OFFBEAT: Readers from around the globe fascinated by singer Patty Andrews

Of all the celebrities I write about, the star whose talent and career still attracts the most attention from around the globe is singer Patty Andrews, the last of the legendary trio The Andrews Sisters who entertained so many U.S. soldiers during World War II with their song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

Patty celebrated her 94th birthday last Thursday at her beautiful gated home near Los Angeles. My mention of it prompted the usual outpouring of reader response from near and far:

"Hi Philip, I am very interested in your mention about Patty Andrews and her birthday. Could you enlighten me more on her situation, such as how did she celebrate? How is she? I'll always be a great fan of the Andrews Sisters' music. Thank you, Cherryn, from Brisbane, Australia"

"Hi Phil, I'm retired from the L.A. Times, now living in Sun City West, Ariz. I've completed my memoirs, which include the Andrews Sisters. I interviewed Maxene several times. Patty agreed to a subsequent interview, then reneged. The article, which I worked on for several months, was to appear in The L.A. Times. It focused on the two sisters' long-running feud. When Wally (Patty's husband) threatened to sue the newspaper, the editor decided not to run it, even though the paper's lawyers believed they would have no trouble winning a court case. I was still paid a $500 'kill fee.' —Jack Hawn"

"Philip, I happened to come across an article you had written about the passing of Patty Andrews' husband Wally. I'm a fan of the Andrews Sisters and wondering how Patty is doing. Thanks in advance for any information. —Sgt. Greg Shockley, 118th LRS Resource Management, Tennessee Air National Guard"

These are just three of many letters and emails. Thank you to all who wrote and asked questions.

It's been a few years since I've been to visit Patty at her home, since I haven't traveled to California recently. But I stay in contact with her by telephone. Despite the death in August 2010 of her second husband/manager Wally Weschler (the couple was just months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary), Patty is doing fine. She uses a walker and is surrounded by a dedicated care staff. Best of all, she is sharp and still has wit.

"How sweet of you and your readers to think of me," Patty said.

And when I told her how great her voice sounds, her reply: "I like the sound of your voice on the phone, too."

Today's rare photo of the sisters (LaVerne died from cancer at age 55 in 1967 and Maxene, who later enjoyed a successful solo cabaret career, including performing one of her last at Theatre at the Center in Munster in 1994, died at age 78 in October 1995.) is from the collection of reader Tom Evans of Gary, provided to me by his sister Evelyn of Valparaiso. The photo, never published before, was snapped in 1955 in Hollywood as the sisters left CBS Studios.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.