50's Philly Music Legend Lee Andrews Passes

by David Madden

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  Philadelphia has lost one of the leading voices in soul and doo-wop music with the death of Lee Andrews.

His death was announced online by his son Questlove, a member of the Roots.

Questlove turned to Facebook to remember his dad as "The Greatest Teacher in my life". Turns out, Questlove got his first drummer gigs backing up Dad on tour long after his 50's group broke up.

At least, that's the memory of local radio legend Jerry Blavat.

He recalls booking Andrews to play at his club, Memories in Margate. "Questlove came from the Roots. His dad was the pioneer, and he played drums at my club for his dad," Blavat told KYW Newsradio.

Andrews, who grew up in Philadelphia, was lead singer of the 50's doo-wop group Lee Andrews and the Hearts. They had several hits in the early days of rock and roll. Among them "Long, Long and Lonely Nights", "Teardrops" and "Try the Impossible".

Blavat believes Andrews had a profound effect on what's been dubbed "The Philly Sound".

"Lee Andrews and the Hearts was really responsible for other groups that came along the way later on like The Intruders, The Stylistics, The Tymes, The Orlons," he said.

But Blavat remembers how Andrews eventually became disillusioned with the music business and went into semi-retirement and the retail trade.

Andrews and his group were inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame in 1992. Last year, the Roots were given their own plaque along South Broad Street.

Lee Andrews was 79.