Inez Andrews

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Inez Andrews

Background information
Born 1929
Origin Birmingham, Alabama
Genre(s) Gospel music
Associated acts Albertina Walker
Dorothy Norwood
James Cleveland
The Caravans
Shirley Caesar

Inez Andrews (born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1929) is an American gospel singer and recording artist.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early years

Her mother died when she was quite young, and she grew up under the influence of many of her relatives.

[edit] Musical career

While living in Birmingham, she became a member of the Original Gospel Harmonettes.

[edit] The Caravans

In the 1950s Andrews became a member of the gospel group Albertina Walker and The Caravans; she auditioned for Albertina Walker and Dorothy Norwood, and they sent for her in Chicago. She has resided there, and used Chicago as a base for her performing career, to this day.

Along with Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Cassietta George, Josepine Howard, Eddie Williams, James Herndon, and Delores Washington, she became one of the major stars of gospel's golden age. The Caravans produced songs such as "Lord Keep Me Day By Day", "Remember Me," "I Won't Be Back," and several other hits in which Andrews was lead vocalist, including "Mary Don't You Weep," "I'm Not Tired Yet," "Make It In," "He Won't Deny Me," and "I'm Willing".

She has also released a reunion album with The Caravans, Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, and original soprano Delores Washington, entitled Paved the Way.

[edit] Solo career

After a stellar career with the Caravans, she left the group in 1962 and had huge success with her crossover music crossover hit, "Lord Don't Move the Mountain". Andrews has recorded on many labels since the 1950s and has many albums and hit songs to her credit, some of which she composed herself.

[edit] Personal life

She is a dedicated Christian and family person and raised seven children during her career in gospel music.

[edit] Honors and awards

In 2002, she was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame.