Patty Andrews was born Patricia Marie on February 16, 1918, in Mound, Minnesota, to Peter Andreos, a Greek Catholic immigrant who later changed his surname to Andrews, and Olga Sollie, a Lutheran from Norway who managed a Greek café in Minneapolis.
Patty's parents were both strong influences on her life. Her father, Peter, was a traditional man who didn't approve of his daughters pursuing careers in show business, and he initially wanted them to become secretaries instead. However, Patty and her sisters, Lavern and Maxene, had already begun performing at a young age, with Patty making her radio debut at just four years old.
Growing up, the Andrews sisters were exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age. They would often perform at local events, including veterans' hospitals, the Mayor of Minneapolis's functions, and Daughters of the American Revolution luncheons. It was during these performances that they were discovered by Larry Rich, who offered them a job with his traveling revue.
The sisters began their professional career in New York City, performing with Jack Belasco's orchestra and later with Ted Mack's Vaudeville circuit. In 1937, they were signed by recording executive Dave Kapp, and their association with him would lead to a string of hit records.
However, the Andrews sisters' career was not without its challenges. In 1953, Lavern left the group to pursue a career in dramatics, and the sisters went their separate ways. Patty continued to work in show business as a single, while Lavern became a career housewife.
The sisters eventually regrouped in 1956 and began performing together again, this time with a new Capitol recording contract. Their hits included "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon," which was initially well-received in Nazi Germany, but later became controversial due to the Jewish heritage of the songwriters. Other popular songs included "Don't Fence Me In," "Apple Blossom Time," "Rum and Coca Cola," and "I Can Dream, Can't I?".
