Andy Bey facts for kids

Andrew W. Bey (born October 28, 1939 – died April 27, 2025) was an American jazz singer and pianist. Andy Bey was known for his amazing voice. He had a very wide vocal range, which means he could sing many different notes. His voice was a deep baritone that could cover four octaves!

Andy grew up in Newark, New Jersey. He went to Newark Arts High School, where he likely developed his musical talents.

Andy Bey's Musical Journey

Andy Bey started his music career early. He worked on a television show called Startime in 1959 and 1960. He also sang for the famous musician Louis Jordan.

The Bey Sisters Trio

When he was just 17, Andy formed a music group. He teamed up with his two sisters, Salome Bey and Geraldine Bey (de Haas). Their group was called Andy and the Bey Sisters. They became quite popular!

The trio even went on a long tour of Europe. They spent 16 months performing there. In a 1988 documentary about jazz trumpeter Chet Baker, you can see footage of Andy and his sisters. They were performing for a happy audience in Paris.

The group recorded three albums together. One was for RCA Victor in 1961. The other two were for Prestige in 1964 and 1965. The trio eventually broke up in 1967.

Working with Other Jazz Stars

After the trio, Andy Bey continued his solo career. He also worked with other well-known jazz musicians. These included Horace Silver and Gary Bartz.

In 1973, Andy Bey sang on Stanley Clarke's album Children of Forever. Another singer, Dee Dee Bridgewater, was also featured on this album. Later, in 1974, Bey recorded his own album called Experience and Judgment. This album was special because it was influenced by Indian music.

Andy then returned to a style of jazz called hard bop. He also recorded his own versions of songs by artists who weren't usually jazz musicians. One example is the musician Nick Drake.

Performing in Theatre

In 1976, Andy Bey performed in a theatre play. It was called A Rat's Mass by Adrienne Kennedy. The play was directed by Cecil Taylor. It took place at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan. Other musicians also performed in this unique show. Taylor's production used voices as instruments, which was very creative.

Later Albums and Recognition

Andy Bey released many more albums. Some of his popular ones include:

• Ballads, Blues & Bey (1996)
• Tuesdays in Chinatown (2001)
• American Song (2004)
• Ain't Necessarily So (2007)

He received important awards for his music. In 2003, he was named "Jazz Vocalist of the Year" by the Jazz Journalists Association. His album American Song was even nominated for a Grammy award in 2005. It was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Andy Bey lived in Chelsea, Manhattan for a long time. He continued to perform and record music throughout his life. He was known for his healthy lifestyle, which included yoga and a vegetarian diet. His producer, Herb Jordan, helped him restart his recording career. Their 1996 album Ballads, Blues & Bey brought Andy back into the spotlight.

Awards and Honors

Andy Bey received several awards and honors for his contributions to jazz music:

• 2003: Jazz Vocalist of the Year, awarded by the Jazz Journalists Association.
• 2005: Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, for his album American Song.
• 2014: His album Pages from an Imaginary Life was named Best Vocal Album in the NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll.

Discography

This is a list of albums Andy Bey recorded.

Solo Albums

• 1974: Experience and Judgment (Atlantic)
• 1991: As Time Goes By (Jazzette)
• 1996: Ballads, Blues & Bey (Evidence)
• 1998: Shades of Bey (Evidence)
• 2001: Tuesdays in Chinatown (N-Coded)
• 2003: Chillin' with Andy Bey (Minor Music)
• 2004: American Song (Savoy Jazz)
• 2007: Ain't Necessarily So (12th Street)
• 2013: The World According to Andy Bey (HighNote)
• 2014: Pages from an Imaginary Life (HighNote)

With Andy and the Bey Sisters

• 1961: Andy and the Bey Sisters (RCA Victor)
• 1964: Now! Hear! (Prestige) with Jerome Richardson, Kenny Burrell
• 1965: 'Round Midnight (Prestige) with Kenny Burrell, Milt Hinton, Osie Johnson

Collaborations with Other Artists

• With Gary Bartz
  • 1971: Harlem Bush Music - Taifa (Milestone)
  • 1971: Harlem Bush Music - Uhuru (Milestone)
  • 1972: Juju Street Songs (Prestige)
  • 1973: Follow, the Medicine Man (Prestige)
• With Stanley Clarke
  • 1973: Children of Forever (Polydor)
• With Gerry Eastman
  • 1995: Songbook (Williamsburgh Music Center)
• With Howard McGhee Orchestra
  • 1966: Cookin' Time (Zim)
• With Bob Malach
  • 1995: The Searcher (Go Jazz)
• With Grachan Moncur III
  • 1977 Shadows (Denon)
• With Mtume Umoja Ensemble
  • 1972: Alkebu-Lan: Land of the Blacks (Live at the East)
• With Duke Pearson
  • 1969: How Insensitive (Blue Note)
• With Max Roach
  • 1968: Members, Don't Git Weary (Atlantic)
• With Horace Silver
  • 1970: That Healin' Feelin': The United States Of Mind / Phase 1
  • 1988: Music to Ease Your Disease (Silveto)
  • 1993: It's Got to Be Funky (Columbia)
  • 1996: Total Response (Blue Note)