R.I.P. Questlove's father, Philly Soul pioneer Lee Andrews

Lee Andrews Dies at age 79

(March 17, 2016) We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of 1950s Philadelphia doo wop legend Lee Andrews, front man for the popular vocal group, Lee Andrews & the Hearts, at age 79. Born Arthur Lee Andrews Thompson in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Andrews was the lead singer of the influential group that had a number of regional and national hits. He also continued his influence on soul music through his son, Grammy Award winning drummer and band leader of The Roots, Ahmir Questlove Thompson, and his daughter, singer Donn T.

Questlove posted a touching tribute to his father on instagram: The Greatest Teacher in my life, my dad Lee Andrews June 2nd 1936-March 16 2016. I love you. For every backstage experience. For every drum lesson. For giving me your tireless work ethic. For our father & son record binging expeditions. For our arguments over the summer I discovered#ItTakesANationOfMillions. For the look on your face when I told you "imma give this rap thing a try" (I waited til our 2nd album to have this convo btw) For the look on your face 5 years later when I told you "you don't have to work no more. For the look on your face when a year later I was like "Seriously dad, you don't have to work anymore!" For bringing my mom & my sister into my life. For the years we fell out. For the years we put it back together. But really, for the last 2 conversations we had. I understand why you were so hard on me praying I didn't succumb to a fate not meant for a teenager in west philly in the mid 80s. I didn't understand it at the time. But I appreciate it now. I hope Donn & I do you proud.  (See post).

Lee Andrews & the Hearts was formed in Philadelphia in 1953, and the quintet had a number of singles on various label. They were best known for the hits "Teardrops", "Long Lonely Nights" and "Try the Impossible" in the late 50s. The group consisted of Andrews (lead), Roy Calhoun (first tenor), Thomas "Butch" Curry (second tenor), Ted Weems (baritone) and Wendell Calhoun (bass). The group broke up in 1959, and Andrews went on to open a retail clothing shop in Philadelphia.

As both an artist during soul music's infancy and as the father of two modern musical talents, Lee Andrews gave many gifts to the world of music.