Inez Andrews facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Inez Andrews
Background information
Birth name	Inez McConico
Born	(1929-04-14)April 14, 1929 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Died	December 19, 2012(2012-12-19) (aged 83) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Gospel music
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1940s–2012
Labels	Savoy, Peacock, Song Bird
Associated acts	Albertina Walker Dorothy Norwood James Cleveland The Caravans Shirley Caesar Dorothy Love Coates The Original Gospel Harmonettes Evelyn Starks

Inez Andrews, born Inez McConico (April 14, 1929 – December 19, 2012), was a famous American gospel singer. She was known for her powerful and wide-ranging voice. Her voice could go from deep low notes to very high ones. People said her dramatic way of singing made her shine in church and on stage.

Inez Andrews started singing in church when she was a child. She performed gospel music with different groups from the 1940s. In 1957, she joined a famous group called The Caravans. Another member, Shirley Caesar, called her "The High Priestess" because she could hit such high notes. Albertina Walker, another Caravans member, often said the group became truly popular when Inez started "whistling" those high notes.

Inez Andrews sang lead on The Caravans' first big hit, "Mary Don't You Weep." She also had success as a solo artist. Her song "Lord Don't Move The Mountain" became a hit in 1973. The New York Times called her "the last great female vocalist of gospel's golden age." She is remembered alongside other gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.

Early Life and Career

Inez McConico was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents were Theodore and Pauline McConico. Inez's mother passed away when she was only two years old. Her father worked as a coal miner. He often struggled to find work during the Great Depression.

Inez faced many challenges on her path to becoming a gospel star. She began singing in church as a child. Later, as a young mother in Birmingham, she started writing songs. She worked long hours, six days a week, to support her family. She felt there had to be more to life. One day, she picked up a pencil and began to write songs. This was the start of her songwriting career.

In the 1940s, Inez began her singing career with two groups in Birmingham. These groups were Carter's Choral Ensemble and the Original Gospel Harmonettes. By the mid-1950s, the Harmonettes were one of the top gospel groups. Inez was the understudy for their lead singer, Dorothy Love Coates. Dorothy recommended Inez to The Caravans. Inez then moved to Chicago and became very well known. She helped The Caravans reach the peak of their popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Solo Career and Later Years

In 1962, Inez Andrews left The Caravans. She decided to start her own group, called Inez Andrews and the Andrewettes. They traveled around the country. They performed songs like "It's in My Heart." They also sang her own song, "(Lord I Wonder) What Will Tomorrow Bring?". By 1967, she was touring as a solo artist.

In the 1960s, Inez Andrews became even more famous for her solo work and songwriting. Many other artists recorded her songs. These included The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Aretha Franklin. Inez became one of the biggest stars of gospel music's golden age. She sang lead on many Caravans hits. These included "Lord Keep Me Day By Day" and "Mary Don't You Weep."

After her successful time with The Caravans, Inez had a huge hit in 1972. It was a crossover song called "Lord Don't Move the Mountain." This song was popular with both gospel and R&B fans. Inez recorded many albums and hit songs throughout her career. Some of these songs she wrote herself. She continued to have solo success in the 1970s and 1980s. Her songs included "Just For Me" and "A Sinner's Prayer."

In 2006, Inez reunited with The Caravans. They released an album together called Paved the Way. Other members like Albertina Walker and Dorothy Norwood were also on the album.

Personal Life

Inez Andrews was a devoted Christian and a family person. She raised seven children while also having a busy music career. She passed away at her home in Chicago on December 19, 2012. She was 83 years old. She had been diagnosed with cancer a few months before. Inez is survived by her seven children, 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Honors and Awards

Inez Andrews received many awards for her contributions to gospel music.

• In 2002, she was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame.
• She was nominated for a Grammy Award two times.
• Before she passed away, it was announced that she would receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award. This award was given at the 2013 Stellar Awards. She received the award after her death.

Discography

See also

In Spanish: Inez Andrews para niños