Swing It! [Hardcover]

John Sforza (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999

The Depression- and War-era rise of the Andrews sisters is chronicled in this biography of an American pop legend, following Maxene, Patty, and LaVerne as they made records, topped the Top 40, and entertained the troops all over the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

It's impossible to think of the 1940s without conjuring the Andrews Sisters. Their brash, optimistic sound, tight harmonies, and sophisticated rhythms were part of the soundtrack of the World War II years. Surprisingly, this is the first biogaphy of the trio. Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne were born in Minneapolis to Greek and Norwegian parents; they sang together for more than three decades, recorded 600 songs, starred in their own radio show, and appeared in 17 movies; they made the top ten Billboard charts more often than Elvis or the Beatles and influenced the Supremes, the Pointer Sisters, Bette Midler, and The Manhattan Transfer. Sforza is admirably thorough in detailing the group's recording career but is less successful as a biographer; although he tells us that they fought and split up for two years, he doesn't providing any insight into what must have been very complex relationships. And overall, he never makes the singers come alive as individuals. (The most vivid chapter covers their wartime tours.) But Sforza's lengthy discography and filmography are of documentary value. Recommended for large collections.AKate McCaffrey, Onondaga Cty. P.L., Syracuse, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Of the Andrews sisters, "Patty was a lively, boisterous, fun-loving blonde," Maxene "a pretty, ready-for-action brunette," and La Verne "a tall, self-deprecating, slightly reserved redhead." They cut records with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Bing Crosby, Carmen Miranda, and Danny Kaye, as well as with most of the big names of the big band era, scoring hits in boogie, polka, western swing, and other styles. Sforza proceeds from the quaint, probably unwarranted presumption that the Andrews inhabited a simpler time, before "the Baby Boom, the Cold War, Woodstock, and the sexual revolution." Apparently, World War II and the Holocaust were appalling but uncomplicated in comparison. It is interesting, by the way, to note that many Andrews Sisters selections might now give Walmart and other prudish marketers pause: "Beer Barrel Polka," "Rum and Coca Cola," "Pistol Packin' Mama" "Beat Me, Daddy, Eight to the Bar" --pretty suggestive fare for impressionable minds, wouldn't you say? Mike Tribby

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813121361
• ISBN-13: 978-0813121369
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,452,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Swing It" SWINGS!, December 23, 1999

By 

Jeannie Marra (Bronx, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swing It! (Hardcover)

A factual, interesting, & entertaining read on the seldom written Andrews Sisters. As the first of its kind it offers a wealth of information on the very popular vocal group who surpassed Elvis & the Beatles on the billboard charts. Lots of great photos with Crosby, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Abbott & Costello, Joey Bishop, Red Skelton & "STOOGE" Shemp Howard. Not a tell all by any means but an insightful look into the personal relationship of the sisters by a dedicated fan. Says the Seattle Times in the December 12, 1999 issue, "in addition to thoroughly documenting the Andrews Sisters' musical contribution - and especially their importance during World War II - "Swing It" is also an invaluable record of the pop-music business before rock, before huge arena shows...a time when the musical talents of performers were more important than those of the electronic geniuses that record them. John Sforza has written a readable account of their careers...an impressive amount of detailed research went into this book." Customer reviews that have been posted thus far seem a bit off the mark especially if the reader lived during that exciting era. Lots of nostalgic memories & interesting analysis throughout. Recommended to put you "In the Mood."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book, April 25, 2000

By 

Steve Cox (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swing It! (Hardcover)

I've looked for a book like this and here it is. What a great story with some very intresting photos, too. Of course we all want someone to dish some more on the behind-the-scenes catfights between these sisters, but John Sforza took the high road and didn't rely on the cheap shots or the Enquirer style. This is an extremely dignified look at the Anderews Sisters career and if you like their music, you'll love this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's a start, December 31, 2004

By 

T. Reel "lildiva" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swing It! (Hardcover)

I was estatic to finally find a book based around the career of the Andrew Sisters. If you're looking for information on who the sisters were as people, Sforza only hints on the subject. This book is largely a chronicle of their career and Sforza does an amazing job of tracking their discography. The book is not truly a biography as it does not delve into events in their personal lives. It leaves many things to the readers' imagination.

It would have been wonderful if the remaining sisters could have buried the hatchet one last time and collaborated on a biography. It would have been truly wonderful to have a book that commemorated not only their work, but the amazing lives they led.