Ernie Andrews

Ernie Andrews managed to be both popular and underrated throughout his lengthy career. After his family moved to Los Angeles, he sang in a church choir, and while still attending high school he had a few hits for the G&G label. Billy Eckstine and Al Hibbler were early influences and, after reaching maturity, Andrews was somewhat in the shadow of Joe Williams (who has a similar style). Andrews recorded for Aladdin, Columbia, and London in the late ’40s, spent six years singing with the Harry James Orchestra, and cut a couple of big-band dates for GNP/Crescendo in 1958 and 1959. Despite his unchanging style, Andrews toiled mostly in obscurity during the 1960s and ’70s, just making a couple of albums for Dot during 1965 and 1966. A 1980 Discovery date found him in excellent form, and in the ’80s, he was rediscovered. Andrews recorded with the Capp/Pierce Juggernaut, Gene Harris' Superband, Jay McShann, and with the Harper Brothers, in addition to making a few sets in the ’90s for Muse, and later High Note. He also took part in the documentary Blues for Central Avenue. Ernie Andrews died on February 21, 2022 at the age of 94. ~ Scott Yanow