The Andantes | |
|---|---|
 The Andantes in 1964. Left to right: Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps. | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Darnells |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1958–1972; 1989–1992 |
| Labels | Motown, Motorcity Records |
| Past members | Jackie Hicks (1958–1972; 1989–1992) Marlene Barrow (1958–1972; 1989–1992) Emily Phillips (1958–1961) Louvain Demps (1961–1972; 1989–1992) Pat Lewis (1989–1992) |
The Andantes were an American female session group for the Motown record label during the 1960s. Composed of Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps,[1] the group sang background vocals on numerous Motown recordings,[2] including songs by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, the Supremes, the Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye and the Isley Brothers, among others. It is estimated they appeared on 20,000 recordings.
The Andantes provided back-up singing on Motown singles starting in 1962. The group was most prominently used on all of the Four Tops' Holland–Dozier–Holland-produced hits, including "Baby I Need Your Loving", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)", "Reach Out I'll Be There", and more. Motown began to use the Andantes as either substitute or additional background vocalists on certain recordings by its girl groups beginning with the Marvelettes recordings in 1965, Martha & the Vandellas in 1966, and major part of the Supremes recordings between 1968–1969 although Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong continued to record.
In 1963, the Andantes, with the Marvelettes, released the single "Too Hurt to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye" b/w "Come on Home" as credited to the Darnells. In 1964 they released a single of their own called "(Like A) Nightmare" b/w "If You Were Mine", though none of the actual Andantes sang lead on either track (future Marvelette Ann Bogan performed the lead vocals).
The Andantes are also featured on some records that were not produced by Motown Records, the most prominent example being Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" (Pat Lewis substitutes for Louvain Demps on this track). In the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Andantes were signed to Motorcity Records, recording songs on their own, as well as once again serving as backing vocalists to fellow former Motown artists. During this time, Lewis had joined the group as a full-time member.
In addition to various awards, the Andantes were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in August 2014.
Marlene Barrow died on February 23, 2015, at the age of 73.[3] Pat Lewis died on September 2, 2024, at the age of 76.[4]
- ^ Wright, Vickie (October 25, 2007). Motown – From the Background. Bank House Books. ISBN 978-1904408291.
- ^ Touré (January 2019). "The Andantes: The Critical Motown Trio You Don't Know". AARP. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
- ^ Doc Rock. "January to June 2015". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
- ^ "Motown great Pat Lewis dies at 76". Soul Tracks. September 2, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.