Ernie Andrews

Throughout his extensive professional life, Ernie Andrews enjoyed popularity while remaining underappreciated. Following his family’s relocation to Los Angeles, he joined a church choir and, during his high school years, scored several successes on the G&G label. Early inspirations included Billy Eckstine and Al Hibbler; once he reached maturity, Andrews found himself somewhat overshadowed by Joe Williams, whose approach was comparable. In the late 1940s he recorded for Aladdin, Columbia, and London, devoted six years to singing with the Harry James Orchestra, and produced a pair of big-band sessions for GNP/Crescendo in 1958 and 1959. Although his style remained consistent, Andrews worked largely in obscurity through the 1960s and 1970s, releasing just two albums on Dot in 1965 and 1966. A 1980 Discovery date captured him in peak form, prompting rediscovery during the 1980s. He subsequently recorded with the Capp/Pierce Juggernaut, Gene Harris’ Superband, Jay McShann, and the Harper Brothers, and issued several sets on Muse in the 1990s before moving to High Note. Andrews also appeared in the documentary Blues for Central Avenue. Ernie Andrews died on February 21, 2022 at the age of 94.