuine respect for the greatest in music history! It was great that you also mentioned The Boswell Sisters. I don't know if you know this, but it was in the 1934 film "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Around the term rock and roll was heard for the first time in a song, when The Boswell Sisters used the term in the title song!
Great work again. Your analysis is absolutely spot on. I’m 70 and I remember them. There’s a great clip of them and The Supremes singing each other’s hits from a Sammy Davis Jnr show in 1966. Someone I’d love to hear you analyse is Chet Baker. Try ‘Let’s Get Lost.’
