Swing It!: The Andrews Sisters Story

by John Sforza

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.

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Nonfiction

289 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1999

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been an Andrews Sisters fan for a long time, so I enjoyed this book - it was more about their careers and less about their personal lives - there was just enough of that. I liked that it was written by a fan.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the only biographies available on the Andrews Sisters. If there were a wider selection, this rating would probably go down to a two. Not enough personal information to get a proper feel for the sisters as people. Too many long paragraphs listing song titles, etc. The writing has the feel of a high school student trying to fill paper to meet a page or word count requirement.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5. 90% of the book is just a narrated account of each year/decade of the Sisters’ professional activities. It would have been nice to get some personal background, not salacious stuff, just something to humanize Patty, LaVerne, and Maxine. I loved the pictures and wish there were more.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fondness for its subject is a prerequisite for a book,and this has it by the bucket load.the rags to riches story of the sisters,who were ok until too many people having a say in their career.that said it is a very enjoyable read.

[Steve Herreid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written, but it was the only biography I could find on the Andrews sisters.

[Kathi Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As another reviewer has written, this is almost just a list of the songs, TV appearances, etc. made by the Andrews Sisters. That being said, I think this author was anxious to get their story in print as he said their story has been overlooked by historians. I loved the music made by these women and agree that their story needs telling. That being said, I do wish there was more personal information about them. Perhaps it's typical of their generation and the author's respect for them that there isn't.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very interesting. What a long career these girls had. They worked so hard during WWII and brought so much joy during a war torn time.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted more insight into the personal lives of the Andrews Sisters. This was really just a detailed account of recording sessions. Not enough dish.