Biography:

Ernest Mitchell Andrews Jr.^[1] (December 25, 1927 – February 21, 2022) was an American jazz, blues, and pop singer.

Life and career

Andrews was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Los Angeles,^[2] and is said to have been discovered by songwriter Joe Greene in 1945. Greene wrote his biggest hit, “Soothe Me”.^[3]

He was a member of the Harry James orchestra, debuting on November 26, 1958, at the Blue Note jazz club in Chicago. He recorded with Columbia Records and others.^[2] His career declined in the 1960s and 1970s but would rebound in the 1980s. He recorded with the Capp/Pierce Juggernaut Band, Gene Harris, Jay McShann, and the Harper Brothers. Andrews played a leading part in the documentary film, Blues for Central Avenue.^[4]

Andrews died on February 21, 2022, at the age of 94.^[5]

Credits: