Rating: 
Summary: Finally, a bio about the Andrews Sisters--thanks Sforza!
Review: Sforza and U. of Ky. press are to commended on issuing the first biography of the Andrews Sisters. While this book may not answer every question, particularly about the private lives of the sisters, it does establish a publication basis for future efforts. In and of itself, the book documents the public careers of this seminal trio of popular song. Sforza lays out in convincing terms the threesome's place in history by comparing them to other vocal groups who have come and gone over the years. He rightly points to the variety of music sung by the Andrews gals from their early swing efforts of the 1930's to their harmonizing of broadway music in the 1970's, and everything in between--South American music, hymns, polkas, Hawiian, Christmas--their rousing version of Jingle Bells with Bing Crosby can still be heard in supermarkets across the land 50 years after it was recorded! And, this perennial trio was a hit in every medium of their day--records, films, theaters, nightclubs, radio and television. They packed a wallop and were loved by millions of fans in America and abroad. The book brings all this home to the reader. It should be of interest both to audiences who remember the Boogie Woogie girls, and to younger fans who still enjoy their music and want to know more about their unparalleled career. For more serious collectors the book provides a filmography, a discography, and information about their on air performances on radio and TV, their gold records, most played jukebox hits and more. Also, the book features lots of photographs, some rare. Hence, the volume is appropriate for the casual reader, because it is an easy and interesting read, but it is also a must for collectors, discographers, musicologists, and libraries for its valuable information. Appreciation is due Sforza for bringing this book to life; a book that is long overdue. Bob Boyer
Rating: 
Summary: Captures The Group And The Era Like No Other
Review: Sforza brings me to a time where my Grandparents sat on a porch swing drinking cokes on a summer night while listening to three women sing like few ever had before or since. It was an innocent age that I was aware of vaguely through old movies. Sforza not only does the Andrew Sisters justice with his detailed account of their career but it was an exceptional work for a first time writer. I look forward to more books from him.
Rating:
Summary: Well done
Review: The author did a nice job with the limitations that any Andrews Sisters biographer would encounter. Would have loved a lot more about the sisters as sisters, growing up, their family, etc. but there is not a tremendous amount of biographical info and the sisters did not provide a lot when all were living and the surviving Patty has not come forth with much. Hopefully, she will be able to get it all down....SOON! But this book fills the gap until then.
Rating: 
Summary: swing what?
Review: This book by John Sforza is an excellent introduction to the famous Andrews Sisters. However, there is very little detail on the personal lives of the sisters and the biography portion is treated more as a magazine chronology than a detailed biography. But, as Mr. Sforza points out, there is precious little written material on this fantastic trio. What the book lacks for in biography, it more than mkes up for in reference material. The appendices in the back of the book indclude detailed chronology on the Andrews Sisters' radio, film, recording and television careers. I do recommend this book to anyone who is interested in music and strongly wish that some more detailed biographical material may be forthcoming in the near future.
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