Remembering... Inez Andrews

Inez Andrews
April 14, 1929 - December 19, 2012

This week we lost yet another legend of gospel music's legacy.  

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Ms. Inez Andrews was an incredibly gifted singer, providing us with a riveting contralto voice quality, ministering melodically for several decades.

The Caravans, with James Cleveland

I have such fond memories, being a very young little lady, thoroughly amazed with my father's vast music collection.  

Since he was a tenor member of a quartet, his gospel music repertoire consisted of all the best singers, such as The Davis Sisters, The Staple Singers, The DixieThe Swan Silvertones, and The Sensational Nighinggales.  

Many songs were imprinted on those thick 78-rpm gospel records.  Whenever Dad was home, he would fill the home with so much music, so the atmosphere would be engrossed in peaceful worship and praise.  

One day,  two songs, "Your Friend," then "He Won't Deny Me" leaped from the stereo into my tiny physique, loving every minute of it, as I listened intently.  

When I asked Dad who this awe-inspiring lead vocalist with that singing group was, he told me they were known as the Caravans, with Inez Andrews singing lead.  Wow!  Such a powerful, fulfilling voice, with a wide range, able to affect one, exhibiting spiritual awakening.  I knew that I wanted to be able to sing with a gospel group that also ministered with such depth, just like I felt about The Davis Sisters.  My siblings and I would attempt to sing some of their songs during church programs, feeling that this is the only way to truly minister, with sincere heart and meaning. 

The Caravans were definitively one of the most mighty vocal stylists, not to mention the fact that they were in a class by themselves. 

Min. Andrews sang with Dorothy Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes in Birmingham. The Harmonettes’ spirituals were the template for Chicago’s Staple Singers.  She also ministered with her signature name group, Inez Andrews and the Andrewettes, making popular the song, "There Must Be A God Somewhere." 

During the 70s, Min. Andrews had her own solo crossover hit with the blues-tinged “Lord Don’t Move the Mountain.” I recall every female soloist trying to almost mimic her style, with such gusto, yet not totally reaching the magnitude.  Chicago blues legend Koko Taylor requested that Mrs. Andrews sing during her funeral service.

Min. Andrews was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2002.  Her favorite gospel song was “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” by Bishop Neal Roberson, which was covered by singer Aaron Neville.

The incomparable Min. Inez Andrews is already missed beyond measure.  However, her musical gifts will always keep us blessed, carrying testimonials through her God-nurtured work.  She was 83.